A sensory kit can provide hours of fun for children. We put together a few themed sensory kits to give you some ideas to put together sensory activity kits for your children or students. This post will also give information about our sensory kits * for our school families who have these sensory kits from our Evening With Yogalore event.
I wanted to say a few things regarding all the kits — these activities are to be closely supervised. Some items can be ingested and while non-toxic, still aren’t good for little friends. Some kit also include small pieces/parts for sensory play. These kits and activities are designed for you to interact and explore with your child.
What Are Sensory Kits?
Sensory activity kits are items that are placed together in a container that can be used for sensory play. Some items on their own might not have sensory benefits, but when placed with other things, can enhance sensory play. Some sensory kits may come with activity cards and suggestions, while others leave it up to your child’s imagination.
What Are the Benefits of Sensory Kits?
Sensory kits are extremely beneficial for individuals of all ages and abilities, as they can provide comfort, support physical and emotional development, help improve focus and concentration, reduce anxiety and stress levels, nurture creativity and imagination, encourage social interaction with others. They can also help those who may have sensory processing disorder to better understand the world around them.
What Can I Put in Sensory Kits?
Rice: I love using rice in some of my sensory kits and bins. It’s easy to tint (blue residue sometimes gets on hands from blue rice, but washes off with soap and water) and my students just love it.
Water Beads or Orbeez: I like using water beads outside during the warm months. They tend to bounce so they seem to work outside because some always seem to “escape”. ALWAYS supervise your children very closely while using water beads, especially if they are prone to put things in their mouths. Storage of Water Beads: Don’t place a lid or put water beads in any airtight container while they still have water in them. They will mold/mildew and smell awful. Leave them in the bin or an open Ziploc bag and allow the water to evaporate from the water beads. They will eventually dry out and become the hard little tiny “beads” you started with. You can reuse them!
Playdough: I love playdough in sensory kits! There are so many different options now — varying sizes of containers, colors of playdough, playdough with scents, sprinkles and more! Another option to purchasing playdough is making your own playdough. We have a great playdough recipe!
Slime: Slime provides a different sensory experience from playdough. It can be a little messier (always use a tray with a lip with slime!) than playdough. Now they have slime charms and other things to put in slime to add to the sensory experience.
Shaving Cream: Shaving cream is an inexpensive sensory medium. You can draw letters in it, add food coloring and even paint with it!
Pool Noodles: I love pool noodles! You can cut pool noodles and use the pieces to do process art, use as a “funnel” to pour rice and beans through, use for water play and even for a beach/ocean theme. You can make all kinds of underwater plants and coral with them!
Utensils/Tools for Sensory Play: Below are some suggestions for some utensils and everyday items you can use in sensory/activity kits.
Benefits from Making Your Own Sensory Mediums
As mentioned previously, you can make your own sensory mediums (playdough, slime, color rice, sand, etc.). It involves squishing, mixing, measuring, pouring, kneading, rolling and more!
*There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on a link and make a purchase from that site, Yogalore receives a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Terms & Conditions
By using any sensory kits created by YoGalore LLC, you accept full responsibility of the kit while using these products. These kits are put together using products from other companies and we cannot be held responsible for any damage or incident from usage. Be responsible and properly supervise any and all children using these kits. They are meant to be projects to complete with an adult in order to provide guidance and common sense supervision.
