Sensory play is a wonderful opportunity for young children to explore the world around them using their five senses while also honing their fine motor skills. My boys have always been very touch and texture oriented, and sensory bags have been a wonderful way to encourage them. Below are two examples of some of the sensory bags I’ve made for them to play with. It’s so neat to watch their little fingers as the discover how the different items in the bag feel, and watch their little fingers work to move them around. I always find myself wondering what they’re thinking and what conclusions they could be drawing during play as they become engrossed in the activity. Sensory bags are a wonderful quiet time activity. Perfect for tummy time, or anytime I need to get a little one to sit still, but still need to keep them engaged. The possibilities on themes is endless. Get creative, play with it, and see what kind of sensory bags you can come up with. Or just copy these.
Simple Sensory Bags
Frog Pond
- quart size, ziplock freezer bag
- aloe vera gel
- frog figures, I found an 8 pack at the dollar store
- assorted buttons
- 4-6 decorative glass beads
- duck-tape
Princess
- quart size, ziplock freezer bag
- hair gel
- princess party favors (any type as long as there’s no sharp edges to puncture the bag)
- assorted buttons
- 4-6 decorative glass beads
- duck tape
Directions
- Squirt gel into bag until desired fullness is reached. Remember the bag sill has to zip and the edges be duck-taped without being so full it will pop when played with, about 1 1/4 cup of gel should be sufficient.
- Add in trinkets of your choosing.
- Compress bag gently to remove any trapped air and seal tightly.
- Duck tape all outer edges of the bag to make sturdier and guard against leaks.
- Use as a tummy time mat or lap activity and let the little ones explore and enjoy.
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