sensory play

Dandelion Sensory Tray

June 3, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

With their cheery, bright color and ability to grow profusely in many different places, dandelions are super noticeable during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. All parts of dandelions are safe for handling and are edible, so the weedy flower is suitable for many educational activities.

_______

Young children delight in an early spring sighting of a field of dandelions, and the first thing they often excitedly do is make a bouquet of fluffy yellow flowers for their mom or teacher. After the petals fall off, a puffball forms on each plant, which children love to blow. This dandelion sensory tray allows early learners to explore the fast-growing, nutritious plant in another way.

_______

Supplies to Collect

_______

Since dandelions grow on lawns, in parks, and in many other environments, collecting them for a flower nature sensory tray is quick and easy. Gather a bunch of dandelion flowers and leaves from an area where no pesticides have been used. Include large plants if available. As shown in many of my other nature sensory bins, the following supplies make suitable accessories:

non-breakable vases or storage jars
pitchers with water
mortar and pestle sets
baking tins
spoons
scissors
small rocks

_______

Preparing the Dandelion Sensory Tray

Sensory bins are often one of the most effortless play invitations to offer, and this dandelion sensory tray is no exception.

First, set dandelions in small non-breakable vases or storage jars with water added.

Note: Wash the dandelions first if you have children participating who may put them in their mouths.

_______

Next, add two or more pitchers filled with cool water.

Then arrange place settings with baking tins and spoons.

Add a few mortar and pestle sets, and two or more pairs of scissors.

Lastly, sprinkle small stones and more dandelions around the bin. The tray is now ready for participants to investigate.

_______

Exploring the Dandelion Sensory Tray

_______

Children welcome sensory experiences of any kind, and this dandelion play invitation is sure to delight. The flower-filled tray offers the following benefits:

Smelling fresh dandelions exercises the sense of smell.

_______

Hand and finger muscles are strengthened when children pluck and separate the flower petals.

Using a mortar and pestle to crush and grind dandelions improves eye-hand coordination and strengthens arm and shoulder muscles.

_______

Cutting dandelions into bits facilitates skill in using scissors.

Exploring the supplies in the bin and including water in the experience is a calming activity that helps children regulate their emotions and focus their attention.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

More Nature-based Sensory Bins

Tea Party Water Play

Teacup and Peony Sensory Tray

Lilac Flower Sensory Trays

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

Bergenia Flower Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…]

Salt and Ice Science Experiment

May 20, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This salt and ice science experiment is simple to set up and fun to do. Just a few supplies are needed for this ice-cold science activity. It’s perfect on a hot day, and makes a good pirate theme or Mother’s Day activity.

_______

Supplies to Collect

Gather the following supplies for this ice and salt science experiment:

food storage trays
food coloring
acrylic gems
bowl with salt
teaspoons
paint pot with water
eye droppers or pipettes
play tweezers
tray
safety glasses
waterproof table cover

_______

_______

Preparing the Salt and Ice Science Experiment

To prepare this science experiment, freeze gems in ice for two or three days.

Start by adding a layer of water with a few squirts of food coloring stirred in to the bottom of a food storage tray. Liquid watercolor paint also works well to tint the water.

Next, spread a handful of acrylic gems in the liquid. Then, carefully set the tray in the freezer.

Remove the tray from the freezer and add more water and gems the following day. Freeze the tray overnight again.

The third day, the ice is ready for the science and sensory activity. Many gems will be near the surface of the ice, and some may be sticking out a little. This is fine for younger children.

_______

To add more challenge for older children, pour a thin layer of water over the frozen gem-filled ice and freeze the tray again before setting out the activity.

_______

The Salt and Ice Science Experiment

When the layers of water are frozen, remove the ice from the food storage tray and set it on a large, edged tray placed on a table protected with a waterproof table cover.

_______

Add a bowl of salt with a teaspoon, an eye dropper or pipette in a paint pot filled with water, and a small bowl ready for freed gems. Include a set of play tweezers and a second teaspoon on the tray.

Drip water and sprinkle salt on the ice, and pry out the gems using teaspoons and tweezers. The salt and ice help melt the ice, making the removal of gems quicker and easier. Note: Safety glasses are recommended for this activity as gems may pop out of the ice. Check freed gems for broken edges and discard them.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Variations of the Salt and Ice Science Experiment

For variety or to use supplies on hand, replace the acrylic gems in this salt and ice science experiment with pom poms or animal figurines. Ocean animal figurines are a popular choice for this activity.

_______

Skip adding food coloring to the water during the freezing process. Note: The ice will be a little clearer if you use filtered or distilled water.

Offer the activity to a group of children by freezing four or more trays of gem-filled water and setting the supplies for each participant in a large active world tray.

_______

Explaining the Salt and Ice Science Experiment

Salt lowers the temperature of water. For this to happen, it must be in a solution with liquid water. The salt and water solution created in this experiment melts the ice quicker than letting the ice liquify on its own.

_______

Tying In Mother’s Day

This salt and ice science experiment is a perfect Mother’s Day activity. After freeing gems from ice, allow participants to pick one to glue to a Mother’s Day greeting that says “Mom, you’re a gem.” Allow them to save more gems in a small container to add to their treasure collection.

_______

More Activities With Ice

Hockey Game Small World

Paint Pour Ice Cake Sensory Play

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

Painting Ice and Snow

_______

[Read more…]

Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

April 19, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This spring bunny sensory bin is so easy to set up, making it a great last-minute activity. Just a few supplies are needed to make the colorful bin a hit with little learners.

_______

Supplies To Collect

The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun sensory bin, perfect for an Easter or Spring theme:

small storage tub
green Easter grass
ice cream cone-shaped treat holders
fillable eggs
wooden beads
stuffed bunny

_______

_______

The Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

A small, clear storage tub holds the supplies in this bin. This size is ideal for taking sensory activities on the road.

A package of bright green paper Easter grass is the base. Fluffed up, it spreads over the bottom of the bin nicely.

_______

Ice cream cone-shaped treat holders, a new find this year, provide fine motor control opportunities. They would also be fantastic in an ice cream stand center, extending their value as a play accessory.

Cotton balls are a reminder of bunny tails, and can be reimagined as ice cream.

Pastel-hued small wooden beads give participants a chance to practice eye-hand coordination.

_______

A white and green long-legged stuffed bunny is the star of the spring sensory bin.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

Variation of the Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

_______

When this sensory bin is set out for a few days, small changes add interest. This second bin features large bunny and chick treat holders instead of the stuffed bunny.

_______

[Read more…]

Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

April 15, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Bright pastel pink, turquoise, yellow, green, and purple colors are common in Easter activities and décor, but Easter eggs come in many themes and color combinations. A set of natural, fillable, camouflage eggs inspired this lentil Easter bunny sensory bin.

_______

Supplies in the Easter Bin

Just the following few supplies were collected for this simple spring sensory bin:

storage tub
red lentils
bunny and carrot treat holders
pom pom bunnies
fillable camouflage eggs
foam Easter beads
green bunny-shaped erasers
small wooden bunnies
spoons

_______

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

A small, clear storage tub holds the supplies in this bunny-themed bin. This sized tub is ideal for on-the-go sensory activities as it is easy to pack up and transport.

Tiny disc-shaped red lentils (which are actually orange) provide the sensory base. They are packed with color, so no dying ingredients are needed. So easy!

_______

Large green camouflage fillable eggs, a pink bunny, and an orange carrot allow filling and pouring activities. When closed, they make excellent shakers.

_______

White rubber pom pom bunnies, green foam Easter beads, green bunny erasers, and small wooden bunnies are fun fillers for the treat holders.

Spoons are always a welcome addition to sensory bins.

_______

What do you think about this activity?

_______

Related: Easter Art Activities

_______

[Read more…]

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

January 26, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

A smiling cat is popular in Lunar New Year décor. This cheerful cat decoration originated in Japan and is an ornament displayed all year round there. In Japanese it is called “maneki-neko”, meaning “beckoning cat”. The joy-filled cat has become popular in Chinese New Year celebrations, often called “Lucky Cat.” This Lucky Cat sensory bin incorporates the festive feline in a super fun early learning tactile activity.

_______

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

This playful Lunar New Year sensory bin contains the following supplies:

dyed chickpeas
Lucky Cat stuffed animal
miniature cat figurines
toy cat balls with bells
star-shaped snack cup and spoon
gold coins
gold bells
serving tray

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

Many of my Lunar New Year sensory bins have a rice base. Rice fits the theme perfectly as it is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, often eaten at all three meals.

_______

Chickpea-based sensory bins are also a favorite. Chickpea dishes and snacks have become more popular in China in recent years. Most importantly, chickpeas are easy to dye red, a common Lunar New Year color. This Lucky Cat sensory bin features rows of chickpeas dyed in a few gorgeous colors for added beauty.

Note: To find out how to dye chickpeas view the blog post Unicorn Theme Sensory Play.

The joyful jingly Lucky Cat stuffie is the highlight of the bin. The cute character is the motivation for putting the sensory invitation together.