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A recipe for sensory play

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A wooden tray with multicoloured rice within. A childs hand is playing in the tray. There are toys and tools around the tray.

This recipe is not to eat, it's to play with! Sensory play can be calming and often has the benefit of helping fine motor, and hand-eye coordination skills depending on the exercise.

Hiding and seeking, use of tactile sense, fine motor skills, and fun! All combined in this activity that will encourage exploration and mindfulness.

Materials

Rice
Food Colour
Vinegar

Tools you need

  • Measuring Cup
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Zip Lock Bags
  • Baking tray

Method

Measure 1 cup of rice and place it into a resealable zip-lock bag.

Add 1 cup of vinegar to the bag.

Add drops of food colouring till you have the desired colour.

Seal the zip-lock bag and shake well.

Spread the rice out on a baking tray to dry overnight (no need to put it in the oven). You can line the tray with baking paper if you wish.

This makes 1 cup of coloured rice. 

Repeat with other colours of food colouring for variety. You can separate rice into different tubs, or make "rainbow rice" all in one. 

Play Time

Once you have made your rice, there are plenty of things you can "hide" within it for children to go hunting for.

Alphabet letters - plastic, wooden scrabble tiles etc

Animals - think dinosaurs or farm animals

Blocks for construction, wooden or plastic

Cups or Containers to tip and pour with.

Kitchen Objects - Whisks, scoops, pans, trays, large spoons, plastic biscuit cutters

Natural objects - Smooth river stones, large seed pods, shells, pinecones, 

Magnetic fun - Using magnetic objects to hide, then a large magnet to seek with.

Seasonal fun -  Non-breakable Christmas decorations can add the joy of the season.

 

3 tubs of coloured rice, red, green and yellow.

 

IDEAS does information so you can do life. 

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