can someone explain the how's of sensory play?

beezybaby

I am trying to be more intentional with planning activities for my LO (22 months).  I have seen so many things about sensory play and I get why, and what, but I don't know HOW.  Do I just put the filled balloons in front of her and say "go for it" ?  The few times I have tried similar ideas, she is totally un-interested in the different textures, smells, colors, etc...and asks to do something else, DEMANDS to do something else, anything else.  Ive tried sitting with her as a spectator, as an active participant, letting her do it independenty, ands he basically dumps it out, and walks away. 

So....how do you use sensory balloons, boards, bins, baskets, etc...?  

skibunny59

theresat858 said:

I think you're overthinking it.  The whole point is just exposure to different textures, etc. If your kid isn't into it, I wouldn't worry about it.

This!  I don't know if this counts as sensory play but DD absolutely LOVES to cook with me.  I set her up with a mixing bowl and spoon and I put dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, etc.).  I let her mix with the spoon and her hands (we always wash our hands before we cook).  She's helped me with roasted potato wedges.  We mix the potatoes in a big bowl with olive oil and spices with our hands and then put them on a baking sheet.

I've also had her pretend cook with dried rice, beans, dried mashed potato flakes, etc.

ec0983

have you tried filling a large tupperware with random materials?  like, one day do uncooked rice (have you ever stuck your hands in a bag of uncooked rice?  it feels so cool), then do cooked spaghetti, maybe shaving cream one day, pudding another, etc, etc.  sensory play is often messy, but that's what makes it fun  another favorite in my toddler classroom was freezing small toys like animals or people in ice cube trays and then experimenting with different ways to free them.  feely bags are also fun- get a pillowcase and throw some of her favorite toys in there.  see if she can guess what they are just by feeling them.  she may be a bit young for that yet, but she'll love if you pull the toys out with a lot of drama!

ec0983

one last thought- some kids just aren't into sensory play.  i had one kid in my toddler room who would go running to the other side of the room whenever i started filling our water table.  it's not a necessary activity for development by any means

allardr

Don't stress. I've made finger paints like 3 times and LO really doesn't enjoy it, as much as I try. Also she loves to play in the dog water but the 2nd I fill her up a tub all her own with toys it's less fun and no interest. I say don't make it an activity so much as just available. I started just adding things to her toy shelf and she grabs them when she wants. We dont' do like, lets go sit over here to do a certain thing.

beezybaby

Thanks everyone- really great suggestions and insight.  I think maybe I was putting too much importance on it, sensory play is ALL over pinterest and homeschool sites, I didn't even stop to think about what @leftie22 said.  Good call.