PlanToys is proud to feature a blog by Jessie of @Daily_Dig!
Jessie and her son, John, have built a strong community surrounding sensory play, inclusion, neurodiversity, and John’s love of digging! Jessie is the co-creator of #canyoudigitday. Every first Monday of the month, countless families share their dig-inspired activities with this hashtag – and they are rather impressive!
In this blog, Jessie shares tips on how to incorporate sensory play into a child’s routine. Discover inventive play ideas and the many developmental benefits behind them.
When children play, they are learning. Learning through play gives children the opportunity to fuel their creativity, problem solve, use their fine and gross motor skills, and so much more!
One of our favorite ways to learn through play is to add a sensory component. Sensory play is any activity that engages a child’s senses. Sensory play helps support communication, fine and gross motor skills, and has a calming effect. When setting up a sensory activity, incorporate your child’s interests and let them explore in their own way.
Here are a few fun and low-prep sensory activities to try:
1. Color Match Fishing Game
For this activity, I did a little DIY to the box that the fishing game came in to incorporate some color matching. I used paint pens to paint the inside of the box the corresponding colors of the fish. Have your child catch the fish, then place the fish on the matching color. This is a great way to extend the game and work on color recognition.
This activity supports:
- Fine motor skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Color recognition
- Problem-solving skills
- Concentration
NOTE: This version of the Fishing Game is currently sold out, however, PlanToys offers another variation with a cloth water pad: Fishing Game
2. Construction Site Sensory Bin
A simple sensory bin is always a fun way to engage all of the senses. For this one, I used some kinetic sand as the base and added the Road Construction Set, the PlanMini Construction Set, and a road from the Rubber Road & Rail Set. This simple small-world setup is a great way to spark creativity and imaginative play. Your child can scoop, dump, and roll all while learning through play!
This activity supports:
- Imaginative play
- Fine motor skills
- Tactile exploration
- Creativity
- Hand-eye coordination
- Communication
3. Colored Ice Water Play
Water play is our go-to and this activity is sure to be a hit with your child. It just takes a little bit of prep the day before. Grab an ice cube tray and fill it with colored water (just water + a few drops of blue food coloring). Freeze overnight. Fill a bin with water and add your colored ice cubes to the water and a friend to sail the sea! The Sailing Boat Polar Bear is the perfect pick to sail the arctic waters. Watch the ice cubes leave a trail of blue as they melt and take the polar bear for a swim.
This activity supports:
- Imaginative play
- Tactile exploration
- Fine motor
- Coordination
- Language & Communication
Remember there is no right or wrong way to play. Just have fun and fill your day with play!
Check out all PlanToys Sailing Boats by clicking here.
Follow Daily_Dig on social media to have fun alongside Jessie + Little J while discovering even more fun play ideas!