Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about sensory play for littles. We absolutely had a blast with this idea paired with nature play and art when my kiddos were younger. Today on the Pod I am discussing some of my favorite sensory activities but I'll also share a few follow up ideas and links here.

Sensory and nature play as well as art activities are so beneficial to young children. They encourage outdoor activity, thinking, imagination, problem solving, creativity, fine motor skills, they encourage long periods of calm, focused play without screens.

Best Sensory activities for ages 2-10:

Water play (gather containers like this!) of Ocean set up like so: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEQJgH_B4o_/?img_index=1 Consider inviting your younger kids to paint the sidewalk with water, melt ice cubes (with trinkets inside), wash their bikes or tend to the garden for you!

Make your own Playdough & Sensory Rice: Playdough Recipe, Sensory Rice Recipe

Check the highlights (circles) for all of my favorite sensory play here: https://www.instagram.com/amysarttable/

Favorite themes of sensory & nature play in the past have been: rainforest, fairy garden, ocean, water, dinosaurs, ice melting, garden, birds, butterflies, insects, nature homes, city, house, winter, snow, beach, spring, farm, animals, small world, pumpkin.

Dollar Tree Resources: fairies, cars, dinosaurs, plants, flowers, small letters, pom poms, clothes pins, shave cream, slime ingredients, playdough ingredients, wooden containers, ice trays, large trays

Thrift Store Finds: Books (picture, coffee table, encyclopedia style, themed), large metal or wood trays, cake pans, muffin tins, rolling pins, cookie cutters, ice trays, mason jars, wood or metal small scoops, measuring spoons, wooden spoons, rocks, shells, seasonal items, holiday play, small world play, trinkets, garden trinkets, fairy lights, planters, spray bottles, wood bowls, glass jars