Sensory boxes are easy to make and fun to for play. Children can spend quite a bit of time exploring a sensory box. The concept is simple; you fill a container with tactile materials which engage a child’s sense of sight, smell, feel and hearing. Think of a sandbox and how much fun that is for children. A sensory box is similar but can be played indoors as well as outdoors. You can make boxes for many different themes. Best of all, you can make a fun and engaging sensory box with materials you already have around your house. I like to use a box with a lid so I can rotate the sensory boxes without having to dump them out or risk them spilling.
Items for a Sensor Box:
Container such as a dish pan, cardboard box or plastic storage box. It needs to be shallow and elongated so the child can easily gain access.
Measuring scoops
Sand
Beans
Bird Seed
Material of all kinds
Small toys
Shaving cream
Coffee grounds
Easter grass
Plastic spoons
Rice
Pasta
Spring
Fun Ideas for Your Sensory Box:
Dying Rice: Make rice of all colors by placing rice in a plastic bag, add food coloring and knead until all the rice is covered. Empty on cookie sheet and allow to dry completely. Now you are ready to add it to your box.
Dying Pasta: You will need rubbing alcohol, food coloring, and plastic bags. Place about one fourth to one half cup of rubbing alcohol in your plastic bag. Add the pasta, secure the plastic bag, and lay flat on a cookie sheet. Let sit until it reaches the desired color. The longer it sits the more vibrant the color. Flip the bags around every hour or so for even coverage. Drain, allow to dry, and it’s ready for play!
Themed Sensory Boxes:
You can pick a theme to give you direction on a sensory box. You can fill a box with rice and beans and foam letters with objects and small toys for an alphabet box. For a spring box you can use Easter grass, plastic eggs, rubber ducks, and fake flowers. You can make a small beach box by using fake hibiscus flowers, sand, measuring cups, small scoopers, and tiny toys that represent the beach. Just be creative and use materials that are interesting and safe. Remember to be aware of choking hazards.