Sensory Activities For Preschoolers

Sensory play does more than just keep preschoolers busy. It’s an important part of early childhood development. By using their senses (touch, sight, sound, smell, and even sometimes taste) while they play, kids build important skills.

Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play helps children improve motor skills while they use their creativity and imagination. It also improves cognitive development. Sensory activities can help kids to reduce anxiety and manage their emotions. All this in a fun package!

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Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles are DIY creations that can be filled with glitter, beads, water, or other memorizing and calming materials. You can use them to help improve focus. Kids develop patience and concentration as they watch the contents swirl around. These bottles are a soothing distraction during moments of frustration or restlessness.

Three transparent plastic bottles filled with colorful glitter and liquid are perfect for sensory activities for preschoolers. The left bottle contains green and gold glitter, the middle one has red and pink glitter, and the right bottle features blue and purple glitter.

Sensory Art

Sensory art activities for preschoolers are a great way to encourage kids to be creative. These projects combine fun with hands-on exploration. Sensory art helps kids to express themselves as they enjoy the process of making art.

Top: Fluffy, multicolored cotton in vibrant pink, white, blue, and yellow shades scattered on a dark surface. Bottom: A colorful rainbow made of cut straws arranged over a layer of white foam on a red tray—a delightful scene perfect for sensory activities for preschoolers.

Slime Recipes

Making slime with preschoolers is a fun activity that’s combines a science experiment with sensory fun! Kids love slime because it is squishy, stretchy and cool to play with. Making slime is a great way to teach basic chemistry concepts to kids.

The top image showcases orange slime with candy corn nestled beneath, perfect for sensory activities for preschoolers. The bottom image reveals glittery slime embedded with candy pieces, resting on a dark surface, sparking tactile exploration.

Sensory Bins

Sensory bins for preschoolers are an amazing way to help kids explore. A sensory bin is a container filled with materials like rice, beans, sand, or even water, along with small toys and tools for kids to play with. They are easy to put together and customize, making them a hit with kids and parents!

Top image: A blue container filled with cotton balls, blue rice, toy sea animals, and tweezers—perfect for sensory activities for preschoolers. Bottom image: A clear container featuring soil, toy gardening tools, pink flowers, and small decorative rocks, mimicking a garden scene.

Holiday Sensory Play

Holiday sensory play makes the season feel magical and exciting for little ones! It’s an awesome way for kids to express their creativity while learning about the traditions and themes that make each holiday special.

Top image: Sensory activities for preschoolers with a tray of shaving cream, plastic insects, googly eyes, sticks, and paint. Bottom image: Three handmade valentines featuring red hearts on marbled backgrounds.

Sensory Learning Games

When kids play sensory learning games, they are having so much fun that they don't even realize they are learning! Sensory games often encourage problem-solving as kids explore various textures, scents and colors to figure out how they work together.

The top image showcases sensory activities for preschoolers with sight words hidden in shaving cream, colorful plastic letters peeking through. The bottom image reveals a captivating sensory bin brimming with lentils and scattered vibrant letters, inviting exploration and play.

Play Dough Activities

Using play dough is an excellent sensory activity for kids because it’s so versatile. Squishing and rolling the soft dough helps strengthen tiny hand muscles, which helps fine motor skills. It’s a great tool for open-ended play since there’s no right or wrong way to use it.

The image showcases sensory activities for preschoolers: The top section features a sand craft adorned with shells and colorful glass stones, while the bottom displays multicolored ice cream scoops in cones and cups, complete with rainbow designs and scattered sprinkles on a wooden surface.

Essential Supplies For Sensory Activities For Preschoolers

You don’t need a lot of fancy supplies to set up sensory play. You may already have items you need at home. Things like large plastic tubs and craft materials can make your activities a breeze! Measuring cups, mixing spoons, and food coloring are also helpful.

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FAQs For Sensory Preschool Activities

How often should I do sensory activities with my preschooler?

Kids will enjoy sensory play as much as you are willing to set it up. You may want to alternate between types of activities (mess-free, hands-on, water-based) to add variety.

Can sensory play be done in small spaces?

Yes, it can! Sensory bags, bins, table activities, and small trays work perfectly in compact spaces like classrooms. You don’t need a lot of room to provide creative sensory experiences for your child.