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Our sensory play program, "Little Explorers," runs once per month. It is geared towards children between the ages of 18 months and preschool. Each session is a bit different to keep it fresh, but we keep the more popular items at each one. Here are some of our regular and rotating stations and their supplies.
One item we have that I would like to point out specifically is the lidded bins we use. They are large enough for multiple kids to play in, have good lids, and stack well. We have filled them with MANY things. They can be found here: https://amzn.to/3Kbh5ne and fit in this wagon if you want or need to transport them! https://amzn.to/3QDtqUQ
Mold & Dig
A no-mess sandbox! We set out a bin full of kinetic sand and various molds to use with it. It's out every session and gets lots of use.
Supplies:
Kinetic Sand: https://amzn.to/3Vae2kr
Lidded Bin: https://amzn.to/3Kbh5ne
Count & Sort
Kids can practice counting, sorting, and using their fine motor skills with this simple activity!
Supplies:
Egg Cartons: https://amzn.to/44UaB5Q
Pom-Poms: https://amzn.to/4bMb77X
Tweezers: https://amzn.to/4bCqoZ4
Scoop & Dig
I have a bin that I keep full of sunflower seeds or colored rice that I hide things in (gold coins, shells, dinosaurs, etc). It's like a treasure hunt!
Supplies:
Bird Seed: https://amzn.to/44SCSta
Lidded Bin: https://amzn.to/3Kbh5ne
*Learning Resources items are durable! I highly recommend them!
Squish & Mix
I used our Cricut to cut out a shape in black paper. On the backside, I taped a baggie with paint inside of it. In this case, I used suncatcher paint so it would be slightly transparent to take home and hang in a window.
Supplies:
Black Cardstock: https://amzn.to/3wPViOI
Suncatcher Paint: https://amzn.to/4dPLoNW
Heavy Duty Baggies: https://amzn.to/3UHCU2A
Extra Large Bubbles
Every kid loves bubbles, and even more when they're HUGE! We move the program outside on our lawn in nice weather, and when we do, these bubbles are a must!
Supplies:
Big Bubble Mix: https://amzn.to/3K8BLw4
Dish Soap: https://amzn.to/3QRYArH
Large Bubble Wands: https://amzn.to/3V7u3IT
Musical Insruments
Kids love to make noise! These colorful bells are very popular. Add some shaker eggs and sticks and you've got yourself a band!
Supplies:
Bells: https://amzn.to/4bN1mX6
Rhythm Sticks: https://amzn.to/3wLl6LX
Shaker Eggs: https://amzn.to/4avXs42
Snap & Pop
These have been around for a while, but get played with every time we have them out. Bubble wrap is also irresistable!
Supplies:
Large Pop-It: https://amzn.to/3K6t0mi
Hop, Skip, Balance, Build and Spin
These items are out at each session and get lots of use!
Supplies:
Balance Logs: https://amzn.to/3QV9uwV
Sensory Floor Tiles: https://amzn.to/3wTtI37
Bilibos: https://amzn.to/4bp1vQZ Blocks: https://amzn.to/3QUkx9H
Our Little Explorers always draws a good size crowd. Great for socialization (parents and kids, alike!) Don't forget to play music, too! Switch up colors and items to gowith the seasons to keep it fresh. Have fun!
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