One of my all-time favorite activities when teaching infants and toddlers was sensory walks. The concept is sooooo simple and while there is a bit of setup and cleanup and the experience can take a little while, the results are awesome!
We are so used to touching and experiencing with our hands but what about the rest of our “touch” system? We have skin everywhere and the sensory walk taps into some of the sensory receptors that are used less frequently: our feet!
Here’s how to take your little ones on a sensory walk:
- Find some containers that they can easily stand in (I used pie pans) and a larger one for water, plus a towel.
- Pick enough items of different textures and temperatures and place each in a container.
- Line up the containers with the water and towel at the end. Keep in mind the order and what will stick to feet and be carried into the next bucket (especially if you have many kids doing the experience).
- Take the kids one at a time through each container. Help them balance as they walk between and as some items may be slippery.
- As they go, discuss how it feels and at the end discuss what was their favorite and why.
For our walk we used puffed rice, jell-o and whipped cream. Out of my three, the girls both loved the experience and Doodle not so much. He wanted to eat the rice and HATED the jell-o and whipped cream on his feet. This is one thing that kids either love or hate but it’s good to gently encourage children who are unsure to try it or continue on if they get upset at the beginning.
Thanks for sharing. What a fun activity and a new way to explore sensory play! I am going to feature your post tomorrow on the Love to Learn Linky party. I hope you come and link up again :)
Thanks, Katie. Will definitely link up again, I’ve loved looking through everyone else’s posts as well!
What a great idea for sensory play! My daughter will love trying this out with her feet. Thanks for sharing at the Love to Learn Linky!
Thanks, Anne, it’s always been a favorite activity of my own kids as well as those I’ve taught.