Sensory+play

Sensory play for all children is an essential part of play and discovery of the senses. Children with additional needs benefit from having sensory play as it can be used for development of fine motor skills, as a calming tool, the child becoming aware of texture, tactile differentiation and heightening of senses. These activities can be used from 18 months through to adulthood. Care must be given for small children and additional needs students who put things in their mouth.

__**What can I use for sensory play?**__ Feathers, rice, gum nuts, bird seed, shredded paper, linseeds, sand, cellophane

__**Cornflour Paint-**__ Great for hand painting or just running hands through 1 cup cornflour, 3/4 cup cold water, boiling water, Eticol dye

1. Mix corn flour and cold water until free of clumps 2. Slowly pour in boiling water, stirring until mixture suddenly thickens. Add dye and mix well.

This is a recipe that is best made with two adults. One person stirs while the other pours in the boiling water.

__**Slime-**__ Can be stretched or dribbled, can be used for indoor or outdoor play, easy to clean up afterwards. Cornflour, water, Eticol dye

1. Mix cornflour and dye with enough water to form a pliable 'slime'

__**Play Dough-**__ Good for muscle development, can be used as a calming tool, creative play. Children can be involved in making the dough 2 1/2 cups Salt, 5 cups plain flour, 1/2 packet Cream of Tartar, 5 cups boiling water, 2 1/2 tablespoons oil, food colouring

1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl 2. Add water and oil, mix well 3. Finish by kneading dough, it is a sticky mixture- do not add more flour continue to knead until dough has good texture.

Reference- Village Creek Preschool Resource Manual, (2009), Village Creek Parents Association, Canberra