1. Sensory Play with Texture:
Materials needed:
- Various textured materials (e.g., fabric, sandpaper, bubble wrap, feathers, cotton balls)
- A safe play area (such as a blanket or mat)
Instructions:
- Lay out the textured materials on the play area.
- Encourage the child to explore and touch the different textures with their hands and feet.
- Describe the textures using simple English words, such as "soft," "rough," "smooth," and "bumpy."
- Let the child freely explore the materials and observe their reactions to each texture.
- Engage with the child by talking to them, asking questions, and encouraging them to vocalize their experiences.
- Supervise the child closely to ensure their safety and prevent them from putting any small materials in their mouth.
- After the activity, we can assist the child in cleaning up the materials and talk about the textures once again
2. Color Sorting with Blocks:
Materials needed:
- Different colored blocks or toys (e.g., wooden blocks, plastic stacking cups)
- A safe play area (such as a blanket or mat)
- Small containers or baskets (preferably in corresponding colors)
Instructions:
- Place the colored blocks or toys on the play area.
- Set up the containers or baskets nearby, one for each color of the blocks.
- Show the child how to pick up a block and place it in the corresponding colored container or basket.
- Use simple English words to describe the colors as you demonstrate, saying phrases like "This block is red. Let's put it in the red basket."
- Encourage the child to explore and interact with the blocks independently, guiding them to match the colors.
- Praise and celebrate their efforts as they successfully sort the blocks by color.
- Repeat the activity multiple times, allowing the child to practice and reinforce their color recognition and sorting skills.
Sidewalk Chalk Art:
Provide sidewalk chalk and encourage toddlers to draw, scribble, or trace shapes and lines on the pavement. They can also create their own hopscotch or obstacle courses.
Sensory Color Sorting:
Fill a bin with colored rice, shredded paper, or pom-poms in different colors. Provide colored cups or bowls and encourage toddlers to sort and match the items based on color.
Sink or Float Experiment:
Fill a large container with water and gather various objects of different weights and materials. Let toddlers predict and test which objects will sink or float when placed in the water.
Pattern Matching:
Create simple patterns using colored blocks or toys. Show toddlers an example pattern, and then encourage them to continue the pattern by placing the correct objects in the correct order.
Bubble Play:
Set up a bubble station with child-safe bubble solution and wands. Toddlers can chase and pop bubbles, developing their gross motor skills and experiencing the joy of outdoor play.
Alphabet or Number Hunt:
Fill a bin with rice, sand, or sensory beads. Hide foam or plastic letters or numbers within the bin. Toddlers can dig and search for the letters or numbers, practicing their recognition skills.
Water Sensory Bottles:
Fill empty plastic bottles with water and add small objects like beads, glitter, or plastic sea creatures. Secure the lid tightly and let toddlers shake, roll, and explore the mesmerizing effects of water and objects inside.
Color Sorting:
Offer a collection of objects or toys in different colors and provide sorting baskets or cups in corresponding colors. Guide toddlers to sort and place each object in the matching color container.
Water Bead Sensory Bin:
Soak water beads in water to create soft, squishy sensory balls. Place them in a bin along with scoops, cups, and small containers for toddlers to explore the unique texture and sensory experience.
Bubble Play:
Set up a bubble station with child-safe bubble solution and wands. Toddlers can chase and pop bubbles, developing their gross motor skills and experiencing the joy of outdoor play.
Animal Matching:
Provide picture cards or figurines of different animals. Help toddlers match the animals based on their similarities, such as matching farm animals, forest animals, or animals with similar characteristics.
Sensory Walk:
Take toddlers on a sensory adventure by encouraging them to explore different textures and surfaces outdoors. They can walk barefoot on grass, feel the roughness of tree bark, step on smooth stones, or splash in puddles.
Create a simple scavenger hunt list with items found in nature, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or sticks. Toddlers can search for these items while exploring the outdoor environment.
Ocean Sensory Bin:
Fill a shallow container with blue-tinted water or blue-colored sensory beads. Add seashells, small plastic sea creatures, and a scoop or sieve for toddlers to engage in imaginative play and sensory exploration.
Water Painting:
Provide toddlers with large paintbrushes and containers of water. Let them "paint" on surfaces such as a chalkboard, pavement, or a fence using the water. They can observe the temporary changes their "painting" creates.
Size Sorting:
Prepare a set of objects or toys in various sizes, such as small, medium, and large. Help toddlers sort and arrange the objects from smallest to largest or vice versa.