“Creating a Child Care Business That Kids Love”
As I wrap up the theme on creating a childcare business that kids love, I thought it was appropriate to end the theme with ” Kids Love Sensory Play.” I chose sensory play, because it is open- ended and there is no right or wrong way to explore sensory materials.
In fact, kids love to play in anything that is messy! Today I want to inspire you to plan and encourage more sensory activities in your childcare program.
According to Elaine Lambe (Educational Consultant), “Sensory play is currently seen as one of the key areas of play for babies and young children and a crucial part of their development. Sensory play is play that involves the use of one or more of the five senses, touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing. Our senses are our guide through the world around us and for babies and young children they provide endless opportunity for fascinating discovery.”
Today I want to share with you five sensory play ideas that kids really Love:
Exploring Shaving Cream “It’s messy, yet it is fun! Kids can make shapes or even practice writing their name in the shaving cream.
Source: Cultivated Lives
Colored Rice Explorations. This is a Pot of Gold Activity planned back in 2011. The teacher dyed the rice yellow, by soaking the rice in yellow food coloring and by adding a small amount of alcohol. Then she let the rice air dry over night. The kids love to feel, scoop, sift, explore the color and measure the rice.
Exploring Cornmeal. The first time that I saw kids playing in cornmeal was in my child development laboratory Class back in 2002. I didn’t think it was quite educational back then, however, now we love to add cornmeal to the sensory tables to encourage the children to; explore the cornmeal by feeling, measuring, scooping, writing in the cornmeal and whatever they discover that they can do with the cornmeal that will enhance their play.
Source: Not Just Cute
Colored Water. This is a great way to teach children their colors or to spice up the water play!
Source: Not Just Cute
Styrofoam Fun! Don’t throw away anymore Styrofoam, save it for sensory play!
Source:Loving and Learning in Pre-K
I realize that many of the sensory activities above may not be appropriate for children under the age of three, however, it is appropriate for a toddler to explore water play or to play with edible home-made playdoh or with pudding.
Whatever sensory activities that you decide to incorporate into your program, I know that the kids will enjoy it because Kids Love Sensory Play! Feel free to share sensory activities that you offer in your program and share your thoughts about this blog post.
With Your Business in Mind,
Shiketa Morgan
Resource Links
http://childcareandbeyond.tripod.com/sensoryplay.html
Many family home providers are getting empowered in the Family Home Child Care Empowerment club! Take a sneak peek at the first 5 weeks of the club by subscribing to the 5-day mini course “It’s Free”! http://childcarebusinessowner.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=237d43de3475bcab0f4337852&id=e56603be8d
The Child Care Business Owner Institute 
You must be logged in to post a comment.