{"id":61053,"date":"2024-11-29T10:55:29","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T10:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=61053"},"modified":"2025-04-11T09:53:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T08:53:09","slug":"sensory-play","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/play-for-disabled-children\/sensory-play\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensory play"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Sensory play is a fun, enriching (and occasionally messy!) way of supporting your disabled child\u2019s development.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A young boy with curly blonde hair is playing with a tough tray set up for messy play with bowls of flour, water, dough, rolling pins and mixing spoons.\" class=\"wp-image-54494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10  align-right  size-medium\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sense is here for disabled children and their families<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">From our free play sessions for children under eight, to our Virtual Buddying befriending service, we\u2019re with disabled people and their families every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Get in touch with our team to find out how we could support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/our-services\/support-for-children\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>All play is useful for helping children to learn. For disabled children, enhancing the sensory aspects that are present in all play can make it more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read this page to find out more about how to make play sensory, including lots of free sensory play ideas you can try at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What is sensory play?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#why\">Why is sensory play important?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#benefits\">Benefits of sensory play<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how\">How to do sensory play at home<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ideas\">Sensory play ideas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\"><strong>What is sensory play?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory play is play that\u2019s all about engaging your senses: that could be sight, sound, touch, movement, balance, smell or taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might involve getting stuck into different textures, by playing with things like cold cooked pasta, water, ice or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/homemade-edible-slime\/\">edible slime<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or it might involve banging a drum, jumping into crunchy autumn leaves or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/how-to-make-a-hand-rattle-drum\/\">shaking a rattle<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory play can be a carefully planned activity, or it could be spontaneous. It\u2019s suitable for all ages, and everyone can benefit from it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s especially helpful for children with sensory impairments and\/or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/what-does-complex-disabilities-mean\/\">complex disabilities<\/a>. At Sense, we often use sensory play in our work supporting children who are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafblindness\/\">deafblind<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\"><strong>Why is sensory play important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Play isn\u2019t just about having fun.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s crucial for helping children engage with their surroundings, develop self-awareness and connect with others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our senses enrich our lives. Touch, taste, smell, vision and hearing help us learn about the world around us.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using our senses is vital for developing reasoning, intelligence, language and memory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially true for children with disabilities, who may struggle to access information or try new things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory play helps introduce them to new experiences in an accessible, fun way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  quoteWithImage  \">\n\t<figure class=\"quoteWithImage__image\">\n\t\t<div class=\"image--circle-masked\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"image--circle-masked__container\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/LauraSmith-Headshot-2-500x667.jpg\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" alt=\"A woman with blonde curly hair wearing a white t-shirt and jacket smiles to camera\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/LauraSmith-Headshot-2-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/LauraSmith-Headshot-2-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/LauraSmith-Headshot-2.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-textured-primary-tint-10 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cGetting silly, messy and expressive is one of the first ways children start to learn about themselves and their relationship with everything around them.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/blog\/how-play-unlocks-the-world-for-disabled-children\/\">Laura, MSI teacher at Sense TouchBase Pears<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits\"><strong>Benefits of sensory play<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory play has benefits for everyone, but these might be even greater for disabled children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with sensory skills, sensory play develops language, exploration, engagement and attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory play can help children with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><strong>Learning cause and effect:<\/strong> Through sensory play, children can begin to understand the impact of their actions on the world around them. For example, they might learn that when they bang a drum, it makes a loud noise!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Developing motor skills:<\/strong> Using their bodies for sensory play can help children to feel more confident moving around.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Developing communication skills:<\/strong> Sensory play can also support children with learning language skills, and provides them with an opportunity to socialise and build relationships.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finding out likes and dislikes: <\/strong>By trying out different sensory experiences, a child can learn more about what they enjoy (and what they don\u2019t). This is really important in developing a sense of self.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calming down:<\/strong> Sensory experiences can be soothing. Some children find it helpful to try sensory activities when they\u2019re overwhelmed, angry or upset.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\"><strong>How to do sensory play at home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory play is different for everyone. There are no hard and fast rules on how to do it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It could be something you do whenever the opportunity arises, like playing in crunchy leaves or inspecting a shiny spider\u2019s web in the garden.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or it could be an activity you\u2019ve planned in advance, like playing with homemade playdough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some general<strong> dos <\/strong>and<strong> don\u2019ts<\/strong> for sensory play at home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li><strong>Do get creative.<\/strong> There is no right or wrong way to do sensory play, so use your imagination!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do be patient <\/strong>and let your child explore in their own time. Everyone plays at a different pace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do supervise<\/strong> your child, and make sure there\u2019s nothing they can choke on and no other hazards.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do give choices<\/strong>. This helps your child build confidence, and figure out what they like and dislike \u2013 which you can then learn, too!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t instruct <\/strong>your child on how to do things. Let them find their own way to explore and enjoy sensory play.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading for more examples of sensory play from Sense\u2019s play experts, which you can try at home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ideas\"><strong>Sensory play ideas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Read through our<strong> sensory play activities<\/strong> for lots of ideas for things to try at home.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-2-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sense-Loughborough-Final-Selection-Sensory-Story-15-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A woman smiles as she holds a flower out to two people during a sensory activity.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-stories\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Sensory stories\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tChoose a sensory story from our collection. Each story includes prompts to guide you along the way.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Sensory-tray-aerial-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A photo taken from above showing a child playing with a sensory tray full of toys.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-trays-for-outdoor-play\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Sensory trays\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tSensory trays can be a safe and stimulating way for disabled children with complex needs to explore the outside world.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Thomas-2269-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Thomas, a young boy, lying on his side on a resonance board with a tambourine, drumstick and tinsel.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/resonance-boards\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Resonance boards\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tA resonance board is a board that you can sit or stand on to feel the vibrations of sounds.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"492\" height=\"292\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-04-12-at-11.09.06.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A hand holding a green ball\" style=\"object-position: 50.00% 50.00%;\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/splat-ball-game\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Splat ball game\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tThis sensory, sociable ball game uses bumpers to help players knock down the numbered targets. \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sensory water play<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-2-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/frozen-sensory-water-play\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Frozen sensory water play\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tA firm favourite, this sensory activity is both sensory to set up by exploring the different plants, and after with the slowly melting ice cubes.\n\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/jeremiah-lawrence-0fOAmzgZ5cA-unsplash-1-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A child places their hand in a stream of water\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/refreshing-water-play\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Refreshing water play\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tA great sensory activity for hot days and can be played with both indoors and outside.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sensory play in nature<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-3-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/luisa-denu-9lbhbcWFvDM-unsplash-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A hand brushing some foliage\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-nature-walks\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Sensory nature walks\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tFind out clever ways to make your nature walks even more sensory with this helpful activity guide, perfect at all times of year.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Nature-Paint-Brushes-optional-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Finished nature paintbrushes\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/make-art-with-nature-paintbrushes\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Make art with nature paintbrushes\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tThis colourful activity combines fresh air and nature with getting creative, by making art using twigs and leaves.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Nature-Mobile-finished-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A hanging mobile with natural items like leaves and feathers\" style=\"object-position: 50.00% 50.00%;\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/make-your-own-hanging-nature-mobile\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Make your own hanging nature mobile\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tGo on a hunt for natural treasures like stones, shells, leaves or feathers to gather the materials needed for this personalised nature mobile.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-2-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/0315-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Two women sit facing each other, one of them holding an apple, surrounded by trees.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/treasure-baskets\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Making a treasure basket\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tTreasure baskets are a fun sensory experience, giving children the opportunity to explore nature\u2019s variety of textures.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Scavenger-hunt-1-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Exploring natural objects using the hand under hand technique\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Scavenger-hunt-1-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Scavenger-hunt-1-800x400.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/scavenger-hunt\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Scavenger hunt\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tExplore your outside environment and find treasures along the way.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make your own sensory toys<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-2-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/make-your-own-scented-natural-playdough\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Make your own scented natural playdough\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tIt&#8217;s easy to make your own playdough at home and whipping up a batch is almost as fun as playing with it!\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/edible-slime-step-3-1-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Adding cornflour to the red and black jars of gloopy chia seeds\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/homemade-edible-slime\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Homemade edible slime\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tThis slime has a fun texture, and is completely edible! Have fun exploring the ingredients and experimenting with different flavours and smells. \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-2-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Finished-Edible-finger-paint-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A hand is doing some finger painting using red, blue and green paints\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/homemade-edible-fingerpaint\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Homemade edible fingerpaint\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tIt couldn\u2019t be easier to make these colourful, safe-to-eat fingerpaints, which are perfect for an artsy afternoon indoors. \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/how-to-make-sensory-moon-sand\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              How to make sensory moon sand\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tMoon sand is a fun,\u00a0crumbly material that\u2019s sensory and relaxing to play with. Put it in a large plastic trough or a big washing up bowl, and introduce utensils or plastic toys to make it even more enjoyable.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/finished-textured-balloons-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Two hands holding deflated balloons filled with rice\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/how-to-make-textured-balloons\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              How to make textured balloons\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tUse kitchen ingredients like rice, couscous, flour or water to easily make these textured balloons for a fun sensory activity. \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/dulcey-lima-za9-X86j0yk-unsplash-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A close-up of strips of red and orange felt\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/make-your-own-felt\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Make your own felt\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tA great tactile activity, this way of making it is easy and you can create some fun patterns and textures.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-3-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Hand-Drum-finished-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A hand drum with colourful beads, on a long wooden stick\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/how-to-make-a-hand-rattle-drum\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              How to make a hand rattle drum\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tAll you need is the discarded tube from the inside of a packing tape roll and a few other bits and bobs.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Edible-Sand-7-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A boy looks closely at dried cereal in a tray\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/edible-sand\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Edible sand\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tHold, feel and explore a box of cereal.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Coloured-Foam-finished-2-or-adapt-the-session-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A tray of foamy pastel-coloured paint\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/make-your-own-colour-foam\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Make your own colour foam\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tExplore colours and have fun with this foamy arty activity that only takes a minute to set up and can be played with in a multitude of ways!\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get support from Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a child with complex disabilities and would like support from Sense, speak to our team to find out more about our services.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__cta\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/ask-us-for-help\/\" class=\"button  button--primary\">Contact us<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>This content was last reviewed in December 2024. 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