Sensory Play Ideas

Simple activities that build connection

Water Play (Calming Connection)

• Pouring games: Cups and water. Back and forth. Natural turn-taking
• Washing dolls: Gentle, nurturing, regulating
• Bubble bath: Add measuring cups. Pour over hands
• Ice play: Frozen toys in warm water. Temperature contrast
• Spray bottles: Plants, windows, each other (summer fun)

Movement Play (Energy Connection)

• Pillow crashes: Build. Knock down. Repeat
• Dance party: Their music. Copy their moves
• Blanket rides: Pull them around on smooth floors
• Bear crawls: Race on hands and knees
• Yoga poses: Animal poses together

Touch Play (Sensory Connection)

• Playdough: Squish, roll, poke. No end goal
• Rice bins: Hide toys. Search together
• Finger painting: On big paper, walls (washable), bodies
• Texture hunt: Soft things, rough things, smooth things
• Massage games: Gentle pressure on arms, back

Building Play (Problem-Solving Connection)

• Cardboard boxes: Endless possibilities
• Couch cushions: Forts, mountains, hideouts
• Blocks: Stack, knock down, stack again
• Blanket tents: Under tables, over chairs
• Paper towel tubes: Roll cars through

Quiet Play (Gentle Connection)

• Flashlight games: Shadows on walls
• Sorting games: By colour, size, texture
• Books together: Same book 20 times is fine
• Puzzles: Simple ones. Help when asked
• Drawing: Side by side. No instructions

Kitchen Play (Life Skills Connection)

• Measuring: Water, flour, anything
• Stirring: Big bowl, wooden spoon
• Washing up: Toys in sink with bubbles
• Snack prep: Tearing lettuce, spreading toast
• Ice cream making: Bag method with salt

Garden Play (Nature Connection)

• Digging: Small patch just for them
• Watering: Plants, mud, themselves
• Bug hunting: Look, don’t necessarily touch
• Leaf collecting: Sort by size, colour
• Sensory garden: Plants to touch, smell

The Golden Rules for All Sensory Play

1. Follow their lead – If they want to just touch, just touch
2. No pressure for “right” play – There’s no wrong way
3. Stay present – Your calm attention is the magic ingredient
4. Let it be messy – Mess means engagement
5. End before meltdown – Watch for overstimulation signs

When Sensory Play Goes Wrong

Too much stimulation signs:

• Getting wilder instead of calmer
• Can’t stop when asked
• Eyes look “glazed”
• Seeking more intense input

What to do:

• Slow down immediately
• Lower your voice
• Add deep pressure (firm hug)
• Move to quieter activity
• Sometimes just stop

Making It Communication-Rich

Without being pushy:

• Use simple sound effects (“splash!” “wheee!”)
• Offer simple choices (red cup or blue cup?)
• Create anticipation (“ready… set… go!”)
• Notice and narrate simply (“wet hands!”)
• Celebrate all attempts at communication

Remember: The goal isn’t perfect play. It’s connection. Trust that connection leads to communication.