Sensory play activities are an excellent way to stimulate a one-year-old child’s developing senses and encourage their exploration of the world. These activities can be both fun and educational. Here a list of sensory play ideas for a one-year-old child:
1. Sensory Bins:
Fill a shallow container with various materials such as rice, pasta, dried beans, sand, or water. Let the child scoop, pour, and explore the different textures.
2. Finger Painting:
Use non-toxic, washable finger paints to let the child create their own art on paper, or even better, ab large sheet of paper taped to the floor.
3. Playdough:
Offer soft, child-safe playdough for squishing, rolling, and shaping. You can also add different scents or textures to the playdough.
4. Water Play:
Fill a shallow container with a few inches of water, and let the child splash, scoop, and play with plastic cups, funnels, and toys.
5. Texture Boards:
Create texture boards with different materials like sandpaper, fabric, fur,b and more. Let the child touch and explore these textures.
6. Sensory Bags:
Fill a sealable plastic bag with hair gel, colored water, or other materials.Seal it securely and let the child squish and explore without any mess.
7. Ice Play:
Freeze small toys or objects in ice cubes and provide them for the child to melt and discover the hidden treasures.
8. Feather Play:
Play: Offer feathers of different sizes and colors for the child to touch and explore.
9. Sensory Bottles:
Create sensory bottles with various items like water beads, glitter, or rice. Seal the bottle securely for the child to shake and observe.
10. Exploration Baskets:
Baskets: Fill a basket with items from nature like leaves, pinecones, shells, or smooth stones. Let the child examine and touch them.
11. Sensory Balloons:
Fill balloons with various materials like flour, rice, or lentils, then tie them off. The child can squeeze and squish the balloons.
12. Scented Play:
Use herbs, spices, or scented extracts to infuse sensory play materials with different smells.
13. Shaving Cream Play:
Provide a shallow tray or a high-chair tray with a layer of shaving cream. The child can draw, squish, and play in the creamy texture.
14. Sensory Books:
Invest in sensory board books that incorporate different textures for the child to feel and explore while reading.
15. Bubble Wrap Fun:
Let the child step, stomp, or crawl on sheets of bubble wrap for a satisfying sensory experience.
16. Edible Sensory Play:
Offer edible options like cooked pasta, soft fruits, or even baby- safe pudding for the child to explore by touch and taste.
17. Sensory Tunnels:
Set up soft tunnels or fabric obstacles for the child to crawl through, promoting tactile exploration.
18. Nature Walks:
Take the child on a nature walk and let them explore different textures like grass, dirt, leaves, and tree bark.
19. Mirror Play:
Provide a child-safe unbreakable mirror for the child to look at themselves and make funny faces.
20. Texture Rubbings:
Place textured items under paper and let the child rub crayons or pencils over them to reveal the textures.
Remember to supervise the child during sensory play to ensure their safety and provide age-
appropriate materials. Sensory play activities are not only entertaining but also contribute to a
child sensory development and creativity.