Sensory play is one of my favourite experiences to share with children. There are so many opportunities for children to delight in the look, feel, texture, scents and sounds of materials during sensory play. Creating a sensory experience for your child doesn't have to be complicated. Often simple is best, and some of the most loved experiences that we have shared with children include materials from the natural world.
To create your own sensory play experience a shallow tray provides a great space for your child to explore the materials and items you present to them. A beautiful tray is a great option and I have thrifted many of ours, giving them new life as part of the children's play materials.
The addition of the small wooden bowls, the tongs and the spoon also invite children to give their fine motor skills a workout. As they investigate the flower's natural properties which build their connections to the natural world, children are deepening their understanding of the environment around them. This type of play engages children's curiosity and wonders. They begin to question, investigate and seek out information as they play and explore.
I dried our flowers from Valentine's day for this invitation to play by simply placing them out on our marble baking slab for about a week. I wanted to preserve them for some sort of play experience and with the arrival of the spring weather, I knew this sensory tray would be perfect.
In the bottom of my tray I added pink Himalayan salt. Then placed the dried flowers throughout the tray. Next, I added the bowls, tongs, and spoon along with the long wooden cookie press. The addition of a mirror as a backdrop to your child's play will add an additional element and exploration to the play experience.
Play some quiet music reflective of the spring season such as, "Earth's Flowers" by Tim Janis to set the tone for a mindful play experience. Tim's music and videos are sure to ignite inspiration for your child's play.
I am thinking of so many possibilities for dried flowers in our play! How would you use them in your explorations with children? Share below in the comments.
"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly,
our whole life would change."
Budda
Sincerely,
Michelle
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautifully inspiring post! Thank you for your generosity in sharing this with the world! I love your wisdom when you say, "Often simple is best, and some of the most loved experiences that we have shared with children include materials from the natural world." When we think of the art of simple living, we nurture in children a gift that emerges through the ever-essential connection we share with nature. When we nourish children through what I refer to as the Nature Aesthetic Pillar in children, we foster a depth of connection and knowing that brings them (and us) into a place of well-being and calm. Your blog post has me thinking of all the ways we can nourish the heart, mind, body, and spirit of children ~ and ourselves! Thank you for you always inspiring invitations to play!
Susan Wright
Founder ~ Nurtured Inspirations
www.nurturedinspirations.com
Thanks so much, Susan for your thoughtful reflections. The art of simple living has been on my mind especially this past year. We have been thinking about what is essential for a happy life and going into nature for healing moments. A sense of purpose and quiet moments have sustained us lately. Nourishing children in these moments is key and I have found so much inspiration for a life well lived through your writing and thinking. I look forward to learning and reading more from you on your site www.nurturedinspirations.com . Keep well and many blessings. Michelle
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