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Sensory Center

The sensory center is often one of the most popular areas in an early childhood environment. Whether it is combined with a science center or it stands on it own, the depth of learning opportunities is endless.

Goals:
  • fine and large motor development
  • develop hand-eye coordination
  • understand cause and effect
  • sharing and taking turns
  • learn number concepts
  • learn science concepts
  • develop observation Skills
  • practice predicting
  • practice questioning
  • increase vocabulary
  • develop verbal expression
Area:
A sensory area can be messy! It is a good idea to locate it on a tile floor or area that is easily swept or mopped clean. If possible it is helpful to have a water source nearby.

Equipment:

A sensory table is often the focal piece of the sensory center. A sensory table that children can reach and has a drain in it is ideal. Sensory centers with lids are helpful as well.

Supplies: (Download a printable s
ensory supply list)
Stock your sensory center with anything you can find that provides a safe sensory experience. Carefully consider whether you will use food products in your sensory area. (Some programs choose not to as a way to show sensitivity to those who struggle financially, or for other reasons. For a great article examining the pros and cons of using foods for play check out the article from Tinker Lab, Should Food Be Used in Preschool Sensory Activities.)
  • sand
  • water
  • rice
  • pompoms
  • beans
  • fake grass (Easter grass works well)
  • shredded paper
  • noodles
  • sponges
  • buckets
  • scoops
  • water wheels
  • other materials that can be poured, scooped, and/or sifted

Download the files below to help you plan and implement a successful Sensory Center!
Sensory Area Sign.pdf
File Size: 89 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

sensory_supply_list.pdf
File Size: 407 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

flubber.pdf
File Size: 398 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

play-dough.pdf
File Size: 399 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

glurch.pdf
File Size: 403 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

cloud_dough.pdf
File Size: 403 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

bubbles.pdf
File Size: 403 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

oobleck.pdf
File Size: 397 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

sand_clay.pdf
File Size: 404 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Activities: Sensory activities can be as simple as filling the sensory table with sand or as detailed as setting up an arctic experience complete with water, ice chunks, and penguin and whale toys. Great sensory experiences can also originate from homemade materials like oobleck, play dough, or moon sand. Try one of the recipes below:
  • Flubber
  • Play-dough
  • Oobleck
  • Glurch
  • Cloud Dough
  • Bubbles
  • Sand Clay

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  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Records & Data >
      • Child Info Forms
      • Assessment Forms
      • Progress Reports/Learning Portfolios
    • Communication >
      • Parent Notes
      • Calendars
      • Newsletters
    • Curriculum Supplements >
      • Activity Guides
      • Theme Enhancements
    • Learning Environment >
      • Classroom Management
      • Learning Centers
      • Classroom Decor
  • Shop