Naturally Wild

Ice Sensory

Sensory play is one of my favorite activities to do, especially with toddlers. It ignites their senses, enriches play time, and helps little ones practice valuable motor skills (albeit through slightly messy methods). Sensory experiences are a great way to experiment with cause and effect, which provides a lot of learning for the brain. Experimenting with sensory materials can provoke many varieties of play opportunities as the child learns to manipulate these sensory objects. Developing their own knowledge through this experimentation is a key in developing fundamental ideas about the physical world, like liquids, solids, heavy, and light.

Sand, water, and even ice is a fabulous choice for these sensory play opportunities, especially during the hotter months. It cools you off while you have fun! Try out this colorful ice sensory bin the next time your child (and you) need some cooling off.

http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2013/04/colored-ice-in-play-pool.html

 

Simply fill up some ice trays with water. Add some engaging sight senses by using water color paints or if you are concerned with curious hands, eating the ice, just use food coloring for an edible sensory experience. You and your explorer can keep checking on the ice to see how long it takes for them to freeze. Go further and use a variety of vessels. Do the different sized containers make freezing times different?

Now that you have your ice, place them in a container or kiddie pool. Your little one will delight in watching the colors mix and swirl together. Go further by using the ice cubes to paint on the fence, bench, concrete, or really anywhere!  

Want to add even more edible goodness to this ice sensory play? Try this activity with different foods. Place berries, fruits, and even herbs in with the water as it freezes. It will highlight how these beautiful colors are already in nature and it makes for a tasty treat!

https://dolesunshine.com/recipes/frozen-fruit-ice-cubes