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Sensory Box Activity

  • Motor Practice
  • Sensory Play
  • Pre-K
  • Kindergarten
  • Grades 1-3

Recycle a tissue box to create a sensory box with many craft materials and explore all kinds of textures!

Materials



Paintbrushes
Feathers
Glitter Fuzzy Sticks
Acrylic Paints
Wood Beads
Rainbow Poms
Rainbow Sequins
Rainbow Foam Sheets
Foam Shapes

Empty Tissue Box

Craft Glue

Scissors

Pencil

Bubble Wrap (Optional)

Sandpaper (Optional)

Instructions



Step  1.

Gather your supplies.

Step  1.

Gather your supplies.

Step  2.

Place your tissue box on one of your flat surfaces, such as foam. Trace the shape then cut it out to size.

Step  2.

Place your tissue box on one of your flat surfaces, such as foam. Trace the shape then cut it out to size.

Step  3.

Glue the foam to the tissue box. Repeat to cover all the sides of the box.

Tip: Use different textures, like bubble wrap, sandpaper, foam and felt.

Step  3.

Glue the foam to the tissue box. Repeat to cover all the sides of the box.

Tip: Use different textures, like bubble wrap, sandpaper, foam and felt.

Step  4.

Paint the front of the box (the part with the opening.) Then, let it dry.

Step  4.

Paint the front of the box (the part with the opening.) Then, let it dry.

Step  5.

Insert materials into the sensory box and encourage kids to put their hands in and feel around without looking. Feathers are soft and long. Ask them to guess what they feel!

Step  5.

Insert materials into the sensory box and encourage kids to put their hands in and feel around without looking. Feathers are soft and long. Ask them to guess what they feel!

Step  6.

Fill the box with soft, fluffy poms. Have the kids try and describe the texture that they feel.

Step  6.

Fill the box with soft, fluffy poms. Have the kids try and describe the texture that they feel.

Step  7.

Cut up glitter fuzzy sticks into smaller pieces. Encourage children to feel around, bend and shape them with their hands without looking. Have them visualize what they’re making inside the box.

Step  7.

Cut up glitter fuzzy sticks into smaller pieces. Encourage children to feel around, bend and shape them with their hands without looking. Have them visualize what they’re making inside the box.

Step  8.

Place contrasting materials in the box, such as wood beads and rainbow sequins. Have them feel around and remove only one type of bead for a fun interactive exercise.

Step  8.

Place contrasting materials in the box, such as wood beads and rainbow sequins. Have them feel around and remove only one type of bead for a fun interactive exercise.

What’s in your sensory box? Get in touch with the senses using all your favorite craft materials!

  • Sensory ‘I Spy’: Once the box is full of squishy, fluffy, fuzzy craft materials, dive in! Play a game of ‘I Spy’ — call out phrases like “I spy something red…flexible…round & fuzzy!” Whether your students are learning colors, shapes, or ABCs — this game is customizable to their curriculum.
  • Foodie Fun: Don’t be afraid to introduce food to your sensory bin! Pasta, rice, and even ice cream sprinkles can bring a nice contrast when mixed with softer materials.      

Give your sensory bin a theme to celebrate any time of the year! For example, a Christmas-themed box could include jingle bells, cinnamon sticks, and soft red and green materials. Or, for Halloween, include textured orange and black materials, along with peeled grapes for “eyes” and cold, cooked spaghetti for “brains!”