Hey, readers!
I promised a list of my sensory board activities that I put on my travel sensory box that I made for M, so here it is! Supplies are linked to affiliate links for your convenience.
I did use a lot of recycled materials – which is the best way to go – and more from my craft closet. My first recommendation for you is to scour the craft supplies that you already own, and see what you can make from there.
Many of these are staples worth having on hand for other projects as well.
Sensory Box Activities on the Printed Side:
(Start from the center and moving CLOCKWISE in a spiral.)
Because this side is so detailed to begin with, I stuck to a lime green color as much as possible to keep it from being overwhelming.
1. Sea creature pond:
The idea is to teach children the concept of IN and ON, while introducing them to creatures that swim in the water vs. on the water. I cut the sea out of old, outgrown denim overalls (the same pair I used in this craft and this one) using detail scissors. I glued it around the edges using E6000 glue.
For the creatures, I used premade sea creatures including a fish, seahorse, turtle, and duck. I can’t find it in individual packets – I have them from this set, but you can cut it out of felt scraps yourself.
2. Body parts magnet puzzle:
M recently started naming some body parts and he LOVES playing with magnets so I combined the two in this lovely little puzzle.
I cut the body parts out of existing foam shapes, and glued them onto a promotional magnet using E6000. Then I cut it out with the magnet. I glued a promotional magnet magnet-side-up onto the board as a surface for it.
M can’t quite complete the puzzle yet, but he loves playing with the magnet pieces, and we’re working on naming the parts.
3. Opening and closing lid that doubles as storage:
I originally put this on for him to play with, as he loves playing with the lid on my wipes container. I pulled off the lid from a finished refill package of wipes (the kind that has a proper hard plastic cover). I glued it on using E6000. I then realized that it makes great storage for some of the parts, so I put the pieces from the pond inside.
4. Pull strings:
One of M’s favorite features, I got this idea from various pull boxes I’ve seen. This is the main reason I left the box open, and it’s an activity that’s functional on both sides. I used an awl to punch holes through the box and fabric, and scissors to widen it.
I then strung a square wooden bead (the same ones I used here) on a satin ribbon scrap, and tied a double knot at the end to secure it. I strung it through the box as pictured, and then through the other side.
From there, I added another bead, and double-knotted it again. M loves pulling it through, though he tends to go at it rough. I might consider weighting the box with some beads next time because of this.
This one is pretty self-explanatory, and was an no-brainer to include. I used a simple 5 inch green zipper, and glued it on along the fabric edges using E6000. Make sure not to get any close to the zipper so that it functions properly. He loves opening and closing it, trying to stick his fingers between the sides, and feeling the textures.
Sensory Box Activities on the Solid Side:
(Start from the top left and moving CLOCKWISE in a spiral.)
Here, I was able to introduce more color into the play and learning. I didn’t cram it in, though, again, not to overwhelm.
1. Magnetic shapes:
M is starting to recognize colors but not quite up to shapes. Since he loves magnets, I did another one that uses those. I cut three of each shape out of felt. For the top set, I glued three Neodymium magnets (KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN) using E6000 glue. I covered them with one each of the shapes.
For the bottom set, I glued a sheet of promotional magnet to store the felt shapes. I sandwiched the other two cutouts of each shape with a Neodymium magnet (again, these should be kept away from children. Make sure each part is glued very securely). Your child can then match each one to the corresponding color and shape.
2.Overalls buckle:
M loves playing with any clasp, buckle, button, or closure, especially on his overalls. So, I cut off the buckle from the same, old pair and glued the edges on so that he can play with it. It’s a great fine-motor exercise.
Don’t forget to glue the halves closer together than the closed position, so that it can actually be opened and closed.
If you don’t have one to upcycle, you can get the buckle and attach it to wide ribbon.
3. Alphabet texture:
(skip over the other half of the pull strings).
While M might be too young to learn to read, why not familiarize him with the forms of the letters? The main focus here was really texture. I used a bit of fabric tape, glitter tape, and duct tape in similar tones and used a glitter glue pen to outline and write the letters with.
He has three fun textures, plus the puffy edges to explore!
4. Counting beads:
I knew this would be a winner – and it i one of his favorites!
I attached a very thin satin ribbon by punching two holes with an awl, and expanding them with a pair of scissors. I used duct tape to attach it to the inside of the box on one side, strung on six square wooden bead (the same ones I used here) , and attached the other side to the inside.
We count out loud with it (though M still counts out of order…) and he LOVES sliding them from side to side.
Don’t forget: you can see the full tutorial for the travel sensory box too! Plus, there’s a video of it in action!
I hope you enjoyed! Make sure to subscribe for more great ideas for moms, toddlers, and teens.