At The Village Rossendale, we know that every child experiences the world in their own unique way. For children and young people with additional needs, sensory-friendly activities can offer both comfort and stimulation, helping them to feel calm, focused and engaged.
Whether you’re looking to support your child at home or simply want some new ideas to try together, here are five sensory-friendly activities, each one easy to set up and packed with developmental benefits.
1. Create a Homemade Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is a simple box filled with materials that encourage touch and exploration. You might use dry pasta, rice, water beads, or shredded paper, whatever feels safe and age-appropriate.
Benefits:
- Encourages fine motor skills
- Offers calming tactile input
- Sparks imaginative play
2. Bubble Play for Calm and Focus
Blowing bubbles may seem simple, but it’s actually a powerful sensory activity. Watching bubbles float through the air is soothing, and blowing helps with oral motor control and breath regulation.
Benefits:
- Supports self-regulation
- Strengthens oral muscles
- Offers visual tracking practice
3. Try a DIY Calm Jar
Calm jars, sometimes called glitter jars or sensory bottles, are small containers filled with water, glitter, and glue or oil. When shaken, they create a mesmerising visual effect that slowly settles.
Benefits:
- Encourages visual focus
- Helps with emotional regulation
- Offers a calming, meditative moment
At the Village, we often make calm jars with the children themselves. It’s a great bonding activity and gives them a sense of ownership over their tools for relaxation.
4. Play with Playdough or Kinetic Sand
Squishing, rolling and stretching playdough or kinetic sand gives little hands something to do while also providing deep pressure input, which can be very grounding for children with sensory needs.
Benefits:
- Builds hand strength and coordination
- Reduces anxiety through tactile input
- Encourages creativity and focus
5. Gentle Music and Movement Time
Music can be incredibly powerful for children who process sensory input differently. Soft rhythms and simple instruments (like shakers or hand drums) combined with slow movements can bring both calm and joy.
Benefits:
- Supports auditory processing
- Encourages body awareness
- Builds emotional expression
A Final Thought…
Every child responds differently, so don’t worry if one activity doesn’t go as planned. The key is to follow your child’s lead and create a space where they feel safe to explore at their own pace.
At our centre, we build sensory experiences into daily life, making sure every child’s needs and preferences are respected. These simple ideas are just a starting point, and a great way to bring some of that same care into your home.