In this BLOG post I will teach you the three methods of dying a dry sensory base, the benefits of sensory play and my best storage tips!
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XO Gina
Before little hands hold a pencil, they should scoop & squish & dump & pour! The more opportunities they have to explore with sensory play, the stronger their fine motor skills will be. The stronger their fine motor skills, the easier it will be for them to learn how to feed themselves, zipper their coat, button their shirt or hold a pencil properly!
Activities like this sensory bin are also SO calming. They can help a child (or adult) strengthen their self-regulation skills, focus and attention, all through play! They can also provide a safe outlet for those experiencing big emotions.
They also activate the senses. The sound of the chickpeas as they move and drop and pour around the sensory bin is AMAZING. It is so engaging and fun and interactive for people of all ages!
If you do want to dye them, keep reading for directions and tips! Once colored, they will last for years and years (if stored properly). They also provide opportunities to introduce academic skills such as:
Color identification
Sorting
Patterning
Counting and MORE!!
Do you have to dye a sensory base? Absolutely NOT!! Will your kiddos experiences be just as magical without it? YES!
But, if you want to add an extra layer into their sensory play, I promise it is simple to do & a perfect opportunity to let your kiddo in on the fun. By letting them help with the process, they become even more invested in their play because THEY DID IT! How cool is that?!
For chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) I prefer to use the paint method.
Here are our THREE favorite ways to dye a dry sensory base:
White vinegar & food coloring
Acrylic paints
Liquid watercolor paints
Materials:
Your uncooked sensory base filler of choice (see above)
Food coloring and white vinegar OR Acrylic Paint OR liquid watercolor paints
Ziploc bag or container with lid
Parchment paper or Foil
Baking sheet
How To:
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
Pour the sensory base into the Ziploc bag or container.
Add your color to the base:
Food Coloring + Vinegar Method: For every 1 cup of base filler, add 1 tbsp of white vinegar. Then add 5-10 drops of food coloring.
Acrylic Paint Method: For every 1 cup of base filler, add 4-5 squirts of paint.
Liquid Watercolor Method: For every 1 cup of base filler, add 2-3 tablespoons of liquid watercolor paint.
Shake and squish until the color is fully incorporated.
If you want the color to be darker, add more food coloring or paint. Shake and squish again!
Pour dyed filler onto the lined baking sheet and spread out.
Let dry for 30 minutes to an hour. Lay out in the sun if possible & it will dry even quicker!
Sensory Play Supports:
Language development & vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
You can differentiate sensory bins so easily. Add in whatever you have, whatever your child is interested in and/or whatever academic concept you are exploring. I always suggest that you "shop your kitchen!" Grab whatever you have in there (that is safe for your child) and let them explore with it during sensory play!
What to add in to your sensory bin:
Measuring cups or bowls.
Funnels, Spoons or Strainers
Trucks, gems, plastic animals etc
Plastic letters or numbers
Storage:
Once you make a dry sensory base, store them in an air-tight container and they will last you YEARS!!! You can use a Ziploc bag or container with a lid. Keep them dry & you can reuse them over & over again for learning & play!
Do the colors get on kid's hands or surfaces?
NO! Once the sensory base is completely dry, there should be no transfer while you play. If you are seeing colors transfer to your hands or surfaces that your sensory base is not completely dry. If you get a sensory base wet during play, I would discard immediately.
Small items are choking hazards. Always monitor young children during sensory play. You get to decide what is safe & manageable in your home.
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