In this BLOG post I will share six different candy cane-themed sensory activities!
Candy Cane Sensory Bin
Click HERE for the 3 different ways to dye a dry sensory base!!
Add it into a bin with your favorite scoops, bowls or spoons and PLAY!
Beaded Candy Canes
Materials:
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads (red and white or multicolored)
Sensory tray or bowl
Step 1: Gather your materials and put the beads in a bowl. This reduces their ability to roll around and get everywhere!
Step 2: If you are working with young children, help them with a starter bead. To make a starter bead, thread a bead onto the pipe cleaner until it is almost at the end. Twist the end of the pipe cleaner around the bead several times so that it will not fall off.
Step 3: Have the kids thread the remaining beads on the pipe cleaner. They can use all one color, make patterns or put them on in any order!
Step 4: When they get to the end, twist the last bead around the pipe cleaner like you did for the starter bead, so that they all stay on.
Step 5: Curve the pipe cleaner into a candy cane shape. Hang it on your tray or add it to a sensory bin for play!
Candy-Cane Play Dough
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Red and green food coloring
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a ball, remove from pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well (add essential oils now, if using).
Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
When making multiple colors (one red and one white), make one batch for each! The white dough we left as is and did not add any coloring, but we did sprinkle in some glitter before we kneaded it!
Here is where you can add an extra layer of sensory goodness!!! When you are kneading the red dough, add in a few drops of peppermint extract OR peppermint essential oil. Knead well and it will smell amazinggggg.
It is important to note that you want to mindful of young kiddos who may put their fingers in their eyes/nose/mouth. Direct contact with oils may sting if they get it in their eyes!
Once both of your doughs are made, roll them into a long snake shape. Twist them together to create the red/white rope and then shape it into a candy cane!!
As they explore, you can ask them questions such as:
What does the dough feel like?
What happens when the red and white dough mixes together?
Does the smell remind you of anything?
Candy Cane Oobleck
Materials:
(2) cups Cornstarch
(1) cup Water
5-8 drops of red food coloring
Sensory bin or bowls
Spoon
Step 1: Pour corn starch, water and food coloring in a tub or tray and mix well. Squirt the food coloring into the water first, then mix it all into the cornstarch. Repeat the steps to make a second batch, leaving that one as is, without food coloring.
Step 2: Pour the red Oobleck in one bowl and the white Oobleck in another. Allow the kids to mix and pour and scoop them together. As an alternative, you can pour both colors into one bin and let them swirl together,
Step 3: Add in your favorite scoops or bowls and PLAY!!
Make observations as you play:
How does it smell?
How does it feel?
What happens when you add more water to the Oobleck bin?
What does it look like as it dries?
APFL TIP: If you let Oobleck completely dry out and harden, you can store it in an airtight container. The next time you want to use it, simply add water to reactivate!
Candy Cane Chickpeas
Materials:
Dry chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Paint
Sensory tray or bowl
Ziploc bag or recycled take out tray
Parchment lined baking sheet
Click HERE to read all of the information on these fun and festive candy cane chickpeas!
Salt Writing Tray
Materials:
1 cup of salt
Red food coloring
Ziploc bag or container with lid
Baking dish lined with parchment paper
Measuring spoon
Sensory tray or bowl
Step 1: Pour the salt into the bag or container.
Step 2: Squirt in food coloring. Start with 5 drops for 1 cup of salt. Add more if you want a deeper color.
Step 3: Seal bag or put lid on container, then shake well until color is fully incorporated!
Step 4: Spread the salt out on a baking dish and let dry for 30 minutes to an 1 hour. If there are any clumps of food coloring, spread them out with a spoon- the clumps won't dry and will cause color transfer!
Step 5: Drop it on your sensory tray or bowl and practice writing, drawing and exploring!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.