In this BLOG post I will share six different gingerbread-themed sensory activities and a free lowercase letters printable!
Frozen Gingerbread People
Materials:
Ice cube tray or bowl
Food coloring
Sensory tray or bowl
Pipette or medicine dropper
Water
Step 1: I absolutely adore this gingerbread mold and it can be used for so many different things! You can also do this in a regular ice cube tray and call it gingerbread squares!
Step 2: Food coloring is optional, a few drops go a long way. Add it in now if using and fill with water.
Step 3: Freeze for a few hours (length will depend on size and shape that you use) until solid.
Step 4: When frozen, place in a sensory tray or bowl, add medicine droppers, pipettes, squirt bottles or wooden mallets. Also add a few cups or a bowl or warm water.
Step 5: Squirt, squeeze or bang the ice until they melt!
Gingerbread Moon Sand
Materials:
Flour
Ground Cinnamon
Vegetable oil
Mixing bowl
Measuring cup
Sensory tray or bowl
Step 1: Gather your materials and set up your sensory spot.
Step 2: Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl & mix well.
Step 3: Once the oil is incorporated, I like to go in with my hands and really blend all of the materials together. This also gives you a feel for the moon sand: if it feels sticky, add a bit more flour. If it feels too dry, add a bit more oil! The texture should be soft and squishy. You should be able to easily make a sandcastle but also easily crumble it away.
Step 4: Add in your favorite trinkets and PLAY!
IMPORTANT:
There is a difference between taste safe and edible. This recipe is not meant for full consumption. If your kiddo is still heavily exploring with their mouths I would save this one for later!
In order for this to be considered taste safe, you must bake the flour on a sheet pan at 350° for 10-15 minutes. This kills any bacteria that may be found in the flour.
Gingerbread Play Dough
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a solid ball, remove from the pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well.
Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
Gingerbread Oobleck
Materials:
(2) cups Cornstarch
(1) cup Water
1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon
Sensory bin or bowls
Spoon
Step 1: Pour corn starch, water, cinnamon and food coloring in a tub or tray and mix well.
Step 2: 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!
Gingerbread Rice Bin
Click HERE for the 3 different ways to dye a dry sensory base!!
Add it into a bin with your favorite scooos, bowls or spoons and PLAY!
Salt Writing Tray
Materials:
1 cup of salt
Brow 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.
Step 5: Drop it on your sensory tray or bowl and practice writing, drawing and exploring!
Click HERE for the FREE gingerbread lowercase alphabet cards!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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