Ice Play - Sensory Activity

Children are naturally curious and love to explore. Sensory activities are great for children because it gives them the opportunity to explore. Sensory activities are also a way for children to play and create, while stimulating all five of their senses: vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

Children learn best when all or most of their senses are engaged. They learn about the world through seeing, feeling, smelling, hearing, and tasting. Children become little scientists during sensory activities as they figure out and become familiar with objects or materials that they encounter. Exposing children to sensory activities can help them grow because it promotes brain stimulating activities. Sensory activities can help children cognitively as they learn problem solving and decision making. They observe how two things react to each other, like toys that float or sink in water. Sensory activities can also improve memory as children store information about different objects that they experience while using their senses. Eye-hand coordination, language development, and creativity also improve as children play with sensory activities.

Playing with water, sand, paint, food, or play dough are great objects to use for sensory activities. An example of a quick and easy-to-make sensory activity to engage your child with is ice water. It's simple and fun for children who love to play with water!

What you will need:
1. A bowl or tub to play in
2. Water
3. Ice
4. Toys, cups, or other small objects to play with

Add little measuring spoons, cups, or toys to play with. Try using objects that either float or sink to help teach your child.

And always remember to have fun!

For more information on sensory play, visit pbs.org