Sensory Play Recipes
Sensory Play Recipes Author: Krista Flack, MS OTR/L
In my blog last week I mentioned a couple ideas for making holiday-themed sensory bins. This week I’m going to expand on that and include a few favorite recipes, along with a few I’ve been wanting to try.
One favorite is Glacier Gak. This slime is such a fun texture! While hands get messy in the mixing process, the end result is more similar to Silly Putty. The ingredients are simple to find (you may have them around the house already), including Borax powder (or in some recipes, liquid starch) and glue. Here are a few links to variations to the recipe, some that use glitter glue, scents, and even sequins: Santa Slime, Grinch Slime, Holiday Slime, and Slime Balls. This site has even more variations, all with a holiday theme!
Another fun (and messy!) one is Quicksand Goo. Using corn starch and water, this recipe is very simple. Like quicksand, this goo changes thickness depending on how it’s manipulated. It’s fun to roll into a ball, then watch it melt away as it sits still.
Play snow is fun to make this time of year, especially here in the south where we don’t get to experience the real thing. This easy recipe uses baking soda and hair conditioner, while this one uses corn starch and baby oil, and this one uses corn starch and shaving cream. It’s fun to try different recipes and compare the textures.
There are endless recipes online for making homemade “play dough.” Some require baking, some require use of the stove top, and some are just a mixing bowl away from being ready. The different recipes can result in doughs of varying textures. The cooked versions tend to last a bit longer for multiple days of play. With a little searching, you can find edible recipes, scented recipes, and ideas for items to add in for some fun novelty! If you find a favorite recipe, please share with us!
For a dry sensory bin addition, follow this easy recipe for dying rice or noodles using vinegar and food coloring, or this recipe using Kool-Aid and rubbing alcohol. Liquid watercolors can result in more vivid colors, but for simplicity, the food coloring and Kool-Aid methods work just fine!
