Sensory Activity Playdate

Friday morning we went on a Southern Illinois Parents and Kids Meetup playdate through http://www.meetup.com/.

The playdate was held at the organizer's church in Carbondale. The different sensory stations included:

- Bubble station (pictured below)
- Music station - homemade instruments/items
- Bean/Rice Tub - beans in one tub and rice in another with different scoops
- Shredded paper tub
- Oatmeal playdough station with cookie cutters (see recipe at bottom)
- Water tub - with sponges/bath toys
- Balls out on the front lawn
- Shaving cream tub - they could find toys in the shaving cream


Water tub

Hayes had a blast going around to all of the different stations and so did the other kids! It kept them completely occupied while we were there for 1 1/2 hours. You probably have these items at home or can get them very cheap at your local dollar store.

Here are some websites and resources for you and your child(ren) that were handed out at our playdate:

Sensory Integration Activities: http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-integration-activities.html Note- This site is for Sensory Processing Disorders, but is useful for every kid, not just those with disorders!

Sensory Activites for Babies: http://www.essortment.com/family/sensoryactiviti_soyp.htm

Sensory Diet Activities for Different Stages of Life: http://sensorysmarts.com/sensory_diet_activities.html

Oatmeal Playdough
1 cup flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup water

Gradually add water to flour and oatmeal in bowl. Knead until mixed (this playdough is sticky, but unique in texture). Model as with clay.

Tip: Add cornmeal or coffee grounds in small quantity for texture.