Exploring Sensory Play: Ice Skating Adventures for Young Minds

As a mother passionate about nurturing my daughter Sofia's curiosity and development, sensory play has been a cornerstone of our educational journey. Through these engaging experiences, Sofia not only discovers new textures and sensations but also expands her cognitive and motor skills while having an absolute blast.

Why Sensory Play Matters:

Sensory play is crucial for toddlers like Sofia as it stimulates their senses, fostering cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. By engaging in activities like fake snow and chickpea snowballs, shredded coconut snow and snowflakes, and ice skating arctic animals on snowflake-shaped Gatorade ice cubes, Sofia not only explores various textures but also hones her fine motor skills and imaginative thinking.

Sofia adores these sensory setups. Her eyes light up when she dives into the fake snow and chickpea snowballs, reveling in the chilly touch and tactile exploration. The shredded coconut snow and snowflakes evoke giggles and soft sensory pleasure, while the ice skating arctic animals skating on Gatorade ice cubes transport her to an imaginative wintry wonderland.

The Ice Skating Rink Play Decor:

To elevate the ice skating experience, I've designed a thematic decor setup. A vibrant menu and a charming banner adorned with wintry motifs set the scene. Flags flutter around the rink, while cutouts of drinks and snacks add to the ambiance, enhancing Sofia's playtime immersion.

The SENSORY FILLERS:

Sensory play takes many shapes and forms and often depends on the kid’s age. Here are three different snow-play bins for a variety of ages including taste-safe options.

1. Real Ice Snowflake Skating Rink: For this sensory bin, I used real ice. I froze blue gatorade in order to give the ice some color, but you could also use food coloring if you’d like. I used this fun snowflake silicone mold in order to freeze the water and enable the little characters to float around on the ice. I used bath toys from the Target dollar spot and froze them on the top of the ice cubes. I also used a regular square mold and a sphere mold to add more ice to the bin. Sofie loved moving them around the ice and skating them around.

2. Fake Shredded Coconut Snow: For a taste-safe bin, I used a bag of shredded coconut from the local Trader Joe’s. I used this filler because Sofie loves to snack, but I also had a feeling she wouldn’t love the flavor and get too full before lunch. She really loved immersing her hands in the texture and squeezing and mushing it together. She even tried to make little snow balls. I added these wooden snowflakes and wool balls to the bin as well.

3. Fake Snow: For this bin, I used powdered fake snow. You just put the powder in the bin and add a bit of water and the snow instantly puffs up. It was both fun to watch it form and fun to squeeze and play with. We added some chickpea “snow balls” in order to make it even more fun to sift and stir.

4. Chickpeas, rice, and sand: Using our InspireMyPlayTray, we creating 5 different compartments. We used two shades of painted purple chickpeas, blue dyed salt, and white sushi rice. We poured the rice into the middle of the play tray, poured chickpeas around the outer edge, and blue salt in the middle. Then we used our resin pieces from @LittleOctoberHouse to make the Ice Skating Scene. We also used our GoodnightFox Animal Acrylic Charms for character small world play.

Vocabulary Words for Toddlers:

1. Skates

2. Snowflakes

3. Penguin

4. Arctic

5. Ice

6. Glide

7. Frosty

8. Chill

9. Slush

10. Winter

11. Skateboard

12. Snowball

13. Snowman

14. Blizzard

15. Frost

16. Freeze

17. Glacier

18. Icicle

19. Polar

20. Snowplow

21. Mittens

22. Snowfall

23. Snowboard

24. Figure Skating

25. Snowdrift

By incorporating these words into play, toddlers like Sofia not only immerse themselves in the theme but also expand their vocabulary, setting a strong foundation for future learning and communication.

Sensory play isn't just about fun; it's a gateway to holistic development, fostering creativity, cognitive growth, and joyful learning experiences. As Sofia delights in these sensory bins, I revel in witnessing her joy and development, knowing that each setup sparks new discoveries and fuels her imagination.

Rainbow oat dough

Playdoh is a classic and beloved toy that has been used for generations to promote creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. However, many traditional playdoh products contain synthetic ingredients and preservatives that may be harmful to children or have negative environmental impact.

An alternative to traditional playdoh is homemade playdoh made out of oats. Oat playdoh is an all-natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly option that provides many benefits for children and their families.

One of the main benefits of oat playdoh is that it is safe for children to use. Since it is made from all-natural ingredients, there is no risk of harmful chemicals or synthetic materials coming into contact with children's skin or mouths. Additionally, oats are known to be hypoallergenic, making it a great option for children with sensitive skin or allergies.

Another benefit of oat playdoh is that it is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Oat playdoh can be made with ingredients found in most kitchens, such as oats, flour, salt, and water. It can also be flavored with natural extracts, such as vanilla or peppermint, to make it more appealing to children.

In addition, oat playdoh is an eco-friendly option, as it is made from sustainable and biodegradable materials. Unlike traditional playdoh, which can end up in landfills after being used, oat playdoh can be composted or even eaten.

Oat playdoh also promotes learning and development in children. Using it can help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity, as well as encouraging creativity and imaginative play. Children can use it to create different shapes, models, and patterns, helping to develop their problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills.

In conclusion, oat playdoh is a safe, eco-friendly, and versatile alternative to traditional playdoh. Not only it is easy to make and customize, but it also promotes learning and development in children. It is a great option for families looking for a natural and sustainable play option for their kids.

Lesson Plan: Learning Colors of the Rainbow with Playdoh (For Toddlers)

Monday:

• Introduction to the colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet

• Show flashcards of each color and have the children identify them.

• Introduce the playdoh, and have each child take a small piece of the natural playdoh in different colors, and let them explore the texture and color.

Tuesday:

• Review of the colors of the rainbow and their associated names.

• Show a picture of the rainbow and have the children identify the colors in order.

• Small group activity: Have the children work in pairs to create different shapes and patterns using the playdoh in the colors of the rainbow.

Wednesday:

• Review of the colors of the rainbow and their order.

• Introduce the concept of mixing colors to make new colors.

• Have the children mix different colors of playdoh together to create new colors and discuss the results.

Thursday:

• Review of the colors of the rainbow, their order, and the concept of mixing colors.

• Hands-on activity: Have the children create a rainbow using the playdoh in the correct order of colors.

• Encourage the children to use their creativity and imagination to create different designs and patterns within the rainbow.

Friday:

• Review of the week's lesson on the colors of the rainbow.

• Have the children share their rainbow creations with the class.

• End the week with a class discussion on how understanding the colors of the rainbow can help children in their daily lives, such as recognizing different colors of fruits, clothes, and traffic lights.

Note: Each day's activities should be adjusted based on the children's age and development level. Also, activities should be adapted to include different modalities such as visual, kinesthetic, auditory, and tactile to make it more engaging for kids. Use of natural playdoh is recommended as it is non-toxic, safe and easy to clean up.

Halloween Pumpkin Patch

The Benefits of Dramatic Play for Toddlers: Creating a Festive Pumpkin Patch Experience

Are you looking for an engaging and educational activity to captivate your toddler's imagination? Look no further than our pumpkin patch themed dramatic play kit! This immersive experience is not only fun for little ones but also offers a multitude of developmental benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages of dramatic play and delve into the delightful Flisat play table decor, showcasing a vibrant awning, banner, flag, rows of sunflowers, cut-out pumpkins, and a build-a-scarecrow activity. Additionally, we'll share three sensory play bins suitable for different age groups (0-1.5, 1.5-2.5, and 2.5+) and discuss our middle age group's favorite sensory bin filler - granola, which not only adds texture but also doubles as a tasty snack. Lastly, we'll unveil how my daughter adored this activity, pretending to scoop and sell granola at her very own pumpkin patch. Let's dive in!

The Benefits of Dramatic Play for Toddlers

Dramatic play, also known as pretend play or imaginative play, is a crucial aspect of a child's development. It allows toddlers to explore the world around them, express their thoughts and emotions, develop social and cognitive skills, and enhance their creativity. Engaging in imaginative play helps promote:
1. Language and Communication Skills: Through role-playing, children learn to use words to express their thoughts, communicate with others, and practice conversational skills.
2. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: When children engage in dramatic play, they encounter various scenarios that require problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. They learn to adapt and make choices while developing their cognitive skills.
3. Social and Emotional Development: Dramatic play encourages children to interact with their peers, promoting cooperation, empathy, and understanding. It allows them to explore different roles, perspectives, and emotions, developing their sense of self.

Captivating Flisat Play Table Decor

Our pumpkin patch dramatic play kit features a stunning Flisat play table decor arrangement that will transport your toddler to a magical fall wonderland. With an awning, banner, flag, rows of sunflowers, cut-out pumpkins, and a build-a-scarecrow activity, this setup sets the stage for an immersive and authentic pumpkin patch experience. The vibrant colors and charming design elements will ignite your child's imagination and bring the pumpkin patch to life in your very own home.

Sensory Play Bins for Different Age Groups

1. Ages 0-1.5: For our youngest pumpkin patch enthusiasts, we recommend a sensory play bin filled with soft fabric squares of different textures. This tactile experience enhances sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
2. Ages 1.5-2.5: Toddlers in this age group will delight in a sensory play bin filled with colorful play dough, small plastic pumpkins, and natural materials like leaves and twigs. This sensory bin encourages imaginative play, sensory exploration, and fine motor skill development.
3. Ages 2.5+: For older toddlers, a sensory play bin filled with dried corn kernels, mini plastic shovels, artificial sunflowers, and small containers promotes sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and imaginative play.

The Perfect Sensory Bin Filler: Granola

In our pumpkin patch themed dramatic play kit, we've introduced a sensory bin filler that not only adds texture but is also a delicious snack - granola! This wholesome choice appeals to the senses, providing a unique tactile experience while allowing children to satisfy their hunger during the activity. As they scoop and sell granola at their pumpkin patch, toddlers develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, numerical awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit.

My Daughter's Love for the Pumpkin Patch Activity

Watching my daughter engage with the pumpkin patch themed dramatic play kit was an absolute joy. She loved pretending to scoop and sell granola at her very own pumpkin patch, donning a smile that radiated her excitement. Her little hands skillfully picked pumpkins while sifting through the sensory delight of the granola-filled bin. It was a truly unforgettable experience that not only entertained her but also contributed to her development in numerous ways.
In conclusion, our pumpkin patch themed dramatic play kit offers a fantastic opportunity for toddlers to engage in imaginative play, fostering their language, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The vibrant Flisat play table decor, combined with the various sensory play bins suitable for different age groups, creates an immersive and educational experience. And the inclusion of granola as a sensory bin filler adds an element of taste and texture to the activity. So, why wait? Unleash your child's imagination and let them embark on a whimsical journey

Today we played pretend Pumpkin Patch and we had an absolute blast making up all of the things that we did at the real pumpkin patch this year. We used our Flisat table and filled the sensory tub full of granola and buried some pumpkins underneath to dig them out. We pretended to buy slices of pumpkin pie and eat them. And we of course built our own scarecrow and our own jack-o-lanterns with the printable kit.