According to Amanda Morgan - mother, educational consultant, and creator of the blog, Not Just Cute - "sensory play is really part of the scientific process". Through sensory experiences, children interact with and begin to order the world - learning how to ask questions, observe reactions, investigate, collect data, and reach conclusions - all using their five senses! With Valentine's Day coming up, here are some great sensory play ideas that are sure to be a hit!

valentine's day sensory tub — Photo Source: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Sensory Bin

This festive sensory bin was created by Allie of No Time For Flash Cards. With a base of dried beans - Allie suggests red lentils and navy beans - along with glittery heart confetti and foam heart cutouts, this simple tub is inexpensive, requires little work, and will keep your kiddos occupied for hours! Add a few spoons, measuring cups, miniature tongs, plastic heart shaped containers, and other 'exploration tools' and you're set!

valentine's day shaving cream sensory activity — Photo Source: www.thetraintocrazy.com

Shaving Cream Doodles

Here's one from The Train to Crazy. Gather cans of unscented shaving cream or containers of cool whip, add a few drops of red food coloring to tint the cream, then provide each student with a few dollops of Valentine's Day cream and let the the fun begin!

Call out letters and invite students to use the cream for some handwriting practice.
Invite students to create their own special designs, then press a piece of paper to the cream to create fun prints and artwork.
Have students practice drawing shapes in the cream.

valentine's day chocolate play dough sensory activity — Photo Source: countingcoconuts.blogspot.com

Chocolate Scented Play Dough

Round out your sensory play activities with play dough! Mari-Ann of Counting Coconuts suggests creating special Valentine's Day play dough that smells like chocolate (using chocolate extract) and providing students with heart cookie cutters and other fun tools! [BONUS: While you're there, be sure to check out Mari-Ann's Valentine's Day sensory bin too!]

With these sensory play activities, your Valentine's Day unit is sure to keep your students engaged, exploring, and learning!

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