Art Projects
SensoryToddlersPreschoolersGrade School10 Comments
This sensory art activity came from going back to the basics and doing such a simple sensory activity for toddlers. It kept them busy all day, and they were so happy doing it! Completely worth the little mess it made!
After walking Henry to school in the morning, we walked to the bakery and then back home. I had a meeting with another mom to plan her son’s first birthday cake, so I needed a quick activity that would keep the kids busy while I chatted.
I went back to simple.
Simple always works. Why don’t I do it more often? Really.
I rolled out some clear contact paper and taped it to the floor, sticky side up. Such a simple sensory activity with just that.
That’s all it took for lots of fun!
The boys walked along the sticky contact paper in their bare feet. Feeling the paper stick to them as they tried to lift their feet up.
Want more ways to keep toddler busy? Try these 50 activities that are perfect for your toddler!
Listening to the sound of it as it peeled off their skin. It actually had a popping sound, much like bubble wrap packaging does (here’s an art project using bubble wrap too).
The boys ran across it, laid down on it, stuck their stuffed animals to it.
And then finally, I brought out some little craft supplies. Pom poms, sequins and scrap pieces of paper. (Yes, these are all in my craft cupboard.)
I didn’t hand them my hold stash, because well, I knew it would be dumped out. Read on Bouceback Parenting why the dumping stage is actually important.
Instead, I gave them each a little container to stick onto the contact paper.
They stuck the pieces on there all day (seriously, this was an all day activity).
Henry even joined in when he got back from school and made houses and buildings and bridges.
George had more fun dumping the pieces on and spread it out all over.
Louis enjoyed just walking over it all still, enjoying the feeling on his feet and the sound it made.
I did find lots of little pieces of sequins all over our floors over the next couple of days… but so worth it for the time they spent busy with their sensory art!
Another two sensory art activities to try:
Find more sensory activities below:
- A Fun Shaving Cream Activity for Hands on Learning
- 34 Edible Sensory Play Ideas For Kids That Put Everything in Their Mouth
- Soapy Sensory Foam Activity for Kids
- Flour Play Sensory Activity for Toddlers
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Karen Fisher says
Great art
Sandy says
Where did u got the sticky paper?
joye Newman says
I just found your site and I am thrilled. We are singing the same tune. Please visit our page, Growing an In-Sync Child, where I post articles about play, the dangers of technology and the importance of movement. You may also want to check out our books, Growing an In-Sync Child and The In-Sync Child Activity Cards book.
This is so exciting!!!
Crystal says
Yes, simple yet engaging! I am learning that sometimes the most simple activities can be the funnest and most rewarding for my children…and me! Sometimes just tearing paper for 20 minutes is a blast for my kiddos! Definitely gonna try this one. With a 4 year old and a 16 month old, I think it will accommodate both their levels right now. Thanks!
Michelle Caskey says
My boys also loved to do this kind of stuff when they were younger. So many fun memories! Thanks for posting the pics. It was heartwarming to see how thrilled they were. That is learning at its best! :)
Jamie Reimer says
:) Thanks Michelle! It was so much fun, but so so simple. Which IS the best!