Sensory Rice and Pasta
Dry Sensory Play
Maddison’s favourite thing to do is play in sensory rice and pasta as part of her therapy program. To make it more fun I like to colour the rice and pasta and make it all pretty.
I have included the recipe in a free printable download at the end.
Wondering what Sensory Play is?
Sensory Play includes any activity that stimulates your child’s senses :
- Touch
- Smell
- Taste
- Movement
- Balance
- Sight
- Hearing
Sensory Play is important in building nerve connections in the brain pathways to build the ability to complete complex tasks.
Sensory Play supports language development, cognitive ability, fine and gross motor skills, social interaction, developing memory and helps calm anxiety or frustration.
You will need:
- 2 bags of uncooked rice or pasta
- Vinegar (or substitute with water)
- Food colouring of choice
- 4 – 6 large sandwich bags
- Oven trays lined with baking paper for drying
Instructions:
- Divide uncooked pasta or rice into the sandwich bags.
- Add a splash of vinegar (or water) roughly ½ tsp into each bag.
- Add 15-20 drops of food colouring into each bag then close and gently shake. If not all covered add more colouring to the bag.
- Empty contents of bag onto baking tray for drying approx 1-3 hours
- Once dry add to play tray or tub and let kids explore.
We have used sensory play pasta and rice for:
- Fine motor skills
- Colour recognition
- Spelling
- Numbers
- Imaginative play
- Pouring activity with cups and funnel
- Finding objects like hide and seek
- Scented for an extra sensory experience
Our fabulous tongs and scoops are from Global Gumnut and Nursery located in the Perth Hills. – Check out her Etsy shop here
Get your free copy of the "Colouring Sensory Rice and Pasta" recipe today!
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Author - Jodie Lowen
Jodie Lowen is the owner of Wheatbelt Kids and a mother of two. She lives in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia and has worked in education for many years. Jodie is passionate about social media marketing and using online platforms to build community connections.
