Snow in the Sink

It's really as simple as that. Collect a bucket of snow outside...and pour it into the sink!!

I've found that as much fun as it is to play outside in the snow (and we do that too all the time) you can really explore and experience the snow better when you are nice and warm inside the house. Not to mention up close and personal with the snow up at eye-level.

And clean up is as easy as waiting for it all to melt.

Sensory Beans

Zeke enjoyed the beans so much in our dry pouring activity that this week I set up a small tub of mixed dry beans for sensory exploration. I also included a spoon and cup so he could spoon beans if he so chose. And did he ever choose. This has been a constant in the house this week. Spooning, sorting, or just plain feeling.

Zen Garden

Inspired by the Magic Onions, I made Zeke a Zen Garden for letter Z.

They made theirs in a 9x13 casserole pan, but I used an empty storage tub (previously the home of our 12-18 months clothes). I thought the higher sides would help in my sand control efforts, and the lid would keep the cats out when it wasn't in use. I thought about making pretty little tools like the Magic Onions had...but then Sunday night came and I wanted to crochet instead. So Zeke only gets a stick and a shell scooper to make his designs.

Sensory Bag

All you have to do for this one is fill a baggie with shaving cream, and then a few drops of food coloring. Be sure to tape over the opening, for extra enforcement. Squish away, and try to get all the color mixed in.

With two different colors of food coloring, or paint, you could also use these sensory bags to explore color mixing.

Playdough Recipe

Sometimes we have the store bought stuff around the house, but sometimes we don't. This is a tried and true recipe I've been using for years. Back when I taught preschool I made a new batch about once a month.

3 Cups Flour
1 1/2 Cups Salt
3 Cups Water
2 Tbs Vegetable oil
1 Tbs Cream of Tartar

Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large saucepan and cook over a medium low heat, until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan. Remove from heat and cool until it can be handled.

Knead a few times with any food coloring, glitter, baking extract (for smell), sand (for texture) or whatever else you can think to add.

Store it in a sealed bowl.