Playing in rice. Sometimes it is the simplest play that is the most intriguing to our kids. We needed a different activity at our house one afternoon. I threw about 4 cups of rice into a 13X9 inch pan, grabbed a couple of measuring cups, a measuring spoon, and a scoop took it outside on a cheap quilt where Ruby played and played. It was just simple, wonderful play.
When your kids play with a sensory material such as rice they are developing their fine motor skills, learning cause and effect, increasing their attention span and much more. If you want to learn more about sensory play, check out the details here at “Why is Sensory Play so Important”.
She poured…
…and sprinkled.
She listened to it tinkle as it hit the metal measuring cup.
If the pan would have been big enough, she would have climbed in. Instead she held her leg over the pan and poured rice over it.
Set up for Rice Play
- 3 or 4 cups of rice or more
- A shallow container for the rice: a box, a cake pan, a storage box
- Scoops, measuring spoons, cups
Easy, breezy! Monitor for safety, we don’t need rice in ears and noses!
If you have a toddler and want to try a paint here is an edible paint recipe:
For summer time water play is super cool sensory play! This activity uses toys and kitchen utensils to explore sink and float.
To kick it up a notch try Critter Painting, one of my favorites!
