Discovering how well coconut flakes work as snow inspired me to create an arctic sensory bottle with them. I hadn’t thought of using coconut before but when we found several bags in our pantry that had expired, I didn’t want them to completely go to waste. I saw that they might work as a sensory bin/bag/bottle filler and tried it in our Christmas I-Spy sensory bag. It really did look like snow!
To create this arctic sensory bottle, fill an empty bottle with the items below.
Materials needed:
- large empty water bottle (I used a Voss water bottle because I like the shape of them)
- bag of coconut flakes
- white feathers
- plastic snowflakes
- arctic toob
Some of the items from the arctic toob don’t fit into the mouth of the bottle (such as the igloo), so I set those ones aside to use in our arctic sensory bag. It can be easier to layer some coconut and then one or two of the items and then add some more of the coconut before adding other items.
Arctic Toob by Safari
VOSS Water Plastic BottlesWhite Craft Feathers
Once all the items are in, add the lid back onto the bottle and your arctic sensory bottle is ready to use for play. If you have younger children, you may want to hot glue the lid in place so that they can’t open it. As with all sensory and exploration activities for kids, adult supervision is of course recommended.
This sensory bottle would be a great addition to a learning unit on the North.
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