Sharla Kostelyk

Playdough Made with Hair Gel

Homemade playdough is always so much better than store bought. Over the years, we have come up with some go-to playdough recipes that are sure to work. While there is nothing wrong with a guaranteed recipe, I wanted to try something different. This playdough made with hair gel certainly fits that description!

One of the nicest things about this recipe is that it doesn’t need cream of tartar. I don’t always have cream of tartar in the house, so it’s nice to be able to make playdough without it.

Playdough Made with Hair Gel:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of clear hair gel*
1/4 cup of water
neon food colouring
1 to 1 1/2 cups of flour

*Note: This doesn’t need to be good quality hair gel. The containers from the Dollar Store work just as well as the expensive kind.

Directions:

Place 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of the clear hair gel in a medium sized bowl.
Add 5 drops of neon food colouring to the liquid mixture.
Stir until this is well combined.
Add 1 cup of flour to the liquid.
Begin stirring until the contents begin to clump.
At this point, you can decide if you need to add additional flour. If the mixture feels sticky, add an additional 1/4 cup of flour, and continue to stir.
When the flour has been incorporated, test it for stickiness.
Add additional flour if needed.
When the playdough is no longer sticky, it is ready to play with!
Store in an airtight container when not in use.

Sensory play ideas with playdough:

Shape it onto a playdough mat.
Play Stuck in the Mud with toy cars.
Roll it, squish it, press it, shape it.
Use stamps or cookie cutters with the playdough.
Put out a variety of small objects like beads, sequins, and buttons for kids to press into the play dough. This is a great way to work on fine motor skills.
Another good fine motor activity is to cut rolls of playdough with scissors.
Make pretend food.

Some of our other homemade playdough recipes:

Calming Lavender Scented Playdough Peppermint Essential Oil Playdough

Glittery Snow Playdough

How to Create Sensory Bins Your Child will Love

By Sharla Kostelyk

It’s easy to create sensory bins your child will love. Sensory play allows kids to explore through their senses, to improve their vocabulary, practise their fine motor skills, and so much more. Sensory bins are an easy and versatile way to introduce this. Not all sensory bins are created equal. While just plunking a few items in a bin will still result in your child enjoying some sensory input and play, there are ways that you can create sensory bins your child will love.

Those awesome tubs will encourage hours of imaginative play. They will engage multiple senses and bring out the best of their imagination.

How to create sensory bins your child will love:

Incorporate as many senses as possible.

Most sensory bins will engage the visual and tactile senses, but the more senses you can engage, the better. Consider adding auditory (sound) elements. Add smell to provide olfactory input. Place things in the bin to challenge proprioception (pressure). Or even add a taste element to the bin.

Ideas to add sound:

- items with crunchy textures
- jingle bells
- sound shakers
- fill a small container with seeds or beads
- bubble wrap
- sound machine
- instruments
- answer buzzers

Ideas to add smell:

cinnamon sticks
essential oils
smell bottles
baby powder
flowers
citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)
coffee beans or grounds
chocolate or chocolate powder
tea or tea bags
herbs
grass

Ideas to add taste or oral sensory input:

harmonica
cooked noodles
edible playdough
dry cereal
edible water beads
ice cubes
whipped cream
pudding
jello
water
sprinkles
candy
snow

Ideas to add proprioception input:

bubble wrap
slime
playdough
cloud dough
rubber bands
packing peanuts

Use a variety of textures.

Incorporating different textures adds to the sensory experience. When possible, try to incorporate things that are opposites, such as something hard and something soft.

Ideas for adding texture:

paper shreds
cotton balls or cotton batting
ice
rocks or pebbles
fabric
bubble wrap
sandpaper
water beads
bricks or blocks
jello

Consider your child’s interests and passions.

Think about the things that your child is interested in. What do they talk a lot about? What are they passionate about? Incorporate that into a sensory bin.

They can even help you plan it out. Maybe your daughter is in a huge dinosaur phase. She probably knows more about dinosaurs than you do, so have her plan out what to include. Allow her to choose the sensory bin base and what items to place inside.

Choose a theme.

It’s easy to create a sensory bin around a theme. Themes also allow for great imaginative play for kids. You can find a huge list of sensory bin theme ideas here.

Include items that can be used for scooping, pinching, and pouring.

Include cups, bowls, tweezers, tongs, spoons, measuring cups or spoons, sieves, funnels, tubes, empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls, small shovels, jars, ladles, slotted spoons, strainers, tea infuser, and bottles. These will encourage a lot of exploration as well as providing opportunity for good fine motor practise.

Make each sensory bin unique.

It’s fun for kids to discover a new sensory bin. Surprising them with a fun new theme or new sensory bin fillers keeps them interested.

Let your child play.

Sensory bins work best when you allow your child to lead. This fuels their imagination. When their play is self-directed, children learn more and better retain what they learn. Create the sensory bin (either for your child or with your child) and then sit back and watch your child play.

These may also interest you:

Check out The Mega List of Sensory Bin Fillers and Tools for lots of great ideas of what to include in your next sensory tub.

If you feel stuck on deciding what to make, this list of sensory bin themes will help get your creativity going.

Bright Butterfly Sensory Bin

By Sharla Kostelyk

The inspiration behind this butterfly sensory bin was actually a package of pasta! I was at the store and spotted brightly coloured bow tie pasta. As soon as I saw it, I thought “those look like butterflies”. So of course I bought it so that I could make a butterfly sensory bin.

The pasta looks so much like little butterflies that the other butterflies in this sensory bin blend in with it. The kids enjoyed exploring with this activity.

Butterfly Sensory Bin:

Materials needed:

brightly coloured bow tie pasta in a variety of colours*
clear silicone butterfly stamps
butterfly shaped cookie cutter
butterfly shaped foam piece
small magnifying glass
plastic butterflies from the butterfly Toob
glow in the dark butterfly wand (I find a 3 pack of these at the dollar store)

*If you can’t find bow tie pasta that’s already coloured, you can buy regular bow tie pasta and colour it yourself. You can find a tutorial on dying pasta for sensory play here.

Directions:

Pour the dry pasta into a plastic bin.
Add the other items.
You can also add small cups or bowls as scoops.
Invite your child to play!

This sensory bin provides visual, auditory, and tactile sensory input.

I always find it interesting the way that each of my kids approaches a sensory bin differently. This one was no different. One of our sons just scooped around in the bin, hiding butterflies and finding them and even mindlessly running his fingers through it to hear the sound of the dry pasta moving. One of our daughters took her time examining the butterflies with the magnifying glass while commenting on their features. She also enjoyed squishing the silicone stamps and foam piece.

Another of our daughters went about her play very differently. She carefully picked out individual pasta shapes and methodically built a large butterfly on the counter. She planned out the colours and had everything just so. Later, she brushed the pasta into her hands and put the pieces back in the bin.

Ways to expand this and make this sensory bin part of a unit on butterflies:

I bought the shaped foam piece that went in the sensory bin in a large pack. If you do this, you can use the remaining foam to have kids decorate their own. They can use glitter pens, markers, sequins and glue, or stickers.

Use pasta, beans, leaves, a twig, and paper plate to create a butterfly life cycle visual.

Raise your own butterflies. We did this one summer and the kids were absolutely fascinated. You can purchase butterfly raising kits that walk you through how to do this. My kids were in awe when the butterflies emerged from their cocoons.

Insect Lore Butterfly Growing Kit – With Voucher to Redeem Caterpillars Later

Set out books about butterflies:

Butterfly Butterfly: A Book of Colors Handbooks: Butterflies & Moths: The Clearest Recognition Guide Available Butterfly Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8 My, Oh My–A Butterfly!: All About Butterflies Butterflies For Kids: A Children’s Picture Book About Butterflies From Caterpillar to Butterfly The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Butterfly Sensory Bag

Mermaid Stress Balls

By Sharla Kostelyk

Homemade stress balls are so easy to make. They are so much less expensive than the store bought ones and I actually like the feel of them better as well. We have been making DIY stress balls for years, but this time, I wanted to try something a little bit different, so we made mermaid stress balls.
I really love the way they turned out. They look super fun, but they also offer a very different tactile experience because of the textures in them. Children will enjoy exploring through their sense of touch.

Stress balls are sometimes called squeeze balls or sensory balls. Kids can get visual and tactile sensory input from these. Homemade stress balls are also a great calming tool for kids (and adults). They are perfect for including in your child’s calm down kit.
These are also small enough to be kept in a backpack, desk or a child’s room. This enables kids to have a calm down tool with them wherever they go. They also make a great fidget and are quiet to play with, so most teachers don’t mind students using them in the classroom.

Squeezing stress balls can ease tension and when combined with calm down breathing techniques, are an effective method of reducing overall stress or calming down in the moment.

*Please note that there are small parts in these stress balls and the small parts and the balloon are choking hazards so as with all sensory play activities, adult supervision should be used at all times.

How to make mermaid stress balls:

Materials needed:

blue, green, and clear water beads
faux pearls
holographic white glitter
clear balloons
small funnel or an empty water bottle

Water Beads Faux Pearls Holographic Glitter Clear Balloons

Directions:

Soak the water beads according to the directions on the package so that they are full sized.
Stretch the end of the balloon over the end of a small funnel or the tip of an empty water bottle.
Add the glitter, faux pearls and water beads to the balloon. You want to fill it until it is the size you want.
Tie off the end of the balloon. Cut the excess away.
Your mermaid stress ball is now ready to squeeze, squish or hold.

Get 175 sensory activity ideas in convenient printable lists which are ideal for using in the home, classroom or in a therapeutic setting.

You may also want to read:

What to Include in a Calm Down Kit

Mermaid Sensory Bag

Homemade Stress Balls

Hair Care: Tips for Kids with Sensory Struggles

By Sharla Kostelyk

Hair care can be torture for some kids with sensory issues. While all of us have sensory preferences, for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder or autism, having their hair washed, combed, or cut can go beyond just being unpleasant. I’ve put together a list of tips to help kids who struggle with sensory issues when it comes to their hair.

Lately, a lot of readers have been contacting me for advise about their child’s hair. I understand this concern well as one of our sons used to cower in the corner when he saw me reach for the hair brush. He would scream and beg me not to comb his hair.

Mornings became difficult for both of us. His beautiful curls became knotted if I gave in to his pleas not to comb it which only made it worse. And bath times were another battle ground as he hated the feeling of the water on his face when rinsing the shampoo off.

Obviously with his scalp being as sensitive as it was, there was absolutely no way he would allow a hairdresser near his head.

We got to the point where we just shaved his hair super short so that it didn’t have to be such a daily battle.

Since then, I’ve learned a lot about sensory and together, he and I have come a LONG way! He is a teenager now and actually enjoys getting his hair cut at the barber. He does prefer to keep it short still, but is happy to have it washed and cut.

A lot of sensory kiddos are super sensitive about having their hair washed, cut, combed or even touched. There are many reasons for this.

Sensory Reasons for Hair Struggles:

Vestibular – Some kids are sensitive to having their head tilted backwards or forward for rinsing when having their hair washed. Your vestibular system controls your body’s sense of balance and motion. Kids with vestibular issues can feel unsteady, uncomfortable, or even afraid when tipping their head.

Olfactory (Scent) – Your child may be sensitive to the smell of the hair products you are using on them.

Tactile – Many children with sensory issues have very sensitive scalps or are sensitive to touch in general from hands, brushes or combs, and even water. Water on their face, in their eyes, or having shampoo get in their eyes can be difficult for all kids, let alone ones with higher sensitivities. Tactile is the most common reason for problems with hair care in kids with sensory sensitivities.

Auditory – Some kids struggle with the sound of the clippers at the hairdresser or the sound of the water in a shower.

Tips for managing hair care and sensory needs:

Determine the root cause. Talk to your child and also make your own observations and see if you can determine what the biggest sensory issues are. That way, you’ll be tackling things accurately.
Acknowledge to them and to you that this is not a child being difficult. This is a real thing that is causing them real pain or discomfort. Doing this will give you more patience and empathy.
Wash their hair less often. Kids do not need their hair washed daily (unless your physician has given you a medical reason why your child does). Every third day should be sufficient unless they happen to play in the mud on the in between days. You can also use a dry shampoo for the days in between if you’re concerned about the cleanliness of their hair.
If shampoo is your main battle, skip the shampoo. Wash with water and a conditioner and use dry shampoo.
Give your child more control in the process. Allow them to choose their hair products. Let them smell shampoos and conditioners at the store and decide what they like or buy unscented. Let them comb and style their own hair.
Choose a low maintenance hair style for them. This was easier for me to do with my son than it was when one of my daughters had a hard time with having her hair combed and wanted it cut short, but I knew that “pretty hair” wasn’t worth the tears it would take every day to get there.
Don’t expect your child to hold still while you comb or style their hair. Give them a fidget to play with or a weighted lap pad. Let them play Lego or watch TV or both. It won’t be easy for you to comb hair on a moving target, but it will be less stressful if they are less upset.
Make changes. (see list below)

Try a different comb such as a Tangle Teaser or Wet Brush.
Try a bath rather than a shower or a shower rather than a bath.
Wash their hair in the sink rather than in the bath.
Try dumping water on their head using a Rinse Cup rather than having them tip their head back.
Have your child use a Bath Visor to avoid getting as much water on their face. You can also use this during haircuts to avoid pieces of hair getting on their face.
Allow your child to wear swim goggles or a snorkel mask in the bath or shower.
Be sure you are using an excellent detangler so that knots are not making the hair combing situation even worse.
Use a visual timer so that your child knows how long they have to “endure” having their hair brushed.

Rinse Cup for hair washing Bath Visor Dive Mask Swim Goggles Visual Timer Tangle Teezer Brush Wet Brush Dry Shampoo

A note about haircuts:

Our hairstylist comes to our house and used to cut our kids’ hair where they are comfortable while they play with toys or read or watch TV to distract them. If this isn’t possible for you, pass these tips along to your salon to help them be more sensory friendly.

You also may want to ask them about the calming clipper kit. This sensory friendly barber kit is made just for kids with sensory needs. You can also use it yourself at home where your child is most comfortable.

Biggest tip about hair and sensory needs:

As odd as this sounds, don’t work at all on trying to increase your child’s ability to handle having her head or hair touched. Leave the hair alone as much as possible and instead, focus on increasing other sensory activities: sensory play, heavy work, sensory input.

If you are working with an OT, ask them about dry brushing. This type of brushing is for the skin, not the hair, but is best under the care of an OT.

By increasing your child’s range of sensory experiences (sensory diet), it will eventually begin to be easier for them to have their head and hair touched.

Get a copy of Sensory Processing Overload Signs to print off and keep as a reminder here.

Going on a Bug Hunt Sensory Bin

By Sharla Kostelyk

The contrast of the bright colours against the black beans makes this Bug Hunt Sensory Bin so visually appealing. If you’re brave, you can include real life bugs in this sensory activity as well!

clear plastic bin filled with black beans, bug net, dandelions, bright coloured toy bugs, and bug container with blue lid

If you’re like me, you can invite your child to add insects that they find but keep your distance and insist that they keep the bin outside! Adding real life insects allows a whole other level of exploration and discovery. This sensory bin encourages interacting with nature and can begin with a nature hunt.

This activity is perfect for classrooms or preschools or homeschools. It can be incorporated into an insect unit in science or be a sensory break option during springtime.

Bug Hunt Sensory Bin:

Materials needed:

plastic bin
dry black beans
plastic bugs (bright colours look best on the black background)
Outdoor Discovery Kit you can find it on Amazon or at Dollar Tree. The kit includes a bug net, bug catcher, tweezers, magnifying glass, and bug containers – perfect for catching and observing real bugs!
flowers, leaves, and grass

Outdoor Discovery Kit Plastic Bugs Dry Black Beans

Instructions:

Begin by putting half of the pretend insects in the plastic bin you plan to use.
Add half of the flowers, grass and leaves that your child has gathered.
Pour the dry black beans into the bin so that the items you have already placed inside are covered.
Add the remaining plastic bugs and flowers, grass, and leaves to the bin. You can push them down a bit into the beans so that they are slightly covered.
Add tweezers, a small bug net, magnifying glass, and a small container for examining specimens.
Invite your child to go on a bug hunt in the bin. Have them try to identify the types of insects they find.
Optional: Arm your child with the bug catcher and one of the bug containers and have them go on a real bug hunt. They can then add the bug container to the sensory bin or add the bugs themselves to the bin (be sure to do this outdoors!).

Learning and Sensory Opportunities:

This bug hunt sensory bin offers visual, tactile, and auditory sensory input. If kids carry the bin, this offers proprioceptive feedback as it will be quite heavy. Hands-on learning will be happening while their sensory needs are met. There are opportunities for communication and vocabulary expansion while they explain their observations and ask questions.

This sensory bin provides excellent options for fine motor practise. The tweezers and the bug catcher each give kids the chance to use and improve their fine motor skills. Children can learn about insects as they explore this bin. This can happen with the plastic insects only or with the addition of those found in nature. They can make observations in a nature journal or discuss what they learn. You can set out books about bugs that they can use as references.

Book Suggestions to go along with a Bug Sensory Bin:

Bugs Galore

This silly book will keep kids engaged with its retro illustrations and plenty of rhymes. Great introduction to bugs for little learners.

The Bug Book

This book is factual meets fun for preschoolers. Kids can explore all kinds of bugs in vivid photographs to learn more about the insects they might see this summer in their own backyard.

Some Bugs

With cute rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this book embraces the behaviours of backyard bugs and encourages exploration for preschoolers.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

In this classic book, a very hungry caterpillar (as the title suggests) munches his way through a variety of goodies to transform into a beautiful butterfly.

Big Bug Book

I’m a sucker for pop-up books. This one is packed with all kinds of creepy, crawly fun!

The Ants Go Marching

This book is a good segue into taking your insect unit into other subjects such as math for preschoolers. The repetition and counting up to 5 is a great early learning approach to math that kids can’t get enough of.

Bugs Galore The Bug Book Some Bugs The Very Hungry Caterpillar The Big Bug Book: A Pop-up Celebration The Ants Go Marching: A Count-and-Sing Book