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Sensory Strewing

By Sharla Kostelyk

(This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure policy.)

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Strewing is a concept I first became familiar with as a homeschooler. It made so much sense to me. It took me years though to transfer that same concept over into something I call sensory strewing. Sensory Strewing is a great way to help kids discover their own sensory preferences and meet their sensory needs. #sensory #spd #sensoryprocessingexplained #sensoryprocessingdisorder #specialneedsparenting

What is Strewing?

Strewing just means to scatter things about. When it comes to homeschooling, strewing is an intentional scattering of educational materials or making things available for kids to learn and be creative on their own.

Many parents do strewing without even realizing that they are doing it. Leaving a book on the coffee table in the hopes that it will catch your child’s eye or using toy bins that tip down so that kids can see what’s inside are forms of “unintentional strewing”.

Parents who purposefully do strewing do so with the intention of allowing their kids to discover things on their own that will enhance their learning and creativity.

What is Sensory Strewing?

Full disclosure, I may have made up the term. Although, perhaps others have used it before me. I took the idea of strewing for a child’s learning and transferred that to a child’s sensory needs.

When it comes to sensory, kids know what feels good to them. They know what is uncomfortable for them as well. That is what makes sensory strewing such a wonderful idea.

It allows kids to explore their own sensory preferences and meet their own sensory needs. It offers opportunities to also discover new sensory preferences or go out of their “sensory comfort zone” by trying new things.

Sensory strewing works best if your child is already familiar with sensory play and with the sensory systems. This resource is a great way to help them learn the 8 sensory systems.

Important note: When sensory strewing, you want to consider sensory avoiders as well as sensory seekers. While it may be easier to find things for sensory seekers, leave out items such as noise cancelling headphones for avoiders.

Of course another purpose of sensory strewing is to offer a non-threatening way to help sensory avoiders venture into trying new sensory elements.

How we do Sensory Strewing in our Home:

I strategically place sensory play opportunities or sensory tools in areas I know my kids will be. I place sensory doughs or sensory bins on the counter where they sit to eat their breakfast. As they take bites of their cereal or toast, their hands find their way into the bin and they begin playing.

I place weighted sensory bottles, weighted stuffed animals, and weighted lap pads intentionally near where I know my kids sit to read. This weighted snake hung over the back of the computer chair may end up on their shoulders or on their lap.

I leave out baking supplies in plain view knowing that my girls love to bake, which will lead them to rolling and kneading and mixing.

We have a variety of musical instruments, both purchased and homemade within eyesight.

I rotate the sensory bins, sensory bottles, and sensory bags to that they are always discovering new ones. Sometimes I introduce a new one to them, but usually, I just leave it in the open for them to find.

In the higher traffic areas of our house such as the playroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room, I leave out sensory rich toys, games, art supplies, fidgets, and opportunities for sensory play. I leave them on the coffee table, the bookshelves, the kitchen table, counter, and windowsill.

I also take this concept outside. Our yard is filled with opportunities for sensory input. We have a climbing wall, sandbox, trampoline, merry-go-round (amazing for vestibular input!), ropes course in the trees, and of course, the trees themselves for climbing. Seasonal items such as shovels, snow forms, bubbles, sidewalk paint, and parachutes get strategically placed as well.

Instead of having all the books (including the sensory rich ones) on the bookshelf, I rotate a few on top of the bookshelf along with a fidget or palm massager. You don’t want to create clutter with your strewing. In fact, if there is too much clutter in the house, your kids won’t notice the items you have intentionally left out for sensory purposes.

Sensory Strewing is About Discovery:

Strewing is all about creating opportunity. It is not your responsibility to have your child take advantage of every single opportunity you’ve laid out. Part of this process lets you discover what sensory activities and tools most appeal to your child. That’s the beauty of it.

If you get involved and “remind” your child about something you’ve set out or point things out to them, it defeats the purpose.

There are times for guiding your child through sensory play, but strewing is not about that. Sensory strewing about the thrill of the discovery. It’s about letting your child take the lead and delighting in their finds. In this, you are the observer.

Sensory Strewing Ideas:

Kitchen

Leave out snacks that are crunchy, straws, and chewing gum. These are all excellent for gustatory input as well as for proprioception. Sucking through a straw can also be calming.

Playdough Stations

apple tree made out of playdough on a blue backgroundApple Tree Colour and Counting Playdough Game
Calming Lavender Scented Playdough
Dinosaur Fossils in Playdough
Frozen Inspired Elsa Microwave Playdough
Gingerbread Playdough Station
Melting Ice Cream Playdough
Nativity Playdough Invitation to Play
Peppermint Essential Oil Christmas Playdough
Peter Rabbit Playdough Invitation to Play
pink circle cookie cutter next to yellow playdough covered in candy sprinklesPudding Playdough
Seashell Fossils in Playdough
Snow Playdough and invitation to playSnow Playdough
Transportation Alphabet Playdough Mats
Valentine’s Day Playdough Station
Valentine’s Chocolate and Strawberry Playdough

Outdoor Sensory Strewing Ideas

6-ft Play Tunnel for Kids6-ft Play Tunnel for Kids6-ft Play Tunnel for KidsCaterpillar Play Tunnel and TentCaterpillar Play Tunnel and TentCaterpillar Play Tunnel and TentKids Play Parachute 12ftKids Play Parachute 12ftKids Play Parachute 12ftMonkey Bars Climbing TowerMonkey Bars Climbing TowerMonkey Bars Climbing TowerWater TableWater TableWater TableSand TableSand TableSand TableDouble HammockDouble HammockDouble HammockTrampoline with NetTrampoline with NetTrampoline with NetGazillion BubblesGazillion BubblesGazillion BubblesSunny Patch Blossom Bright SprinklerSunny Patch Blossom Bright SprinklerSunny Patch Blossom Bright SprinklerPenguin Snow ToyPenguin Snow ToyPenguin Snow ToySnowball MakerSnowball MakerSnowball Maker

Touch and Feel Books

See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory BookSee, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory BookSee, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory BookWhat I Like About Me!What I Like About Me!What I Like About Me!TailsTailsTailsI Dare You!I Dare You!I Dare You!Noisy Farm (Touch and Feel Sound Book)Noisy Farm (Touch and Feel Sound Book)Noisy Farm (Touch and Feel Sound Book)Noisy Dinosaurs (Touch and Feel Sound Book)Noisy Dinosaurs (Touch and Feel Sound Book)Noisy Dinosaurs (Touch and Feel Sound Book)Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book)Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book)Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book)Never Touch a DragonNever Touch a DragonNever Touch a DragonThat's Not My Unicorn...That’s Not My Unicorn…That's Not My Unicorn...That's Not My Truck...That’s Not My Truck…That's Not My Truck...Woodland SoundsWoodland SoundsWoodland Sounds

Weighted items

Weighted Lizard 2kgWeighted Lizard 2kgWeighted Lizard 2kgWeighted sensory lap padWeighted sensory lap padWeighted sensory lap padWeighted Stuffed GiraffeWeighted Stuffed GiraffeWeighted Stuffed GiraffeWeighted Stuffed CowWeighted Stuffed CowWeighted Stuffed CowCheetah Neck Wrap and Weighted Lap PadCheetah Neck Wrap and Weighted Lap PadCheetah Neck Wrap and Weighted Lap PadWeighted Snake, 1kgWeighted Snake, 1kgWeighted Snake, 1kg

Sensory Bags

American Girls Doll Sensory Bag
Arctic Sensory Bag
Butterfly Sensory Bag
Christmas Ornaments Sensory Bag
Despicable Me Minions Sensory Bag
Easy Fall Sensory Bag
Fill an Ornament Christmas Sensory Bag
Money Sensory Bag
Nativity Sensory Bag
Ocean Sensory Bag
Simple Christmas Sensory Bag
Squishy Sky Sensory Bag
Snowballs and Jingle Bells Sensory Bag
Snowflake Sensory Bag
Sprinkles Sensory Bag
I Spy Christmas Sensory Bag
Squishy Mermaid Sensory Bag
Squishy Shark Sensory Bag
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bag
Superheroes Sensory Bag for Superkids
The Best Christmas Sensory Bags #sensory #sensoryplayThe Best Christmas Sensory Bags
Trolls Sensory Bag
Unicorn Sensory Bag

Sensory Bottles

American Girls sensory bottle squareAmerican Girls Sensory Bottle
Bring a bit of the North home with this Arctic Sensory BottleArctic Sensory Bottle
Astronaut Sensory Bottle
At the Beach Nature Sensory Bottle
At the Beach Sensory Bottle
Baseball Mini Sensory Bottle
a child's hands hold a blue calm down bottle. The child's hands are all that is visible as the child is snuggled underneath a green blanket.Bedtime Calming Sensory Bottle
Bugs Sensory Bottle
Christmas Counting I-Spy Discovery (Sensory) BottleChristmas Counting I-Spy Discovery Bottle
Christmas Ornaments Sensory Bottle
Christmas Tree Sensory Bottle
Colour Mixing Sensory Bottle
Deconstructed Christmas Tree Sensory Bottle
Minions Despicable Me Sensory BottleDespicable Me Minions Sensory Bottle
Dinosaur Sensory Bottle
blue plush mini chick and pastel sequins in a bottle with clear liquid and glitterEaster Sensory Bottle
Fall Leaves Sensory Jar
Football Mini Sensory Bottle
Glitter Sensory Bottle
Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottle
close up of a sensory bottle with orange pumpkins and purple huesHalloween Sensory Bottle
clear bottle on its side filled with dry rice and colourful bird buttonsI Spy Birds Sensory Bottle
clear bottle filled with dry rice and forest animal buttonsI Spy Forest Animal Babies Sensory Bottle
Lego Sensory Bottle
A closeup picture of a sensory bottle filled with bright colours of alphabet beads and bright coloured tinsel.Lightweight ABC I Spy Sensory Bottle
This melted snowman sensory bottle is adorable!Melted Snowman Sensory Bottle
Mermaid Calm Down Bottle
Mermaid Tail Sensory Bottle
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Sensory Bottle
Money Sensory Bottle for Math Unit
Monster Sensory Bottle
Nativity Sensory Bottle Snow Globe
Nature Sensory Bottle
New Year’s Eve Noisemakers
New Year’s Eve Sensory Bottle
This New Year's sensory bottle is especially for the kids but can also add to the decor of any New Year's celebrations.New Year’s Sensory Bottle for Kids
Ocean Discovery Bottle that keeps items suspended including the glow in the dark jellyfish and starfishOcean Sensory Bottle
Pretty Princess Sensory Bottle
Rainbow Rainfall Sensory Bottle - This discovery bottle is easily made with straws and beads.Rainbow Rainfall Sensory Bottle
Sensory Smell Bottles
Shark Week Sensory Bottle
Simple Fall Sensory Bottle
A Sky sensory bottle to encourage exploration and imagination.Sky Sensory Bottle
Snowflake Sensory Bottle and simple science lessonSnowflake Sensory Bottle and Science Lesson
This Space themed discovery bottle is naturally weighted which provides more sensory input.Space Sensory Bottle
Spring Sensory Bottle with butterflies, flowers and bugsSpring Sensory Bottle
St. Patrick's Day Sensory BottleSt. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bottle
Superheroes Sensory Bottle
Thanksgiving Sensory Bottle
The Grinch Sensory Bottle
Unicorns and Fairies Sensory Bottle
Valentine’s Calm Down Bottle
The contents of this Valentines sensory bottle can later be used to create the base of a Valentine's Day sensory bin.Valentines Sensory Bottle
Van Gogh Inspired Starry Night Sensory Bottle
One Year of Awesome Sensory Bottles
Zoo Mini Sensory Bottle

Sensory Bins

4th of July Stars and Stripes Sensory Bin
Alphabet Sensory Bin for Preschool Letter Recognition
Autumn Sensory Bin with birdseed and cinnamonAutumn Sensory Bin with Birdseed and Cinnamon
Bath Time Sensory Bin with Ice and Gelatin
Bee Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Birthday Cake Sensory Bin
Birthday Party Sensory Bin
Bright Butterfly Sensory Bin
Bugs Sensory Bin
Calming Lavender Sensory BinCalming Lavender Sensory Bin
Candy Sensory Bin - The Chaos and The ClutterCandy Sensory Bin
Christ-Centered Easter Sensory Bin
Christmas Gifts Sensory Bin
Christmas Sensory Bins
Citrus Sensory BinCitrus Sensory Bin
coffee sensory binCoffee Sensory Bin
Construction Sensory Bins
Create Your Own Sensory Bin
Creating a Colour Themed Sensory Bin
Desert Sensory BinDesert Sensory Bin
Dig for Fossils Sensory Bin
Dinosaur Sensory Bin
Dollar Store Sensory Bin
Hop Easter Sensory BinEaster Egg and Bunny Sensory Bin
yellow and purple with toy sparkly eggs and the letters to spell Easter Egg HuntEaster Egg Hunt Sensory Bin
Eggs and Carrots Easter Sensory Bin
Eyeball Sensory Bin...even popular with older kids.Eyeball Sensory Bin
Fall Sensory Bin
20 fall sensory bins!Fall Sensory Bins
Farm Theme Unit Study
a hand holds a small toy frog on a plastic lily pad set on blue water beadsFrog Life Cycle Sensory Bin and Activities
Frog Sensory Bin
Frog Sensory BinFrog Sensory Bin with Play Puffs
Frozen inspired sensory binFrozen Sensory Bin
Frozen Treasure Find
Garden Sensory Bin
Going on a Bug Hunt Sensory Bin
History Sensory BinHistory Sensory Bin
seven metal trays each with a different colour of rice on itHow to Dye Rice for Sensory Play
Human Body Sensory Bin
I Spy Sensory Bin
Insect Sensory Bin with Pasta
The “No Rules” Garden
Joy Sensory BinJoy Sensory Bin
Kinetic Sand Sensory Bins
small hands hold a plastic ladybug and leavesLadybug Life Cycle Sensory Bin and Activities
Lemonade Sensory Soup
Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin
Magnets, Magnets, and More Magnets
Monsters Sensory Bin
plush bunny sits by a sensory bin filled with moss, grass, and toy butterfliesNature Inspired Easter Sensory Bin
Nature Inspired Spring Sensory Soup
Non-Food Sensory Bin BasesNon-Food Sensory Bin Fillers
Nutrition Sensory BinNutrition Sensory Bin
O Holy Night Nativity Sensory Bin
Our Best Sensory BinsOur Best Sensory Bins
Over 100 Sensory Bin Themes
Penguin Sensory BinPenguin Sensory Bin
Peter Rabbit Sensory Bin
Pirate Week Kick Off!
Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Rainbow Activity and Party Ideas
Scented Valentine’s Sensory Bin
Science Sensory Bins for Hands-on Learning
Sea Turtle Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Seaside Sensory Bin
Seek and Find Sensory Bin
Sensory Activities with Baby Oil
Sensory Bin Cleanup
green and blue water beads and toy frogs on top. Red filler and heart shaped erasers on the bottom.Sensory Bin Starter Kit
bags for sensory bin swapHow to Host a Sensory Bin Swap
Sensory Bins Book
Spring Flowers Sensory BinSilk Flowers Sensory Bins
Valentine's Sensory BinSimple Valentines Sensory Bin
Snowflake Sensory Bin
Solar System sensory bin glows in the darkSolar System Sensory Bin
Spring Sensory Bins
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin
Summer Sensory Bin
15 Summer Sensory BinsSummer Sensory Bins
This Sky sensory bin is perfect for flight units or for kids who want to explore and use their imaginations.Take Flight with a Sky Sensory Bin
Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Under the Sea Theme Party
Valentine’s Pluffle Sensory Bin
Valentine’s Week Fun
Water Beads Sensory Tray
C Sensory BinLearning Activities for the Letter “C”
Horse Sensory Bin
Ice Cream Theme Unit Study
Learning Activities for the Letter “K”
Simple Spring Sensory Bin
Puzzle Piece Sensory Bin
Winter Sensory TrayWinter Sensory Tray
Winter Theme Unit
Winter Wonderland Sensory BinWinter Wonderland Sensory Bin
Zoo Theme Week

Musical Instruments

Egg ShakersEgg ShakersEgg ShakersHarmonicaHarmonicaHarmonicaMini Plastic TambourineMini Plastic TambourineMini Plastic TambourineMaracasMaracasMaracasKids Percussion Floor Tom DrumKids Percussion Floor Tom DrumKids Percussion Floor Tom DrumWooden Toy UkuleleWooden Toy UkuleleWooden Toy Ukulele

Fidgets and Chewelry

TANGLE FidgetsTANGLE FidgetsTANGLE FidgetsClick Fidget ToysClick Fidget ToysClick Fidget ToysMesh Squishy BallMesh Squishy BallMesh Squishy BallRainbow Ball FidgetRainbow Ball FidgetRainbow Ball FidgetMagnety Magic FidgetMagnety Magic FidgetMagnety Magic FidgetPull and Stretch Bounce BallPull and Stretch Bounce BallPull and Stretch Bounce BallFidget CubeFidget CubeFidget CubeMarble Fidget ToysMarble Fidget ToysMarble Fidget ToysSpiky Sensory BallsSpiky Sensory BallsSpiky Sensory BallsPuffer BallsPuffer BallsPuffer BallsSensory Chewelry NecklaceSensory Chewelry NecklaceSensory Chewelry NecklaceChewelry NecklaceChewelry NecklaceChewelry NecklaceChewable Coil BraceletChewable Coil BraceletChewable Coil BraceletChewy TubesChewy TubesChewy TubesOwl Chewelry NecklaceOwl Chewelry NecklaceOwl Chewelry NecklaceSensory Chew Pencil ToppersSensory Chew Pencil ToppersSensory Chew Pencil ToppersBubble Motion TimerBubble Motion TimerBubble Motion Timer

Get some sensory play ideas to add to your strewing by singing up for our Sensory Solutions and Activities email series. You’ll also get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

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Filed Under: Sensory, Special Needs Parenting

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dawn says

    January 25, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    Love it! My son still needs sensory input as a teen. He loves thinking putty.
    Blessings, Dawn

  2. Danielle says

    January 27, 2019 at 10:40 pm

    So many options to incorporate sensory play into the daily routine! Strewing is definitely something worth trying!

  3. Full Spectrum Mama says

    January 31, 2019 at 9:31 am

    BRILLIANT!

    I have always done this — though not so adeptly — and I think it works.

    But an official sounding term: Yay!

    Alas, my little ones are not so little anymore, but I am still trying…

    Thanks and love,
    Full Spectrum Mama

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