Ice Cream Sensory Tray
An engaging and educational activity that allows children to explore textures, colors, and smells while creating their own ice cream sundaes.
Ingredients
Base Materials
- 1 tray Tray or sensory bin To contain the activity.
- 1 cup Colored rice or pasta Use food coloring for added visual effect.
Sensory Toppings
- Various Various sensory toppings (e.g., pom-poms, sprinkles, seeds) Gather different materials for toppings.
- 1 Craft sticks For scooping.
- 1 Raw cotton balls To mimic whipped cream.
- Optional Scented oils or extracts For enhancing sensory experience.
Instructions
Preparation
- Select a large tray or sensory bin to contain the activity.
- Use colored rice or pasta as the base. You can dye pasta or rice using food coloring for added visual effect. Spread it out evenly in the tray.
Adding Toppings
- Gather different materials to act like toppings (e.g., pom-poms as cherries, seeds for nuts).
- Encourage children to create their sundaes by arranging their chosen toppings creatively.
Engaging the Senses
- If desired, add a few drops of scented oils or extracts to enhance the sensory experience. Discuss the smells with the children.
- Provide craft sticks for children to scoop, mix, and serve their creations.
Notes
This activity allows for imaginative play and creativity in designing unique ice cream treats. Clean up is easy as most materials are reusable or can be swept up.