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Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.
Sensory Christmas Play Activities
Jeanette Loftus
The holiday season can cause a lot of sensory overload for many especially for children who struggle with sensory processing disorder. Loud Christmas music, bright Christmas lights, larger crowds and changes in routines can contribute to anxiety and holiday overwhelm. The magic of Christmas can still be enjoyed with sensory play, which can provide a calming activity to help children stay regulated.
A sensory bin filled with sensory tactile items can stimulate your child's senses they are a great tactile sensory play activity for children with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD & Autism. A sensory bin is designed to help your child with their sensory diet.
Sensory bins do not need to be expensive. They can be made with items from around your house. Sensory bins are a way for your child to explore their senses and learn. Sensory bins can help your child with fine motor, exploring textures, hand and eye coordination and self-regulation. Using a sensory bin can stimulate your child's senses including tactile, olfactory, auditory, visual and gustation too.
Sensory calm down bottles are great for several different sensory needs including auditory input, vestibular input, bodily awareness, visual awareness and also a great mindful activity for your children too. Sensory calm down bottles are a quick way to calm down children, avoid meltdowns and assist children when managing emotions.
Pass it to your child and ask them to give it a shake. Shaking the sensory bottle is sensory proprioceptive input too. They will be absolutely mesmerized watching the glitter or items in the jar move and fall to the bottom or looking for items in the rice or beans.
Making Christmas Slime is a great festive sensory activity for children. Making slime with red and green glitter, scented with cinnamon allows children to explore a different texture while also engaging their sense of smell. Making homemade sensory Christmas playdough with holiday colors and using festive cookie cutters can help a child explore new textures and create their own holiday creations.
Christmas sensory play during the holidays offers so many different benefits for children especially those children who have sensory processing differences. Participating in sensory activities will help children stay regulated over the holidays. Sensory activities can help calm children, ease their anxieties that are associated with the overwhelming holidays. Sensory play can help children focus better, encourages imaginative play and creativity.
Including sensory play into your Christmas celebrations can create a more enjoyable experience for all children, especially those who have sensory differences. It's about enjoying the festive spirit while offering a sense of calm for everyone. This Christmas, encourage a sensory friendly environment by offering sensory activities so that everyone can enjoy the holidays.
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DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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