Have you heard of sensory bags? They’re a great way to get sensory play to the kiddos with a lot less mess. They’re also great for younger children who are still mouthing things. We’ve done quite a few at home and some in preschool, too! If you’re looking for some engaging sensory bag ideas, check out these fun ideas!
What’s so great about sensory bags?
As I mentioned above, they’re great for little ones who are still putting things in their mouths. In addition to that, sensory bags can encourage fine motor development and the sense of touch. They can be adapted to work on art, literacy, math, and more.
Ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Nature sensory bag sun catcher | Hands On As We Grow
A rainbow of sensory bags | Teach Preschool
Baby-safe water bead play | Sugar Aunts
Ocean animal sensory bag | Craftulate
Googly eyes sensory bag | Hands-On: As We Grow
Jack-0-lantern squish bag | Fantastic Fun and Learning
Squishy snowman | Mama.Papa.Bubba
Making sensory bags for baby | Nothing if Not Intentional
Rainbow water bead bags | Meri Cherry
Starry sensory bag | NurtureStore
Lava lamp sensory bags | Growing a Jeweled Rose
Clear bean bags | Lines Across
Going on a Bear Hunt sensory bags | School Time Snippets
Mess free finger painting | Mama Smiles
Color mixing oobleck sensory bag | Inspiration Laboratories
Watermelon squish bag math | Fantastic Fun and Learning
Squish and seek sight words | Playdough to Plato
Sparkly sight word sensory bag | Childhood 101
Farm animal sensory bag | Adventures of Adam
Name recognition sensory bag | De tout et de rien [Everything and Nothing]
Bouncy ball sensory bag painting | House of Burke
Eye spy alphabet squish bag | Growing a Jeweled Rose
Gelatin squish bags | Stay at Home Educator
Color Sorting Sensory Bag | Hands On As We Grow
Which of those amazing ideas is your favorite? I’ll have to share some of the bags we’ve enjoyed soon!
More Sensory Activities to Check Out
Materials for Sensory Bags
There are so many great reasons to keep sensory bags on-hand in the classroom. They can give children sensory input, work as a calming tool, or help children stay quiet during nap/rest time. Now, with so many incredible sensory bag ideas listed above, you might need some material ideas to use as inspiration for your own sensory bags.
Here are some products that, I think, would be great to include in a sensory bag (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):
- Hand soap
- Translucent-colored shampoos
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby oil
- Shower gel
- Paint
- Sequins
- Beads
- Buttons
- Acrylic shapes
- Water beads
- Small toys
- Pompoms
Done-for-You Preschool Resources
Planning meaningful lessons for students week after week, all while balancing other teaching responsibilities and a personal life, can be a daunting task. That’s where Preschool Teacher 101 comes in to save you time!
Preschool Teacher 101 is excited to share with you some amazing lesson plans, activity packs, and much more! We offer a wide variety of themes that are frequently used in preschool classrooms, as well as some less common (but super interesting) themes. Click on the image below to learn more about our 5 senses lesson plans products!
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A great activity for senior care also! Thanks.
What a great point, thank you!
Thank you so much for the printables and ideas. I will be excited to try some of these with my day care.
I’m so happy that you’re finding some useful ideas here! 🙂