Why use sensory boxes in your child’s home and/or school program? Sensory boxes can help children with autism relax, calm down and concentrate better on a given task. They are also a fantastic DIY tool to increase learning opportunities (such as teaching new vocabulary and exploring new textures). Make sure you print out your free printable sensory box ideas checklist to get the most out of this post!
These are some of my favorite materials that I use in sensory boxes in my learning center, Le Chemin ABA, in Paris :
1. Feathers
2. Dried beans
3. Glitter
4. Sand
5. Puzzle pieces
6. Dried lentils
7. Leaves
8. Dried rice
9. Plastic beads
10. Dried chickpeas
11. Moss
12. Small stones
13. Shredded paper
14. Small toys (such as miniature figurines)
15. Cotton balls
16. Pompoms
17. Dried couscous
18. Shaving cream
19. Cut pieces of yarn (just take a spool of yarn and cut 40-50 1 inch pieces)
20. Cardboard squares (just cut out 10-20 2 inch cardboard squares)
21. Straws (here are some more fun activities using straws)
22. Legos
23. Pipecleaners
24. Dried corn
25. Dried pasta
Make sure that your child is always surpervised while using sensory boxes, especially if he or she has a tendancy to put small items in his or her mouth.
Learn more about the benefits of sensory play for autism here.
Sensory Box Ideas Video
I love this video that shows some sensory box examples as well.
Do you use sensory boxes with your child? What are your favorite items to put inside your child’s sensory boxes?
Let us know in the comments below!
You can find more educational and fun sensory activities for your children in this posts :
- Fall Sensory Bin –> (such a fun and education sensory bin made with dried corn, chestnuts & pinecones!)
- Fall Sensory Bins
- Flower Power Springtime Crafts for Kids
- 11 Everyday Therapy Tools for Your Home Program
- Food Stamping Activities for Children with Autism
- 18 Sensory Activities for Children with Autism
- Spring Chicks Sensory Box for Kids with Autism
- Fish Bowl Playdough Mat (Free Printable)
- Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin
More Autism Learning Resources
- The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
- Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
- Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
- How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
- Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!
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