First, be present and engaged. Please do your best not to be on your phone.
Play with your child and talk to other adults in the group. Connect with other adults in the room, those you know and those you don’t yet—remember you are all caring for young children and may have ways to support one another.
Follow your child’s lead and let them show you what
The sun hung in the sky longer. School was out, energy was up. Staff members donned on sneakers and athletic clothing to prepare to keep up. A pack of little fellows raced and chased, playing tag, police officer, and superheroes. The swings were kept in business and the slide shot giggling guests down to the woodchips below. A pre-teen caught toads, slugs, worms, and a snail, showing everyone her finds. An infant watched it all
Do you see posts everywhere about sensory play for babies and toddlers? Are you wondering what sensory play is, or why so many people are doing it? Do you just HATE a mess, and so you have avoided sensory play?
Even though it can be messy, sensory play (things like water, play dough, sand, bins of dry rice or pasta, or combinations thereof) is a great way for children to learn many important skills. It really has
To make homemade play dough:
Mix:
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
Add:
2 cups of very HOT water (almost boiling)
Food coloring
Mix until you get a good consistency. There may be some flour left in the bowl. If it is too runny, add some flour. If it is too dry, add a little water.
After it cools, your kids can play with it.
Store in an
Materials for a sensory tub:
(other than the standard sand or water)
Tools to add:
Do you have a question about JRI services?
Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.
