Hello PVCICS Families,
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to change, it’s the perfect time to engage our children in some seasonal sensory fun! Fall is full of rich textures, vibrant colors, and comforting scents, making it an ideal time for sensory play. One of our favorite activities for this season is creating Sensory Soup—a delightful way to explore fall’s natural beauty while engaging the senses.
What is Sensory Soup?
Sensory Soup is a simple yet highly engaging activity that involves mixing natural elements in water to create a “soup” of sensory experiences. This activity is not only fun but also helps children develop their fine motor skills, practice mindfulness, and explore different textures and scents. It’s particularly beneficial for children who may experience sensory processing challenges, as it allows them to interact with various sensory inputs in a controlled and enjoyable way.
Why Sensory Play?
Sensory play is essential for children’s development. It helps them learn about the world around them through sight, touch, smell, and sometimes even taste and sound. For children with special needs, sensory play can be especially therapeutic, helping to calm, focus, and engage them in a safe and creative manner.
Fall Sensory Soup Recipe
Here’s how you can create your own Fall Sensory Soup at home:
Ingredients:
- A large container or tub (clear plastic bins work great)
- Water (room temperature or slightly warm)
- Fall-themed items (you can gather these from outside or purchase them):
- Pinecones
- Acorns
- Leaves in various colors
- Small pumpkins or gourds
- Cinnamon sticks
- Apple slices
- Rosemary sprigs
- Dried corn kernels
- Orange and yellow pom-poms or fabric leaves (for extra color and texture)
- Optional sensory additions:
- A few drops of fall-scented essential oils (like cinnamon, clove, or pumpkin spice)
- Natural food coloring to tint the water (orange, yellow, or red)
- Measuring cups, ladles, and spoons for scooping and pouring
Instructions:
- Gather Your Ingredients: Take a nature walk with your child to collect leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other natural materials. This is a great way to start the activity, as it helps your child connect with the environment.
- Prepare the Sensory Soup Base: Fill your container or tub with water. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and essential oils to enhance the sensory experience.
- Add Your Ingredients: Gently place the collected items into the water. Encourage your child to explore each item as they add it to the soup. Ask questions like, “How does this pinecone feel?” or “What color is this leaf?”
- Stir and Play: Give your child measuring cups, ladles, or spoons to stir and mix the soup. Let them scoop the items in and out of the water, feeling the textures and noticing how the different elements float or sink.
- Engage the Senses: As your child plays, talk about the scents, colors, and textures they are experiencing. This helps build vocabulary and sensory awareness.
- Extend the Activity: After playtime, you can use the items to create a nature collage, press leaves into a book, or even use them in a fall-themed art project.
Why You’ll Love This Activity
Sensory Soup is a fantastic way to bring the beauty of fall into your home while providing a calming and enriching experience for your child. It’s a flexible activity that can be tailored to your child’s preferences and sensory needs, making it a perfect fit for kids of all ages and abilities.
We hope you and your child enjoy creating your own Fall Sensory Soup. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the season, bond with your child, and create lasting memories. We’d love to see your Sensory Soup creations—feel free to share photos with us on our SEPAC Facebook page (coming soon!) or at our next meeting!
Happy Fall!
With Warm Regards,
PVCICS SEPAC
