Sensory Trays Simplified: Greer’s Guide for Busy Parents
At Timmy and Tammy, we love getting creative and using our imagination with fun and engaging sensory play. It's a core (and not too messy) staple activity that our nannies and the children just love at our parties and events. Who doesn’t love exploring their senses? It's vital for children in learning and play.
Today, featured on our blog, we hear from the Queen of Sensory Trays, a nature-loving mumma of two sensory play-loving boys, and a childcare educator who sets up these trays daily: Greer. Thanks for featuring on our page and sharing just how easy it is for everyone to create their own at home.
How many times have you scrolled through social media and seen those amazing looking Tuff Tray Sensory creations? Apart from wondering how on earth they came up with these ideas, have you ever wondered why they are so popular and how you recreate them at home?
So what is a Sensory Tray? How does it work?
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started with Sensory Trays, including:
What Tactile Sensory Play is and why it’s important.
Tips, tools, and best practices to succeed with a Sensory Tray at home.
What is a Sensory Tray?
A Guide to Tactile Sensory Play at Home
How many times have you scrolled through social media and seen those amazing-looking Tuff Tray sensory creations? Apart from wondering how on earth they came up with these ideas, have you ever wondered why they are so popular and how you can recreate them at home?
So, what is a Sensory Tray? How does it work?
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started with Sensory Trays, including:
What Tactile Sensory Play is and why it’s important.
Tips, tools, and best practices to succeed with a Sensory Tray at home.
Read on to find my top at-home tips for Sensory Trays on a budget.
What is Tactile Sensory Play?
Tactile sensory play for children is about hands-on learning using sight, smell, and touch to learn about pressure, temperature, texture, and vibrations.
Why is Tactile Sensory Play Important?
Benefits of tactile sensory play include:
Encourages imaginative play
Supports cognitive growth
Calms a frustrated or anxious child
Helps build nerve connections in the brain
Promotes fine motor development
Enhances problem-solving skills
It's super fun!
My Top Tips for Sensory Play on a Budget
Start by getting yourself an under-bed storage container (with a lid):
Montgomery 55L Clear Underbed Storage Container - Bunnings Australia $15
40L Underbed Storage Tub on Wheels - Kmart $12
Then, do a pantry cleanout. My sons prefer a dry sensory bin, so I’ll fill it with pasta, oats, flour, dry beans, cereal, salt, rice. There’s really no limit. Add some measuring cups, spoons, and little containers for scooping and pouring and “cooking,” or pull out the vehicles for a construction site.
If I’m going to buy anything specifically for a sensory bin, I tend to head towards the dry goods section:
Chickpeas, soup mix, split peas
Buy McKenzie's Chickpeas 375g | Coles $1.60
Buy McKenzie's Soup Mix 500g | Coles $1.60
Or if you prefer a more messy sensory bin, try adding some soaked chia seeds (mud) or make some jelly and set some toys inside it.
Don’t be disappointed if you spend 30 minutes setting it up only to have it destroyed in 3. They may even get bored after that. The benefits are still there and if it’s “dry,” pop the lid on and bring it back out later. Sometimes my boys will play for 20 minutes, sometimes 2 minutes, but if I was about to throw out that cereal anyway, it’s still a win in my book.
Get Started with a Sensory Tray Today
It doesn’t have to be “InstaWorthy” to be successful, and it doesn’t have to be played with for hours to get the benefits. There’s also no age limit. Babies love it (just make sure it's taste-safe and without choking hazards), and so does my almost 8-year-old.
Links
Montgomery 55L Clear Underbed Storage Container - Bunnings Australia $15
40L Underbed Storage Tub on Wheels - Kmart $12
Get started with a Sensory Tray today
It doesn’t have to be “InstaWorthy” to be successful and it doesn't have to be ‘played with for hours’ to get the benefits. There’s also no age limit. Babies love it (just make sure its taste safe and without choking hazards) and so does my almost 8 year old.
Meet Greer
Based on the Gold Coast, I'm a mother to two gorgeous boys. My weekdays are spent as an educator to my beautiful little two-year-old friends. Weekends are about family adventures in nature and absorbing all its greatness. We especially love the waterfalls at Springbrook National Park.
Happy playing!