4 Awesome Activities For Hyper Kids

About Parenting recently created a helpful top 5 of sensory activities that are sure to keep your little Energizer bunny busy and out of trouble.

As winter approaches, I'm excited to try some of these ideas on the cold wet days ahead.

PLAY BINS, or sensory bins are hands-on ways for kids to learn about their world.  They are usually contained in a bin and filled with something that a child can run their fingers through.

Colored rice, pasta, or a bin full of beans are great for this activity. Give your little guy or gal a few measuring spoons and watch them enjoy this cheap and easy sensory activity.

SAFE ZONES  A sensory crash mat is a crash mat that can be used like a bean bag to increase sensory input and help kids {and adults} increase proprioceptive awareness and decrease over-reaction to sensations over time.

Our guest bedroom has a great futon mattress that we place on the floor just for this activity. It's great for burning off extra energy before bedtime!

My own hyper kid is fond of play slime and stress balls. I like using these kinds of toys at the doctor's office and the DMV waiting areas.

INGREDIENTS FROM HOME  There are many things you can make with ingredients from home that are great sensory ideas like play dough.

We love making play dough from Kool-Aid. It smells great and the colors are vibrant!

ROUTINES  It can be hard for kids to decompress or calm-down for bedtime, which can be a huge issue.  Kids need their sleep desperately!   Some children can't “shut down” with a book so something else is needed.  We've found that a Glowing Sensory Bottle works wonders.

 

Frankly, I've been scared of the sensory bottles. I've heard they are amazing, but I'm scared my child could get them open and make a giant mess. He's great at making giant messes.

Need more great ideas? Get all the details about these sensory activities at About Parenting.