Sensory play is a fun way to promote your child’s learning and help them to develop important skills like decision-making, fine and gross motor skills, verbal and nonverbal language and sensory awareness. AMT’s therapists love to incorporate sensory play during music therapy sessions as we work with our clients to create a musical landscape filled with many sounds, textures and sensory experiences.

This month, Miss Kerry is sharing some easy DIY ways to explore December using all 5 senses with your loved ones.

Sound: Contemporary Caroling Playlist

Our friends at Toneworks Music Therapy curated this playlist, which includes contemporary artists singing classic holiday songs. Perfect for all ages!

Touch: Christmas 5 Senses Book

Though this book touches on all 5 senses, we love that kiddos can choose bits of real things to glue on the pages. Use pine needles, ribbon, jingle bells, foam stickers and more to create your own holiday book.

Sight: Peppermint Water Science

Watch what happens to simple holiday candy when plunked in a bin of water! Use red and green peppermints, candy canes or see what happens to other candy when wet.

Taste: Grinch or Dreidel Kabobs

Make snack time fun with festive treats. Some are healthier than others, but they’re great conversation starters!

Smell: DIY Cinnamon Ornaments

It’s fun to make these 2-ingredient ornaments every year. Choose your favorite cookie cutters, bake and decorate for some festive-smelling treats that look great on a tree or work nicely in a sensory bin.

Have any go-to sensory play ideas you’d like to add to our list? E-mail us at annapolismusictherapy@gmail.com and we’ll include your thoughts in this post!