Sensory Play Using Soil

Recommended ages: 2-5

Sensory play is an easy way to let your child explore his home or backyard!

Here is one way Brandise Belton (child development specialist and coach with CCRI’s Early Learning Team) encourages her little ones to explore using sensory play. 

Dry Soil vs. Wet Soil

Teaching your child about textures builds his sense of touch while strengthening his motor skills. This activity also can help build a child’s language by introducing new words through texture exploration.

Use this dry soil/wet soil activity to teach your child about textures. 

1. Fill a container with as much or as little soil as you would like. The more soil, the more fun!
2. Have your child pick out which toys or utensils (spoons, forks, spade, etc.) he would like to use to explore. Let him spend some time investigating the dry soil, and take time to discuss the dirt's texture. This discussion lays the groundwork for noticing the difference in the texture once the water is poured onto the soil.
3. Now it’s time to add the water! Add a little at a time and allow your child to explore and feel the wet soil. Discuss how the water changes the soil’s texture after each addition to foster language development and introduce new vocabulary.