Preschool Sensory Activity – Salt Writing
This simple preschool sensory activity can be done using basic household supplies — just salt and a cookie sheet!  I love doing sensory activities with my kids. Before my kids are old enough for structured crafts or more formal preschool activities, we start with sensory activities.
Yes, they are messy, but kids get so much out of sensory activities, especially during the preschool years and they always have a blast. I use them to teach all kinds of early educational concepts from alphabet recognition to shapes. As my kids get older, we’ve even used sensory activities to learn basic math facts!
Preschoolers will love the feel of the salt on their fingers and it makes a quick and easy activity when your kids need something to do.
What You Need
- A cookie Sheet with an edge
- Enough Salt to cover the bottom of the cookie sheet (when you are done with it, use the leftover salt to make salt dough)
What To Do
For this activity you will want to have a large baking sheet with an edge. I use baking sheets for so many things. They are perfect for crafts and my older boys love to use them with their Lego sets.
Place the cookie sheet on a table or on the floor. For easy clean up you can spread an old sheet under the cookie sheet. I like to keep things really simple and just do it outside but if the weather is cold where you are the mess from this one isn’t too bad to clean up.
Pour enough salt onto the cookie sheet to cover the bottom.
Show your preschooler how she can use her fingers to draw in the salt. Preschoolers can practice drawing simple pictures such as snakes or they can practice writing their letters and numbers.
Think of this like a giant Etch-a-Sketch. When you want to create a new picture just smooth your hand over the top to create an even layer of salt. My preschooler loved doing this herself . . . of course we are firmly in the “all by me-self” phase.
This activity keeps my kids busy for hours. The nice thing about it is since you are using dry ingredients you can leave it out and come back to it later if you want to take a break.
Do you have a favorite sensory activity that you like to do with your kids?
You may also like these posts:
PRESCHOOL GERM LESSON – WHY HAND WASHING IS IMPORTANT
CLASSIC SENSORY PLAY – CORN STARCH AND WATER
