I discovered a great way to make sensory play perfect for my little seeker, with dinosaur ice age play. My son has Global Developmental Delay. He is behind his peers in many areas, so I liked how the dinosaur ice age play really helped him develop. The school have suggested that he has visual aids to help with his communication. They have asked me for input on words/pictures. I really have no clue of what to suggest, all I can think of is maybe a PE bag, a book, paint, so possibly he could show me what he has done that day at school? I do know that play is key to learning, but he has always had a very limited attention span. But I am pleased to say that this is growing in duration, and this was really demonstrated during the dinosaur ice age play.
Dinosaurs Interest
Dinosaurs are a firm favourite in this house (see my birthday party) and I have a dinosaur board on pinterest. Whilst pinning I have seen this activity come up time and time again. I do not know who had the original idea to give them credit, but please do see my board for where I was inspired from. It really is simple to create. Put the dinosaurs in the freezer with some water, take them out and then let your child play with them.
They can smash them open and see how long it takes to get to the dinosaurs out, or wait until the water defrosts. Viola Sensory play dinosaur ice age. We bought a tuff spot (thank you to TheBoyandMe for helping me find one on Amazon) these are brilliant and it was ideal to just sit him in the garden to play.
You could try different methods of getting to the dinosaurs. His brother also joined in the play with him and they used sticks, bashed and smashed the blocks of ice containing the dinosaurs.
I think there may have been some licking involved too (what else would you expect from my sensory seeker!). He also tried pulling the dinosaurs out of the frozen blocks, which I think was great for his hand manipulation (he is hyper-mobile in his hands).
Benefits of Dinosaur Ice Age Sensory Play
Dinosaur Ice Age Sensory Play was great for language development as we talked as we played: He told me it was cold – how clever is that! Then once we had got to the dinosaurs there was time for pretending they were real, and making up little stories. Of course it also helped him meet some of his sensory seeking needs – especially the tactile ones.
He loved the feel of rubbing his feet on the cold blocks, and when they started to melt, spreading the icy water up his legs.
Defrosted Ice
He loved playing with the dinosaurs in the ice and then paddling in the defrosted water – feeling all those lovely sensations.
But what I most loved about the dinosaur play was the length of time he was able to engage with the activity. I am sure it really helped him with his development. I think next time I may add some colour to the water too.
Or may be some extra things like rice to give it more texture.
That looks like a great activity for a hot day.
What a fantastic idea . !!
I love this idea. I bet he had fun for ages, though probably very cold!
I like the sound of using colours in it next time too.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
This is such a great idea!! I will definitely be trying it when B is a bit older!
I’ve found your blog through Love All Blogs xx
This is such a brilliant idea – so thoughtful, caring and considerate. You’re such a dedicated mum *bows*
This looks fab! I think my 2 would love this!
What a brilliant idea! Can’t wait to try this out with my little ones
This looks awesome! Must do this for my little one x
What a great idea and still I haven’t done it. Trouble is it’s getting a bit cold now for ice games so may file this one for next summer
What a totally lovely idea… Mari suggested it may be too cold at this time of year, however this could work really well in the bath, as long as it’s not toooo hot so it doesn’t melt TOO quickly, great fun, even my older boys would like this! 🙂
what a brilliant and simple idea
What a great idea. Over the summer, I did ice cubes and water beads for sensory play and S loved that. I really like the idea of freezing things in ice for him to uncover.
Popping over from #countrykids
this is super honey, it looks like he really enjoyed it x
Lovely idea, now images for your son for his book include drinks, foods, teachers, friends, yourselves, siblings, activities he may do whilst at school, playtime, reading, maths, science etc, everyday things we take for granted will all help him communicate better with you, do a storyboard that you can add images to as a timeline, am, pm bedtime also, good luck
When I saw dinosaurs linked to country kids I knew would be you. 😀 this is such a good idea, might try something like this for my boys.
Such a fun activity, this has so many benefits for promoting play through learning using both fine and gross motors skills as well as all the sensory benefits. Thanks for linking up and sharing your outdoor fun with Country Kids.
What a fantastic idea, this is added to my list of summer fun next year. I would love to know what my little guy thinks of it and what he does with it.
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
What a fabulous idea, I can’t wait to try this out with Tigger
I just love this activity and how you explained all the learning going on! Thank you so much for linking up to Discover & Explore!