Our Sensationally Sticky ABC's

Sensory activities generally aim to teach children about their worlds through direct action on it, learning about the characteristics of a material, its capabilities and limitations through experience with it.

Along with this, it is also an opportunity for building vocabulary and practicing the cycle of conversation with peers.

Some materials lend themselves to letter formation as well. Shaving cream, for example, can be used to make letters and encourage the children to recognize and name them.

Then comes the fun part:

Some friends were shy at first and only wanted to put fingertips in the shaving cream. Others dove right in, smooshing the cream between their hands and seeing what would happen if they clapped hands full of shaving cream (much to the surprise of those sitting next to them!)

Shaving cream is an everyday material. Some kids even knew what it was and said, "My daddy uses that!" But it becomes extraordinary when given the opportunity to explore it so deeply and freely.

Ziva said, "It's sticky!"

Laylah said, "I like how it feels."

The children discovered that they can use their hands in different ways to make different designs. You can point one finger to make a single line, or rake all the fingers on your hand along the bin to make many lines at once.

We all went home smelling delightfully fresh!