Joyful Parenting
Welcome to my blog! I'm MaryAnne, and I write about building a rewarding family life through mindful parenting, hands-on learning, and creative family activities. Learn more.
This simple kinetic sand seashell sensory bin makes a wonderful sensory play experience. It's also great for exploring different shapes and textures. Summer is nearly here, and it's the perfect time of year for a sea shell themed sensory bin! We created this simple sensory bin using kinetic sand. It pairs perfectly with this week's Virtual Book Club for Kids pick, The … [Read more...] about Make a Simple Sea Shell Sensory Bin
Sewing tutorial on how to make a weighted blanket. Detailed instructions on how to make a blanket for autim to help with sensory issues, anxiety, Parkinson's, and more. This weighted blanket sewing tutorial has been updated several times to reflect feedback on how best to make a weighted blanket from my readers. I would love to see your photos if you make a blanket using … [Read more...] about How to Sew a Weighted Blanket Sewing Tutorial (Sensory Friendly)
Have you made oobleck with your kids yet? This sensory play material is made using corn starch and water and actually cleans up remarkably well. We color ours with non-toxic washable paint in place of food coloring, because food coloring can stain. But if you have a child who is prone to tasting I recommend playing with it uncolored. Everybody has been sick a lot at our … [Read more...] about Corn Starch Sensory Play – Making Oobleck
How to Make a Penguin Sensory Bin - simple steps for setting up a fun penguin themed invitation to play. This week we read Penguin and the Pinecone by Salina Yoon and I put together a simple sensory bin. Four-year-old Anna loved this invitation to play, and even my older kids pulled it out during the week. If you are looking for another penguin themed book to go with … [Read more...] about How to Make a Penguin Sensory Bin
We live in "the house for playing". My home is the one where children cry when they have to leave because they have settled so solidly into a world of play that removing themselves is a physically painful experience. Mostly, it's the kids playing, but every once in a while I discover a toy that both parents and children find irresistibly charming. Thinking Putty is one of these … [Read more...] about An Awesome Creative Sensory Play Experience for All Ages
