Kids Education
English Português Español Français Italiano Nederlands Svenska
Log in Sign up free

Sensory play

Kitchen Sensory Basket

A baby who can sit explores large kitchen objects while an adult names what the baby touches, sees and hears.

  • Ages 0–1
  • 5 min
  • Easy
  • One child
  • Sensory play

Learning areas

Skills practised

About this activity

In this sensory activity, your baby explores kitchen objects with you close by. They can touch, hold, look and listen at their own pace.

As they hear words like “smooth” and “soft,” they begin to connect language with their experiences. They also practice reaching for and holding objects.

Learning objectives

  • Reach for or touch an object offered by an adult.
  • Explore at least one surface with their hands.
  • Show interest in a word or sound, for example by looking or turning their head.

What you need

  • A low, stable basket without long handles
  • A large, clean silicone container in one piece
  • A large, lightweight, smooth lid with no removable parts
  • A large, clean cloth with no loose threads
  • A smooth wooden spoon without splinters
  • A large, one-piece silicone whisk with no loose parts, if you have a safe one
  • A firm mat or comfortable place for the adult to sit with the baby

Safety notes

Stay within reach and supervise your baby throughout the activity. Use only clean, lightweight objects that are too large to fit entirely in the mouth and have no small parts, sharp points or edges. Avoid glass, metal, splinters and objects that could trap fingers. Keep the cloth away from your baby's face. Hold the spoon and whisk throughout, offering them only for hand exploration. Do not let your baby put handles or long parts in their mouth. Do not use a whisk with wires, loose parts or openings that could trap fingers. Remove damaged objects and stop the activity if your baby is uncomfortable.

How to do it

  1. Check and clean the objects. Choose only items that are intact and have no sharp edges.
  2. Sit on the floor with your baby in a stable, comfortable position. Offer support if needed.
  3. Put the container and lid in the basket, within your baby's reach.
  4. Touch the container and say, “The container is smooth.”
  5. Let your baby reach for and explore one object at a time. Describe what they are doing.
  6. Hold the cloth, spoon or whisk and offer a surface for your baby to touch with their hand.
  7. Put the objects away when your baby loses interest or shows signs of tiredness.

Teaching suggestions

  • Name what your baby feels: “soft cloth,” “smooth lid,” “hard spoon” and “flexible container.”
  • Look at each object before describing it. A spoon, for example, may be smooth or have a wood-grain texture.
  • If reaching is difficult, bring a large object close to your baby's hand and give them time to try.
  • Pause after speaking and respond to your baby's looks, movements and sounds.
  • At another time during the day, show your baby the container again and repeat its name.

Variations

Make it easier

Offer only the large container. Hold it near your baby's hand and let them look or touch.

Add a challenge

For a more experienced baby, offer the container and lid one at a time. Notice whether they hold each one differently.

Try another way

Tap the lid gently with your hand and say, “Listen to the sound!” Pause to let your baby respond.

Talk about it

  • What are you looking at?
  • How does the container feel?
  • What sound does the lid make?
  • Which object would you like to explore now?

What to look for

  • The baby looks at, reaches for or touches an object.
  • The baby explores a surface, for example by stroking or holding it.
  • The baby responds to a voice or sound with a look, movement or vocalization.
Halloween Friends Coloring
Age 3 10 min

Halloween Friends Coloring

A coloring page with a friendly ghost, a pumpkin, and a smiling bat. Children can explore colors and practice hand movements.

Coloring page
Chick and Flowers Coloring Page
Age 2 5 min

Chick and Flowers Coloring Page

A coloring page featuring a chick hatching among flowers. Children explore colors and make their own marks with crayons.

Coloring page
Match Summer Opposites
Age 3 10 min

Match Summer Opposites

Match four pairs of opposites with animals and summer things: big and small, hot and cold, fast and slow, day and night.

Opposites
Lunchbox Cut and Paste
Age 3 15 min

Lunchbox Cut and Paste

Choose four items from eight pictures, then cut and glue them into a pretend lunchbox. Practice counting and hand coordination while talking about snacks.

Cut and paste