- Age:6 mo+
- Time:45 min
- Difficulty:Easy
- Mess level:Low
- Supervision:Yes
Safety first
Every piece on the board must be firmly attached and too big to swallow if it does come loose, so give everything a good tug before each play session. Never add loose magnets or button batteries - if swallowed, they are a medical emergency. The glue gun is a burn hazard, so keep it away from children and do all the gluing yourself. As with all toys, children under 3 should play supervised.
Why is sensory play so important?
Sensory experiences are crucial for the proper development of babies and toddlers. Through touching, licking, squeezing and manipulating different textures, shapes and sizes they start to understand the properties and purpose of the things around them. It’s how they meet the world!
We already talked in depth about sensorimotor development in article Sensorimotor development and activities for Children. We recommend you read it if you want to know more.
But in short, Sensorimotor development is a process of learning about ourselves and our surrounding through our senses. We have 7 of them: sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, balance (vestibular) and position in space (proprioception). Through processes of sensory processing and integration, they shape everything we experience.
Sensory play engages all seven senses, from touch and sight to balance.
As you are well aware, children have an innate curiosity and urge to explore. It’s our responsibility as a parent to provide a safe, but a stimulating environment in which they can. Contrary to many beliefs, for that, you don’t need any fancy “didactic” toys. Truth be told, almost any object is didactic in this age.
We can use Spoons for drumming, bowls for stacking. Containers are great to experiment putting stuff in and out and old socks are amazing puppets! That free form play is great for experimentation and learning about cause and effect. Little explorers will become familiar with many laws of physics in the process although they won’t even know they are “learning”. But that’s learning in its purest and most beautiful form. We already wrote about different types of sensorimotor activities so look there if you need more ideas.
About the Sensory Board
After making a sensory bottle and sensory bag, the time has come to give a try to the custom sensory board. This project can be as complex as you want it to be. You can go simple with cardboard and glue gun as we had, or if you are more “handy” and have tools, the sky is the limit.
Chains, wheels, cogs, zippers, anything goes. What is so great about sensory boards? They are appropriate for any age group, as we can modify materials we put on them. They can be more texture based, or offer more interactions, such as pulling, unzipping and turning. Because of that, they offer more types of sensory experiences, not just tactile and visual, but we can also include different sounds and smells. In this age group, cognitive and motor development go hand in hand. So this type of activity will help your child practice fine motor skills as well.
Types of Sensory Boards
As we already mentioned, there are no “rules” when you are making sensory boards. Of course, mind the safety of the materials (see the note near the top of the article) - every piece should be firmly attached and too big to swallow if it comes off. But other than that, you can put whatever you think will be interesting and appropriate for your child. But if you want to go more “thematic” here are some ideas.
You don't need many materials to make your own unique Sensory Board.
- You can make a “nature” sensory board - put stuff such as leaves, tree bark, flowers, small stones, whatever you can find outside.
- You can make a “sea” theme - seashells, pouch with water, pictures or cloth-made sea creatures…
- Or “machine” theme. You get the picture.
- Another interesting idea, especially while learning colors, is to make color based sensory boards. For example, put different shapes, textures, pictures, but all in one color.
There are really lots of possibilities, just use your imagination and let your child’s interest guide you.
Keep it fresh
Novelty is what makes a sensory board work. Swap a few elements every couple of weeks - a new texture, a zip, a bell - and follow whatever your child is fixated on right now (opening lids, spinning wheels). A board that changes keeps drawing them back.
Materials Needed for a Sensory Board
Sponges, ribbons, locks, fabrics: sensory board materials from around the house.
- Cardboard
- Pencil
- Materials with various shapes and textures
- Glue gun
- Wet tissue lids
- Optional decorations, we used stickers
How to Make a Sensory Board
Now on to business. Our child is currently very interested in opening and closing lids so we decided to include that in our sensory board. Below the lids, we glued some interesting textures, such as stones, tree bark, yarn…
For step by step instructions on how to make this sensory board, watch the video on the beginning of the article or continue reading.
- Get the piece of cardboard (you can use other materials such as wood) that will serve as a base for the board
- Mark the area in which you’ll glue the materials
- Glue the materials you prepared in designated areas (we used stones, yarn, aluminum foil, tree bark, clothespins, sponge, etc., but feel free to use any materials)
- Now glue the lids on top of the materials. You can use wet tissues lids which are easy to open and close again.
- The sensory board is done! Decorate it as you please, we used some heart shaped stickers.
- Unleash the little explorers and take a well-deserved break! :)
Which part of your finished board do you think your child will play with the longest?
Make your prediction, then tap an answer to check!
Benefits of a Sensory Board
- Supports discovery and exploration
- Interesting textures provide plenty of tactile stimuli
- Fine motor skills development with opening and closing lids
- Learning about cause and effect
- Different shapes and colors serve as a great visual stimulus
Key takeaways
- A sensory board is a base (cardboard or wood) covered with safe, varied textures and interactive parts - lids, zips, wheels - for a child to explore.
- It builds fine motor skills, cause-and-effect understanding, and tactile, visual, and even auditory perception, all in one activity.
- It suits any age because you choose the materials: simpler textures for babies, more interactions (pulling, unzipping, turning) for toddlers.
- Safety is everything: attach every piece firmly, keep it too big to swallow, avoid loose magnets and button batteries, and supervise play.
- Refresh the board every so often - novelty and following your child's current fixation are what keep it engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sensory board?
A sensory board is a flat base, usually cardboard or wood, covered with a variety of textures and interactive parts such as lids, zips, wheels, and different fabrics. A child explores it with their hands, building touch, sight, and fine motor skills while discovering cause and effect.
What age is a sensory board good for?
Any age, because you control what goes on it. For babies, keep to simple textures they can touch and look at; for toddlers, add parts they can pull, unzip, and turn. Just match the materials to your child's stage and always supervise.
What materials can I use to make a sensory board?
Almost anything safe from around the house: stones, tree bark, yarn, sponge, aluminium foil, clothespins, ribbons, zips, wheels, and lids from wet-wipe packs. Attach each piece firmly with a glue gun and make sure nothing small can come loose.
Are sensory boards safe for babies and toddlers?
Yes, when made carefully. Every piece must be firmly attached and too big to swallow if it comes off, so tug-test everything before each play session. Never use loose magnets or button batteries, and always supervise children under 3.
What skills does a sensory board develop?
It develops fine motor skills (opening, closing, pulling, turning), hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of cause and effect. The varied textures, colours, and sounds also give rich tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation that supports overall sensory development.
What is a busy board and is it the same as a sensory board?
A "busy board" is essentially the same idea - a board of latches, zips, switches, and moving parts to keep little hands busy. A sensory board simply leans a bit more on varied textures and materials, but the two terms are often used interchangeably.
We hope you had some fun in making this awesome didactic toy and that your child will enjoy using it even more. Explore more of the sensory activities, we already mentioned the Sensory bottle and Sensory bag, but we also have Sensory sticks which are great for traveling and Rainbow colored rice for a plethora of sensory fun.
