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Popping Snow {Auditory Sensory Activity}

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Popping Snow is a fun auditory sensory activity.  As soon as the candy hits the whipped cream, children can hear the “pop” and “crack.”  Popping snow is also a great tactile and gustatory activity, because children can feel the whipped topping in their hands and taste the candy “popping” in their mouths.

sensory activity

How to Make Popping Snow:

Supplies:

  • Whipped Cream (such as Cool Whip)
  • Pop Rocks

Directions:

1.  Put the whipped cream onto a table or other hard surface.

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2.  Put the Pop Rocks on top of the whipped cream.

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3.  Have your child mix them together and listen to the sounds.

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Cost to Make Popping Snow:

  •  Whipped Cream: $1.00
  • Pop Rocks: 50¢

Total: just $1.50 for an entertaining sensory activity that your children will enjoy.  My children had so much fun that they played with Popping Snow for over an hour!

Teachable Moment:

Every activity has a Teachable Moment!  What is a Teachable Moment?  It is a time during every craft or project when you can teach your child something about the activity.

1.  Read the books The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino or The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.

2.  Discuss how the whipped cream feels and how the “popping” candy tastes.

What auditory activities do you like to do with your children?

Your children are sure to have fun with other great sensory activities such as Christmas Tree Ball Painting and Cocoa Slime.

What age should kids begin engaging in sensory activities?

Sensory activities are important for children of all ages and can be an enjoyable learning experience. However, the age at which kids should begin participating in sensory activities is largely dependent on their stage of development.

For babies and toddlers, parents should consult with care providers before introducing any sensory activities. Generally, there is evidence to suggest that from the age of two onward, structured sensory activities can be very beneficial in aiding a child’s development.

By introducing these types of activities from an early age, children can gain more control of their own bodies as well as hone their communication and problem-solving skills in a safe environment. Furthermore, by engaging in sensory activities regularly, children can encourage positive growth in areas such as fine motor skills or speech development.

For this reason, it is important to ensure that kids have access to early childhood education resources that support the use of sensory engagement in the curriculum.

What materials are best for sensory play?

Sensory play is a great way to provide children with an engaging and fun hands-on experience that will help aid in their overall development.

There are a variety of materials that can be used for sensory play that has been shown to positively impact early childhood learning, including finger paint, water beads, kinetic sand, rice and beans, flour, shaving cream, and more.

Depending on the age group, some materials may need supervision or be more appropriate than others. Younger children may enjoy tactile experiences, such as feeling different textures, while older children may experiment further by manipulating the materials, such as adding colors or mixing items.

Selecting the right materials for sensory play can create a positive learning environment which will strengthen cognitive development and other skills needed in their future learning.

Does my child need special accommodations or toys for sensory play?

Sensory play is an important part of a child’s development, as it allows them to explore the physical world and stimulate multiple sensory pathways.

Determining whether or not a child needs special accommodations for sensory play can be difficult; however, parents can look for certain signs that the current play environment may be inadequate to meet the needs of their child.

For instance, if their behavior during play indicates that they are avoiding certain actions or reacting out of discomfort when engaging with tangible objects, it may be time to invest in materials specifically designed for sensory play.

These items provide children with focal points, securing stability and comfort while allowing them to safely explore their environment.

With these tools in place, parents can create spaces where children feel secure and engaged during playtime.

Why is sensory play important?

Sensory play provides young children with the opportunity to engage their senses as a means of exploring and learning about the world around them.

It is a simple yet effective form of play, helping to expand a child’s capacity for problem-solving, communication, and creativity.

Through sensory play, children can explore different sensations such as texture or temperature that may be unfamiliar or difficult to articulate.

By attempting to interpret these uncertain sensations through tactile engagement, they can increase their awareness and understanding of the environment in which they live. This type of play is also an ideal platform for authentically exploring emotions, allowing children to experiment with different responses in a safe and non-judgmental space.

Ultimately, it serves as an invaluable tool in helping children to develop key life skills which may serve them well into adulthood.

Why is sensory play so much fun for kids?

Sensory play for children offers beneficial opportunities for physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. Through exploration of textures, sounds, and movements, kids are able to regulate sensory input better and create neural pathways for further development.

In addition to being fun, sensory play can stimulate the imagination through imaginative problem-solving, such as building a sandcastle with shovel and bucket toys.

Further, tactile experiences during sensory play help lay the foundation for learning early skills such as reading and writing when they enter school in later years.

Thus, it is clear that sensory play not only provides kids with an enjoyable diversion but also helps them develop in meaningful ways that continue beyond the present moment.

What ages of kids is sensory play for?

Sensory play is recommended for children of all ages. From infants to those up to age five, it provides the opportunity for motor, cognitive, and language development.

Babies are able to discover and learn more about their senses with motions, sounds, and objects that make an impact on their developing minds.

As toddlers get older, sensory play becomes a way for them to aid in exploration as they develop problem-solving skills.

Thereafter, preschoolers rely on sensory play to aid in understanding concepts such as mathematics, music, and science.

With that said, kids may find such activities engaging well beyond 5.

Ultimately, the sensory play offers countless opportunities for fun, learning, and development across all ages of kids; It not only aids in the building of foundational skills but can also provide lifetimes of creativity and exploration.

More Winter Snow Fun for Kids:

If your children liked this popping snow activity they will love all of these as well!

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Terra Heck

Sunday 7th of December 2014

Love that idea! It's so inexpensive, and yet is a fun auditory activity for kids.

Crystal & Co

Sunday 7th of December 2014

You are kidding? I would have never thought to add Pop Rocks to shaving cream. This is so cool!!