Creation Idea Cards

I made these AGES ago, for toddlers room at church but they were created from activities I did with group for children with Special Needs. You don't need to use all ideas just a few may be all that's needed. I can't find the water and land ones, sorry.

Light Show

Further to last post thought I would add this wonderful light toy that is designed for under water e.g. in the bath, but works equally well outside. It can be used for exploration of for themes e.g. light, stars etc.

It projects well onto ceiling and walls but even better onto close surfaces e.g. an umbrella or chiffon or indeed both as in one of the photos. I placed it in a large shiny Ikea fruit dish that reflected well.

It can be purchased from specialist SEN retailers or ebay and Amazon, search around under the heading "under water light show"  the vary in price from £5-£50 (depending on size/ amount of light sequences/ or just difference)

Here is a link to the one featured here (possibly not the same retailer)

Church Sensory Space

We have been creating a Sensory Space at junior church relating to relevant sessions for all children attending (with initial inspiration to support children with SEND) ALL children have been utilising the space amazingly, either as a calm space, prayer, exploration etc. and in response to story (we have found it's great place for children to build relationships without business). Yesterday there was even a post it note on wall from one of the children (For prayer writing) saying "Thank you for this room" 

I googled sensory spaces in church and there is not a huge amount to be honest, and I guess understandably it may be considered useful for a small group of children (which is not the case) and also generally a large budget needed. Inclusive Church blog has a couple of blog entries: Special needs ministry sensory room   and creating a Multi Sensory Environment. 

We have not created our environments on a huge budget, but generally by looking around for cheap items that have lights/ tackle qualities. Generally poundland (or other pound stores) and budget home wear stores. Also ebay, amazon and second hand sites (particularly if battery operated, consider safety checks here). So here are some budget ideas. If you start thinking sensory you'll find you see stuff everywhere.

Bible Sensory Bottles 1

Sensory/ discovery bottles are popular around the world with babies and toddlers (and even preschoolers) and can be used in a variety of ways; to look at and explore, to prompt a story/ song/ concept, sorting, knocking down etc. Here are a few ideas for sensory bottles relating to Bible stories, they can be used to simply explore independently or with support or to accompany the story getting each bottle out in turn (for preschoolers you could number them so they can retell the story)

Creation:

• Black tissue paper
• Neon sticks (cracked and put inside – will last few hours)
• Glow in the dark stars and star sequins
• Soil
• Sand
• Silk flowers (ones cut off a hawaiian leis from pound shop are great)
• Water, oil and liquid soap bubbles (add blue food colouring)
• Feathers
• Water and little fish beads/ sequins/ tiny plastic ones
• Tiny plastic animals (put some sand in also)
• Hand and feet buttons/funky foam cut outs and googly eyes
• White tissue paper (symbolise rest)

Noah:

• lolly pop sticks and match sticks (Noah built ark)
• Bottles filled with objects of a single colour (as above) in rainbow colours
• Rainbow bottles (fill with objects of rainbow colours e.g. beads, pom-poms, match sticks, buttons, feathers etc.)
• Tiny animals
• Water oil and blue food colouring
• White feathers (dove)
• Fake leaves off of silk flowers or funky foam (the leaf the dove returned)
• Sand/ soil