My children love to go to the park and fill their dump trucks with sand and dump it out, over and over.  With it being such a cold winter in our parts, we have had to use a little more imagination when it comes to playing in the “sandbox.”  We love to fill our wooden trays with lentils and play dump trucks on a much smaller scale.  It helps my children use their imagination, practice their motor skills, and provides them with a sensory experience.

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You’ll need:
A tray/box with edges that can hold in the lentils and toys
Little toys (trucks, tractors, toy men, cones)
Spoon
Lentils (or rice or beans for them to scoop and move)

Fill the box with the lentils.

Place the toys inside the box.

Let your children play and enjoy the activity tray for hours at a time.

After they are done using it, I store the lentils in a plastic ziploc bag, so it is ready to play with time and time again!

By Caroline of Armelle Blog

Sensory Play Activities part 9 of 11

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2. Learning Through Play - Indoor Toddler Activities by Guides
3. Edible Fingerpaint by DIY
4. Baking as Sensory Play by DIY
5. Food Coloring + Vinegar + Baking Soda = 4th Grade Science Project by Mrs. Bee
6. Fine Motor Fun: Pudding Bags by Mrs. Cowgirl
7. What is a Discovery Basket and How to Make One by Kylie @ How We Montessori
8. Baby Games: What's that smell? by Mrs. Tricycle
9. DIY Construction Site Activity Tray by Caroline @ Armelle Blog
10. Making Sensory Play Manageable at Home by Mrs. Lion
11. 20 No Mess Sensory Activities by Mrs. Lion