Isn’t this alphabet sensory bag so inviting!?! We have been enjoying squishing it and finding the alphabet letter jewels hidden in it. It’s the perfect blend of learning the alphabet and sensory exploration.

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This alphabet sensory bag works two-fold. It is a great and fun learning activity, but it is also a tool. A tool for helping young children appropriately seek out sensory stimulation.

You may have noticed that I do a lot of sensory activities. This is mostly in part because my son is a sensory seeker, and I have had children with Sensory Processing Disorder in almost all of my preschool classes. I had no clue what Sensory Processing Disorder looked like when I began working in the classroom, and I certainly misdiagnosed a lot of behaviors. In reality, my kiddos were telling me, “we’re overstimulated,” but I was getting the message “I am trying to drive you crazy.”

Thankfully, now I have a much better eye and ear for what Sensory Processing Disorder looks like. I’ve even had the incredible opportunity to review the book Sensory Processing 101, a comprehensive book about the sensory systems, written from two very important perspectives — a parent’s/educator’s and a therapist’s.

I wish this book was available to me 14 years ago when my early childhood teaching career began. Unfortunately, there was almost nothing available at that time. In fact children who were struggling with their sensory seeking behaviors had almost no support. We are learning more and more about how sensory experiences are a necessary part of everyday life for children.

Don’t make my mistake! There’s no need to when we have resources available to us now!

Here is a video about the book:

Our alphabet sensory bag is an idea I came up with after reading about sensory bags on pages 114-115. It’s super simple to make!

Materials:

• Gallon sized bag
• Poly-Pellets Weighted Stuffing Beads (also available at craft stores)
• Letter Jewels
• Duct Tape

Directions:

Put 16 or more ounces of poly-pellets into your gallon sized bag. Add as many letter jewels as desired. Duct tape all the edges of the bag, and play! Definitely keep an eye out for wear with the bag, since a very small hole is big enough for the beads to start escaping.

I’d love to hear of a sensory tool you use for children too.

If you are interested in reading more about sensory systems, sensory seekers, or Sensory Processing Disorder go to Sensory Processing 101. You can also find the ebook version there.

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Katie T. Christiansen

Creator at Preschool Inspirations

Katie has spent 17 combined years in the Early Childhood field as a teacher, preschool owner, and educational writer. She has worked in profit and non-profit programs, high-risk schools, and started an in-home preschool and outdoor collaborative preschool program. She adores being a mom to three children, and her youngest is currently in preschool.

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