Create a Winter Sensory Bag

The winter season brings a lot of potential for fun outside, but sometimes the forecast isn’t exactly ideal for bundling up. In these moments, it’s great to have a simple activity on hand to keep children of all ages busy.  

This month, we’re sharing an idea you can personalize with your own interests and creativity. It’s a Winter Sensory Bag and it can be made using kid-friendly crafting items you already have at home or after a quick trip to the dollar store for a few simple supplies.

You’ll need:

• A coloring page or printed image
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Simple craft supplies of your choice
• A sealable gallon-sized freezer bag
• Your imagination!

Watch this video to get an idea of how to assemble your own. Kristina Atler, an Education Specialist with Learning Care Group, and her daughter Liliana show us how it’s done using a penguin-inspired theme.

Let’s begin!

First, select an image from your favorite seasonal coloring book. In our example, it’s a sweet penguin decked out in a snow hat and scarf, ready to brave the elements. Any image will do. You can also search for a free printable online if you have access to a printer.

Next, cut out your picture. For easier cuts, provide safety scissors for younger children to use. This will help them work on their fine-motor skills. For more complex shapes, let older children help or cut the image out for your child.

Tape your picture to the back of a gallon-sized freezer bag so the colored image is facing “into” the bag. You should be able to see it clearly after flipping the bag over.

Next, fill the bag with craft items that complement the scene you’re trying to create. For the penguin, Liliana used foam snowflakes in various sizes, curly-cue pipe cleaners, and puffballs to add more texture.

Seal the top and have your child move the pieces around inside by pressing and shifting them from the outside. Slowly, they’ll be able to uncover their colored photo and position the other items around as if it’s your own creative snow globe.

Make it your own!

Other ideas might include a winter-loving animal with items to create a cozy scene, a snowman with individual accessories needed to dress it up, your favorite characters, or a nature scene.

The possibilities are endless. Give it a try and tag your school to share the finished craft. We’d love to see your Winter Sensory Bag.