Nest of Birds in a Compact Universe
In a delightful spring-themed sensory bin activity, children can explore the wonders of nature by crafting their own salt dough bird eggs. This hands-on project, suitable for young learners, is both educational and fun, promoting sensory exploration while introducing the concept of bird eggs and their habitats.
To create these salt dough bird eggs, you'll need a basic recipe consisting of 2 parts all-purpose flour, 1 part salt, and about 1 part water. Simply mix the flour and salt, then gradually add water, kneading until you have a firm dough that is not too sticky. Shape small egg-sized ovals with the dough, adjusting the recipe slightly to make the dough firmer or softer for easier shaping.
For an added touch of realism, you can incorporate natural textures or colours. Use coffee grounds or cinnamon mixed into the dough to mimic egg speckles or earthy tones, or add finely ground oats or sand for texture. After shaping, bake the eggs at a low temperature (around 200°F/90°C) for a few hours to harden them.
Once cooled, these salt dough eggs resemble bird eggs and are perfect for a sensory bin filled with natural materials such as feathers, pinecones, and found nests. This nature-themed sensory bin supports sensory exploration and fits perfectly in a learning environment focused on birds and bugs, as recommended for similar sensory play setups.
To enhance the activity, toy birds from Backyard Birds TOOB and pipe cleaners for the "worms" are provided. Triangle handle brushes and little paint pots are used for the painting, while feathers and fake leaves serve as additional components of the sensory bin.
Through this activity, children not only learn about bird eggs and nests but also develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and understanding of the natural world. As they paint, count, and play with their handmade salt dough bird eggs, they embark on a fun and educational journey that brings the wonders of spring to life.
Integrate the homemade salt dough bird eggs into a delightful home-and-garden lifestyle, forming a visually appealing and engaging sensory play setup for children. Arrange the eggs, feathers, pinecones, found nests, toy birds, pipe cleaners, triangle handle brushes, and paint pots in a sensory bin, promoting sensory exploration and fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
