Sensory play has really grown on me over time. I went through a stage where I just couldn’t face the mess. Then my son went through a phase where he compulsively tipped out every single bin, box or basket. Now that we’ve left those exciting days mostly behind us, I’m finding myself embracing the joys and wonders of sensory play. This Saint Patrick’s Day inspired rainbow sensory play activity ticks all of the boxes for a simple and fun sensory game both toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy. Scroll down to get all the details!

Rainbow Sensory Play, Find the Gold in the Tray!

This activity kind of came to be as a result of weekly Hama bead frustrations. Miss 6 loves to make colourful figurines with her Hama beads, but Mr 3 cannot resist putting his hands into the box upsetting his sister’s creations and testing her patience. We have the same arguments each week and it’s been wearing us all down to the point I refused to even get the Hama beads out.

Then one day I found this pot of fake gold in the dollar store and the idea came to me to turn Mr 3’s obsession into a fun rainbow sensory play experience instead of the sibling war zone it usually is. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, it seemed like the perfect way to turn this ship around. And as I hoped, it was a huge success. Who knew a girl and her little brother could enjoy playing with Hama beads together?

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the fun at home (affiliate links): a serving tray, Hama/Perler beads in all colours, fake gold nuggets and a little something to collect the gold in.

All you need to do is pour the rainbow coloured beads in your serving tray, mix the gold in there and challenge your kids to find them!

Yes, it really is that simple. They simply can’t resist!

For the Love of Rainbows and Saint Patrick

Rainbow activities tend to be favourites with the toddler and preschool crowd, they captivate children like few other things do. Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect opportunity to capitalize on that and to teach children around customs all over the world. Although I’m pretty sure Irish people are well represented almost everywhere! (Love you, my Irish friends!) But, should you find this post any other time of the year, simply substitute the golden nuggets for something else and the game can still be on.

For all of you planning o go all out for St. Paddy’s Day, here’s your one stop inspiration station to play and decorate in style. And don’t forget to have a look at our rainbow button necklace we made last year. We’ll be wearing it again this year!

Enjoy!

Ann*

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