In this post, learn how to make an individualized Sensory Box to help your child support their sensory needs throughout remote learning, hybrid school, virtual classes, or in-person school.

Using sensory boxes gives kids the natural break they need as they work through their school day. They can easily and quickly become a calming diversion that is safe, clean, and fun!

What is a Sensory Box?

A sensory box is a container filled with interesting sensory toys that appeal to and stimulate the five senses: gustation (taste), olfactory (smell), tactile (touch), sight (visual), and auditory (hear). Typically they are used for sensory breaks, play, learning, relaxation, stimulation, exploration, and meditation.

How to Make a Sensory Box

Making a sensory box is easy and fun! I put this blue box together for my autistic son to use at home and school. Due to COVID-19, I wanted him to be able to access his own fidgets and sensory materials without having to worry about spreading germs through shared materials. He always focuses better when he’s holding a quiet fidget in his hand!

This year I’m going to try rotating sensory box themes based on holidays and seasons! A fall-themed sensory box could include a mini harvest sensory bin, cinnamon-scented pine cones, apple stress balls, and autumn playdough!

After you’ve created a sensory box, sit back and watch. Allow your child to explore and play! Some kids will narrate their play, so listen to what they are saying. What items do they enjoy? Are they relaxed and engaged?

By watching and listening, you can better connect with your child. You can see how they process information and learn, which will help with both schooling and parenting.

Tip: Always check with your child’s teacher before sending a sensory box to school!

Materials for Sensory Kit

Supply caddy
Miniature trays
Sensory materials, such as TheraPutty, fidgets, and MadMattr

Directions for DIY Sensory Box

1. Purchase a plastic supply caddy. You can find these at most stores, especially during the back-to-school season! We found our blue caddy at Lakeshore Learning, but have also seen them at Target (check the Dollar Spot), in craft stores, and on Amazon.

2. Fill one small section of the box with tactile sensory materials. My son prefers materials that give him proprioceptive feedback such as:

TheraPutty – My son likes to put pony beads in his putty to pull out.
Play-Doh
Modeling clay
Play Floam
Play-Doh Slime – It’s stretchy and slimy, but doesn’t stick to skin!

3. Add a variety of fidgets to another small section of the box. I typically avoid fidgets that make distracting sounds, but that is just our family’s preference. Some of our favorites include:

Mini Wooden Fidget Puzzle
TANGLE
Liquid Hourglass – These are so calming!
Koosh ball, stress ball, or puffer ball

4. Place a miniature activity tray and more playful sensory materials in the large section. My son loves to build and dig during sensory breaks, so we alternate between:

MadMattr – It comes in resealable packaging!
Bricks, such as LEGO
Kinetic Sand
Snap Cubes
K’NEX
ZOOB
Mini Sensory Bins

Mini Sensory Bins are simply portable, smaller versions of your child’s favorite sensory bin! We saw them over at The OT Toolbox first, but Pocket of Preschool, Fun Learning for Kids, and The Speech Bubble SLP have very cute ideas too!

Use a clear, locking box to make mini versions of:

Why Are Sensory Boxes Important?

Sensory boxes are beneficial for a vast number of reasons. First, they provide low-stress play opportunities in a contained space. Second, these boxes offer hands-on learning with fun and engaging materials. Additional individual benefits include:

Fidgeting
Hands-on learning
Child-led exploration
Calming
Explore with hands and senses
Social skills
Motivation
Problem-solving
Decision making
Self-regulation
Connections
Confidence
Self-esteem
Therapy
Textures
Math
Science
Play skills
Language skills
Fine motor skills
Hand-eye coordination
Motor development
Language development

How to Clean Sensory Boxes

First, wash your child’s sensory toys and box with soap and water to reduce germs and dirt. Next, sanitize the toys and box in a bleach solution consisting of 1/3 cup of unscented bleach and 1 gallon of water. Materials such as Play-Doh and kinetic sand should be discarded if they cannot be cleaned.

I always remind my kids to wash their hands with soap and water before playing with sensory materials—it’s a good habit to get into and will help prolong the life of materials that can’t be cleaned. This school year, I tucked a small bottle of hand sanitizer in the sensory box for my child to use before play.

Visit this site for more details on cleaning and sanitizing toys, and always follow along with guidelines from your local health department.

More Helpful Back to School Tips

Sensory Box

Learn how to make a Sensory Box for your child to use at home or school.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Supply caddy
Miniature trays
Sensory materials, such as TheraPutty, fidgets, and MadMattr

Instructions

Purchase a plastic supply caddy. You can find these at most stores, especially during the back-to-school season!
Fill one small section of the box with tactile sensory materials.
Add a variety of fidgets to another small section of the box.
Place a miniature activity tray and more playful sensory materials in the large section.
Your sensory box is complete!

Notes

Clean and rotate the items as needed.

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