In this activity, we combine messy sensory play with the open-ended possibilities of loose parts. Children are invited to explore textures, practice fine motor control, and express their creativity—all while building focus and confidence. As part of Level 3 of the Here We Grow Curriculum, this invitation encourages you to observe not just what your child creates, but how they approach the process.
Invitation to Play:
Spray a layer of shaving cream onto a tray and set out an assortment of small loose parts. Invite your child to explore by pressing, swirling, and placing pieces into the foam. This activity turns simple materials into a multi-sensory art invitation where textures, patterns, and stories come to life.
Try saying:
🗣️ “I wonder what happens when you press that piece into the foam.”
🗣️ “Can you make a face or shape using the loose parts?”
🗣️ “What do the swirls remind you of?”
Materials:
- Shaving cream (foam, not gel)
- Tray or baking sheet
- Loose parts (pom-poms, sticks, buttons, lids, small toys, etc.)
- Optional: card or ruler for smoothing
- Optional: towel + water for cleanup
Skills Being Strengthened:
- Sensory integration & tactile exploration
- Fine motor control
- Spatial reasoning
- Creativity and storytelling
- Visual-motor planning
Parent Tip:
This activity is all about process over product. Watch how your child moves their hands, how they test materials, and how long they stay engaged. You might see them experimenting with symmetry, pattern, or cause and effect—all signs of deep thinking!
Play Extension:
🌀 Smooth out the tray and invite them to make a new design
🧼 Hide some items in the foam for a treasure hunt
🎭 Let the child be the “artist” and explain their creation to you
Looking for More?
This is part of our Level 3 November Curriculum, designed to help you observe your child’s learning in action.
➡️ Start Here