Spring Planting Sensory Bin: Pretend Dirt Tutorial

In this BLOG post I will share the recipe for pretend dirt Moon Sand, storage and safety tips.

If you’re looking for a fun and festive bin for spring, this is it!

Kids will have so much fun as they play!!

They will strengthen fine motor skills, as they dig and scoop and pour.

They will strengthen their language and vocabulary skills as they learn names of flowers, practice color names and express their needs.

They will problem solve. Practice sharing. Use their creativity. They may even sooth and regulate big emotions…all through play!

They will explore sensory sensations. There are tons of opportunities to explore texture, smell, their sense of touch and sight!

Did I mention all of the real-life skills they are working on?! Gardening, digging, planting…the possibilities for learning and play are endless!

Materials:

• 2 cups Flour

• 1/4-1/2 cup Vegetable or coconut oil

• 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder

• Sensory tray or bowl

• Spoon

Step one: Pour all of the ingredients into a sensory tray or bowl.

Step two: Mix well. I like to go in with my hands to make sure that everything is really incorporated in. The consistency should be soft, but firm. You should be able to make a ball with the mixture, but also crumble it up.

If it is too crumbly, add a bit more oil.

If it is too wet, add a bit more flour.

Step three: When you are happy with the consistency of the moon sand, dump it into a bowl or sensory tray.

Step four: You can add in flowers. scoops, bowls, mini shovels...anything you want!

You can also just go in & explore with your hands which is equally as fun!

Not into flowers? That’s ok! You can also add in:

• Plastic bugs

• Plastic animals

• Wooden or plastic letters or numbers

• Cookie cutters

• Muffin tins

• Cupcake liners

Storage tips:

This Moon Sand will last up to 3 weeks if stored in an air-tight container. If you find it is drying out & becoming too crumbly, add in a few more drops of oil & knead it back in.

If you notice any mold, discard immediately.

IMPORTANT:

There is a difference between taste safe and edible. This recipe is not meant for consumption but it is safe if your child is still exploring with their mouth’s & tries it.

In order for this to be taste safe, you must bake the flour in a sheet pan at 350° for 10-15 minutes. This kills any bacteria that may be found on the flour.