Upfront disclosure, this shredded paper sensory activity does get messy. (but it’s a blast) It may be a messy sensory bin you do once or twenty times over the years. Only time will tell. But when the weather warms up, and you need a fun idea for the summer days ahead, try this one on a day you can hose everyone down when finished. And yep, this squeezing also helps strengthen those small chubby hands for writing. See that? Another reason to say yes, just once to this shredded paper messy sensory play exploration.
RELATED: Does sensory play need to be messy? Goodness, no. Here are 40 sensory bins for kids that offer lots of low-key ways to play.
How this messy sensory bin was discovered
As I began cooking dinner, I was being asked a million questions. Can I haaaaveeee an apple? Wheeeerre are my markers?
I mean, I get it. I am the keeper of all things.
But it was Easter dinner! They needed to keep busy so that I could focus on this paprika potato recipe I was trying for the first time. So after taking a quick look around, it came to me. – We needed to use all this shredded paper in the Easter baskets for an epic sensory bin.
Alternative: Use shredded bills from your paper shredder at home!
RELATED: Here is how I introduce sensory play to my toddlers before reaching this messy play color-mixing idea!
Supply List
Setting this sensory bin up takes a few sensory supplies from around the house. But good news! The items used for this are used for many other sensory activities on Days with Grey. Stock up, and you’re summer is set!
From around your home:
- Storage bin for sensory play
- Shredded paper
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I have found squeeze bottles at the dollar store, but this 7-pack is more durable.
Add a few drops of paint to your water, and viola! A color sensation.
Setting up messy sensory play
When setting up messy sensory play, we want to have a cleanup plan at the forefront.
PRO TIP: Use a plastic shower curtain below the workspace to be hosed off when done playing.
- Add a couple of squirts of paint to each squirt bottle.
- Add water to your paint and fill the squirt bottle.
- Fill your sensory bin with crinkle-cut paper shreds, or use your shredded paper collection.
- Allow your preschoolers to squirt primary colors and explore different color combinations.
RELATED: 50+ Play Ideas will keep you busy year-round!
Using primary colors
This primary-color mixing sensory bin was a blast!
Suddenly, can I have a snack changed to LOOK! Red and yellow make orange!
And once they got going, this activity lasted a very long time. Boom, dinner is made. But yes, there was a big cleanup. We all worked together to toss the now brown paper pieces. This is not a sensory bin I would keep in my workspace. LOL
Why is this primary color-mixing sensory play so important?
Sensory play and color mixing are important because it brings learning to life. As children repeat their favorite play prompts, they create more brain pathways in the brain. Read this article I wrote about the importance of sensory play.
Preschoolers will:
- Make observations
- Engage in meaningful discussions
- Strengthen small hand muscles
- Explore texture as the paper goes from dry to wet
What will your kids DO this summer?
Take the guesswork out of your days with the Summertime Bundle.
- Startup Guide creates your summer routine.
- Activity cards have easy activities.
- The PDF calendar puts your plan in place.
FAQ
Surprisingly, it isn’t the paint that makes this activity so messy. Instead, it is the wet paper that begins to clump together. Use a shower liner below the play to dump right into the trash can after play.
I use washable paint with my kids.
Making sure your child is safe is a top priority. When starting sensory play with babies or young children, sit close and ensure there are no items your child will choke on. Here is my guide on how to introduce sensory play.
