Rainbow Glitter Sensory Tray
The rainbow glitter sensory tray is an absolutely awesome activity that you and your little one will most definitely enjoy! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it feels AMAZING. It is taste-safe (but do not encourage that feature) and environmentally friendly. The “glitter” used in the activity is made out of regular table salt. I refrained from using Epsom salt, because it doubles as a laxative, and I did not want to take that risk. Your toddler will LOVE this activity!
The tools for this activity are up to the activity coordinator. I would recommend offering one small item, to start. A paintbrush or spoon would make a great starting item. Once your toddler loses interest in that item, add a few more. My two-year-old was extremely focused as she was scooping and pouring in the rainbow glitter sensory tray for an hour the first time we did this activity. The only tools we used were a paintbrush, a spoon, a small cup with a handle and a small container.
Items needed for this activity:
Table salt 1/3 C. for each color
Food coloring (I have this set and I LOVE it – so many beautiful colors!)
Ziploc bags or small Tupperware
Baking sheet
Tools for exploration (paintbrushes, spoons, measuring cups/spoons, water droppers, spray bottles, whatever you think your little one would enjoy)
Steps:
First, measure 1/3 C. salt and place into each bag or container.
Next, add 6 drops of food coloring of your preferred color to each salt bag or container. If you want a lighter shade, use less drops of food coloring. On the flip side, if you want a darker shade, add some more! If you choose to do a rainbow glitter sensory tray, ROYGBIV is the obvious choice for colors. However, any theme you choose will turn out beautifully!
Close the bag or container and vigorously shake and knead the salt until thoroughly combined.
Open up the bag or container and let the colored salt glitter air out for 3 hours. This step helps the salt hold the color better. You can skip this step if you do not mind washing up some seriously colorful hands! I prefer to wait.
Once the salt is dry, it is ready for playtime!
In order (ROYGBIV), empty the bags or containers onto the baking sheet, accentuating the rainbow colors. If you are feeling super creative, shape them into a rainbow as well.
I recommend bringing the rainbow glitter sensory tray outside because exploration is a messy business.
Place the prepared tray in front of your little one, along with whichever tools you decided upon, and encourage them to discover. It is unnecessary to give instructions. Notice how your little one interacts with the rainbow glitter sensory tray. Let them make this activity their own and see where their curiosity leads them. One of the best things about introducing toddlers to new activities is watching them explore.
This rainbow salt glitter can be included in so many other activities; it can be mixed into playdough, slime, water, whatever! It looks beautiful when layered into clear jars, much like colored sand. Switching up the tools every time you do this activity keeps it fun and keeps your little one engaged.
If you would like to add another sensory element to this activity, simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil when mixing the salt and food coloring.