Sensory Rice

• 3 1kg bags of the cheapest rice

• food colouring

• essential oils (optional)

• glitter (optional)

• Large tray - I'd recommend a Tuff Spot if you can stretch to it!

Place all the rice in a large bowl and add the food colouring in small amounts. Rub the rice (you may want to were rubber gloves) until the food colouring has worked all the way through, covering all the rice. Add the essential oils and glitter and give it good mix again. Leave it to dry in your large tray for 24 hours - giving it a stir occasionally to help it along. Store it in and air tight tub for 6 months!

Why it's good

Sensory rice is great for calm play. The feel of it between fingers (and toes!) and the pouring nature of it, along with any essential oils you might use all contribute to a good half and hour of quiet play. Popping things like small world figures in there or using cups and spoons all help to encourage play. And it's way easier to clean up than playdough!