Play is the work of the child.
–Maria Montessori
After teaching in a classroom for several years, teaching our girls at home is a real gift for our family. I love being able to personalize our days to how each of our children learn best.
Our older daughter loves to write and illustrate her own stories. Her free time is either spent with her nose in a book, drafting in her favorite notebook, or creating a craft at her desk.
Our younger daughter much prefers hands-on play. She’s the touchy-feely kid who loves pom poms, playdough, building with blocks, and using water beads. Her Kindergarten experience has been quite different from her sister’s, in part because I’ve lightened up a lot and also because both girls have a learning style all their own.
(Reminder: Rolling Prairie Readers uses affiliate links at no additional cost to you. You can see our full disclosure policy here.)
I’m a big believer in knowing our personality styles and using them to parent according to our strengths. Personalizing our parenting in relation to our children’s profile improves communication and strengthens our family dynamics.
Our younger daughter is an ISFP, and this quote from Nurture By Nature describes her (and our Kindergarten philosophy) to a T:
“And for learning to have any real impact or attraction for ISFPs, it must also be fun. Given that many ISFPs have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have to work hard to develop a real work ethic, they need to be completely engaged or they may find it impossible to resist their playful impulses.” (page 260)
Here are some of our favorite activities for rainbow tactile play! (Bonus: they are great for teaching colors,too.)
-
Water Beads
We ordered these water beads earlier this week, and I was ecstatic to see how many came in the package. This picture shows what two TEASPOONS of dry water beads looks like after following the directions!
-
Gradient Blocks
I saw a tutorial on Pinterest last week that uses a set of Jenga blocks and paint. Our set had 54 blocks, so I painted each group of nine blocks in the six colors of the rainbow. I am so excited about how they came out!
Click here to see the original tutorial.
-
Rainbow Noodles
These rainbow noodles were a happy accident last week, and after a lot of interest on Instagram, I ended up making a quick tutorial for our dyeing process:
If you try any of these rainbow tactile play activities, I would love to hear how your family enjoys the experience!
Did you find this post helpful? Be sure to save it!
I love the rainbow noodles! I am going to have to make some for my daughter to play with. Great post!
She has found SO many uses for them. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Melissa.
I can’t wait to try these with my daughter! We haven’t tried water beads yet because she still insists on putting things into her mouth, but I will have to try the blocks and noodles!
Vicki, I’m sure she’ll love them when she’s a bit older. Have you found a good food-grade way to dye noodles? I’m sure someone on the Internet has shared a good strategy. 🙂
Oh, I love all of these ideas so much! I have really been wanting to try out the water beads with my sons; they look so cool!
Gillian, they are SO fun to play with! I sneak my turn in after my kids are in bed. 😀
These all sound like great toys for all three of my kiddos, which is rare to find. I’m pinning this so I can come back to it when I have some extra moola. Thank you!
Yay, I know how hard that is! I try to create activities that will last for a few years.
I’ve never heard of water beads before! And I love the idea of painting jenga blocks!
I want to do the rainbow noodles, but my son is still very much the kid who puts everything in his mouth. LOL Great suggestions!
I’m sure there *must* be a food-safe way to dye noodles for little kids…I just haven’t researched it yet!
Rainbow noodles sounds awwwesome!
I mean all three does but this one is my fave!
Great ideas! I can’t wait to try some of these with my toddler boys. Thank you for sharing these!
I am always looking for more tactile activities. I really love the Jenga block idea. Thanks for sharing!
My child loves sensory play and I love more ideas on this! We have tried water beads, that is his favourite after play dough. Will try your other ideas 🙂
Thank you!