NEW Equipment

First Activity - Bubble Wrap (Sensory Play)

Always supervise when children use bubble wrap. Young children should remove shoes and socks and try popping bubbles with feet, hands or whole-body movements. This gives strong touch and movement feedback.

Adaptations:

• Stick bubble wrap on walls for children to pop standing up and offering more dynamic movement opportunities.
• Sing action songs while popping (for example a “popcorn” song) to make the activity fun and structured.

Suggested songs:

Popping popcorn (tune of Frere Jacques)

Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels,

In the pot, in the pot

Shake them, shake them, shake them,

Shake them, shake them, shake them,

‘til they pop, ‘til they pop!

 

Five little Peas in a Peapod Pressed

Five little peas in a peapod pressed,

One grew, two grew, so did all the rest,

They grew and grew and did not stop,

Until one day the pod went pop.

 

I Had a Little Turtle

I had a little Turtle,

His name was Tiny Tim.

I put him in the bathtub,

To see if he could swim.

 

He drank up all the water

And ate a bar of soap.

And now he's in his bed,

With bubbles in his throat.

 

Bubble, Bubble, Bubble,

Bubble, Bubble, Bubble,

Bubble, Bubble, Bubble

Bubble, PoP!

 

10 Fat Sausages Sizzling In A Pan

10 fat sausages sizzling in the pan,

1 went pop and the other went BANG!

8 fat sausages sizzling in the pan,

1 went pop and the other went BANG!

6 fat sausages sizzling in the pan,

1 went pop and other went BANG!

(Continue with 4, 2)

Extra ideas:

Build a sensory path with bubble wrap, blankets and cushions.  Use large-bubble wrap for louder pops, it gives clearer feedback and is easier to pop. Make sure popped bits don’t litter the area (choking risk).

 

Second Activity - Thermal Blankets (Foil Play)

Tear recycled thermal blankets into big strips and take them outside. Children can run while shaking strips to make thunder sounds or scrunch them into balls to throw at targets. These are great for big movements and imagination.

Adaptations:

• Use silver and gold pieces for shiny effects.
• Tape a whole blanket to a doorway for a dramatic “entrance” during role-play.
• Create dances together using strips of the blankets.

Extra ideas & safety:

Check for sharp edges and fold them if needed. Never let children cover faces with foil. Keep sessions short and supervised.

 

Third Activity - Light-Up Balls and Cylinders (Glow Play)

These glowing toys are very engaging.  Make the environment into a dark space for effectiveness. Let young children explore them freely.  Make sure each child has an item or create small stations so sharing is easier.

Adaptations:

• If you don’t have glow toys, wrap torches with coloured tissue paper to make them colourful.
• Try rolling the ball on the body, rolling it to a friend, tapping it gently or making a glow tunnel with friends.

Extra ideas & safety:

Check the lights and batteries are secure.  Don’t allow small parts near babies who put things in their mouths.  Use glow play to notice skills like turning, rolling and teamwork. 

 

Short safety and planning tips (for all three activities):

• Keep it short. For very young children, 3-5 minutes of a focused activity with rest is best.
• Offer choices. Provide easier and harder versions of each move.  Let children pick what they try.
• Get consent and respect culture. Always ask before applying cultural items (like bindis).  Talk to families if you are using cultural props.
• Watch and note. See who can sequence actions, balance, or jump safely.  Make quick notes so you can plan the next steps.
• Check props and space. Look for tripping risks, sharp edges, and small bits that could be swallowed.  Supervise closely.
• Follow their lead.  If the children are enjoying the activity, repeat!

 

Equipment Video