Do yummy-smelling pumpkin play dough, a foamy witches cauldron, and fluffy fuzzy ghosts sound like fun to you? Then look no further! In this Halloween sensory craft roundup, we’re bringing you only the spookiest projects on the internet! Not only are these delightful crafts great for celebrating the Halloween season all October long, each of them provides children on the spectrum with opportunities to improve fine motor skills, encourage sensory tolerance, follow instructions, and get creative!
Benefits of Sensory Crafts
Sensory crafts are great for kids of all ages and abilities, but they can yield particularly good results in children on the autism spectrum. Parents of Autistic children know that many of them experience sensory inputs differently than normal children. Typically, sensory sensitivities manifest in one of two forms: “hypersensitivity” which refers to the experience of more heightened and intense sensory inputs, and “hyposensitivity” which refers to the experience of reduced sensory inputs.
Children with hypersensitivity can use crafts to practice sensory tolerance. Crafts offer a safe environment in which to try interacting with new inputs and discover more about their likes and dislikes.
Children with hyposensitivity may love the unique textures, smells, and colors involved in these crafts. Crafts give them a safe environment in which to explore sensory extremes.
Crafts are also a great opportunity for children to practice fine motor skills. Learn how to safely use a variety of tools, including their own hands, wrists, and fingers!
We strongly encourage parents to get involved in these projects with their kids from start to finish. Give your child instructions and help lead them through the different steps of the project. This helps enforce ideas of “first, then” and can help them complete future projects on their own. You can also engage your child in conversation about their crafts: which colors do they like using? How does the slime feel on your fingers? Does the pumpkin pie dough smell good? Every moment provides an opportunity for learning and growing together.
Crafts
Bubble Foam Witch’s Brew
This delightful play project from Raising Wild Things Sensory is sensory play at its best: simple and effective! Experiment with making multiple colors of foam to practice color mixing. Add in any toys you’d like to make your witches brew as spooky as you please. The best part? Since the main ingredients of this project are soap and water, cleanup is a breeze!
Pumpkin Pie Playdough
Mmmmm…you’ll love this Pumpkin Pie Playdough from Tinker Lab! Everyone knows that playing with dough is one of the best parts of baking – and this dough promises to smell like the real thing! Shape, roll, and press for as long as you’d like.
Halloween Stress Balls
In this craft from Stylish Life for Moms, you make a festive stress ball that you can enjoy all year long. This craft uses simple tools like a balloon and a sharpie to craft a fidget your child won’t be able to get enough of!
Paper Plate Spiders
Paper plates are one of the most versatile craft items known to man! In this project from I Heart Crafty Things, you use them to make an adorable paper plate spider! Spiders are great because you can use it as a chance to teach kids about counting by instructing them how many legs or eyes to include. It’s holiday fun for everyone!
Bubble Cauldron Painting
https://www.craftsonsea.co.uk/witchs-cauldron-craft/
Have you ever used “bubble” paint? By mixing paint with soapy water, you can create a uniquely textured paint like no other! Add a spooky black witches cauldron: boom! you’ve got yourself hours of spooky scary fun!
Puffy Ghost Halloween Craft
This simple but adorable ghost craft is perfect for everyone! Make your own fuzzy, puffy ghost decor using cotton balls. This guide by Mombrite includes a free ghost printable to make your crafting a breeze.
Jack-O-Lantern Apple Stamps
Crafts by Courtney wins extra points in our book for using easy, natural, and festive materials like apples in her halloween crafting! This cute craft promises to help you “Go from apple to Jack-O-Lantern in just a few steps”.
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC contracts with around 160 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.