One of the best ways to spend time with your family this Spooky Season? Sensory crafts, of course! Sensory Crafts are a fulfilling, fun, and collaborative way to hone the development of fine motor skills.
For the Halloween Season, we’re bringing you craft projects that embrace spooky aesthetics and autumnal scents and colors. Whether your kiddos love creative expression, sensory crafts, or even active play, there’s a seasonal activity for you in this blog! While sensory crafts are especially beneficial for kiddos on the Autism Spectrum, these activities can be enjoyed by anyone.
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
Fall Scented Playdough
Who doesn’t love fall scents? Some of the best sensory experiences the season has to offer are in its iconic scents like cinnamon, apple pie, and of course, pumpkin spice. Making all three is a great way to encourage your kiddo to practice describing each three, and choosing their preferences.
You will need:
- Flour
- Salt
- Oil
- Cream of Tartar
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Apple Pie Spice
- Essential Oils
- Food Coloring
source: https://themontessoritwinmama.com/2024/08/02/fall-scented-playdough-recipes/
Pumpkin Guts Slime
Pumpkin Guts can be a bit divisive; you either love it or you hate it. But for the fans – this Pumpkin Guts slime is sure to be a massive hit! Using real pumpkin seeds, this slime is squishy-squashy fun for everyone.
You will need:
- Bottle of clear glue
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Contact Solution
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Pumpkin Pie Seasoning
- Orange food coloring
- small bowl
source: https://www.craftymorning.com/pumpkin-guts-slime
Coffee Filter Ghosts
These sweet little ghosts are absolutely adorable! Transform the humble coffee filter into a whimsical ghostly friend. Kids can unleash their creative expression with these bright tie-dye colors. Once they’re done, use them as decor to love for years to come.
You will need:
- Coffee filters
- Washable markers
- Black oil paint marker
- Water
- Battery operated tea-light candle
- Baking sheet
- Plastic water dropper
- Eye Dropper
source: https://onelittleproject.com/coffee-filter-ghosts
Apple Stamping Pumpkin Craft
This apple-stamp craft involves a unique sensory experience of crafting with apples. Perfectly fall, it also includes a unique scent and touch experience.
You will need:
- Apple
- Craft paint in orange, green, black
- paint brushes – one flat, one smaller round
- Something to print on – white lunch sacks, cardstock paper and envelopes, or white/ivory totebag
source: https://welcometonanas.com/fun-apple-stamping-pumpkin-craft/
Spider-Web Slime
This spiderweb slime has a texture unlike any other slime we’ve encountered before! Inspired by the intricate webs of spiders, this slime has a cotton-candy like texture accomplished by using instant snow.
You will need:
- White Glue
- Water
- Instant Snow
- Borax
- Measuring Cup
- Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon
source: https://onelittleproject.com/spider-web-slime
Spider-Web Ball Throw
This TikTok project is great for kiddos who need an activity that engages their whole body. While the user does not provide step by step instructions, we can observe that they use velcro tape to create a spiderweb pattern, then throw halloween colored pom-poms. This is a great way to provide festive play all spooky season long!
You will need:
- Velcro tape
- Pom-poms
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.