Book Review: Fun Sensory Activities for the Home and Classroom

Finding simple sensory activities that children can enjoy at home or in the classroom doesn’t have to require expensive supplies or hours of preparation. Starting Sensory Therapy: Fun Activities for the Home and Classroom! by Bonnie Arnwine offers more than 100 activities and games designed to make sensory exploration accessible, practical and fun.

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Starting Sensory Therapy: Fun Activities for the Home and Classroom!

Arnwine, a parent of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder and a former preschool teacher, focuses on activities that require minimal time, money, and cleanup.

Many of the materials are everyday items you may already have around the house or classroom, including empty yogurt cups, string, soap, Kool-Aid, flour and paper plates.

What Makes This Book Useful?

One of the biggest strengths of Starting Sensory Therapy is its practical approach. The activities don’t require a large collection of specialized therapy equipment. Instead, the book encourages adults to use familiar materials to create opportunities for sensory exploration and play.

The activities address seven sensory systems: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, oral, vestibular, and proprioceptive. This variety gives children opportunities to explore different types of sensory input through playful activities.

Another helpful feature is the book’s “Extend It!” sections. When a child enjoys an activity but is ready for something different, these suggestions offer ways to use the same materials in new ways. This helps keep activities fresh without requiring parents or teachers to gather an entirely new set of supplies.

Activities for Home and School

The book’s flexibility makes it useful in several settings. Parents can use the activities during playtime at home, while teachers can incorporate them into classroom activities or sensory-focused breaks.

The activities can also encourage social interaction. Many can be enjoyed with parents, teachers, siblings, or peers, giving children opportunities to participate alongside others while exploring sensory experiences.

For families or educators who are just beginning to explore sensory activities, this straightforward format can make getting started feel much less intimidating.

Key Benefits of Starting Sensory Therapy

• Provides more than 100 sensory activities and games
• Uses inexpensive, everyday materials
• Requires minimal preparation and cleanup
• Addresses seven sensory systems
• Includes ideas for extending activities
• Works for both home and classroom settings
• Encourages active, hands-on exploration
• Provides opportunities for social interaction
• Offers practical ideas for parents and teachers

Who Would Benefit From This Book?

Starting Sensory Therapy is particularly useful for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for easy sensory activities that don’t require a significant investment in materials or equipment. Its practical focus also makes it a helpful starting point for adults who are new to sensory integration activities.

Bonnie Arnwine brings both personal and professional experience to the book. As a mother of a child with sensory processing challenges and a former preschool teacher, she offers activities designed with everyday family and classroom life in mind.

Final Thoughts

Starting Sensory Therapy: Fun Activities for the Home and Classroom! is a practical resource for anyone looking for simple ways to incorporate sensory play into a child’s day. With more than 100 activities, inexpensive materials and suggestions for extending play, the book makes sensory exploration approachable for both home and classroom environments.

To purchase, click the image/link below!

Starting Sensory Therapy: Fun Activities for the Home and Classroom!

 

Recommended Reading:

• Sensory Integration Strategies and Tips
• Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder
• Therapy Games: Turn Popular Games Into Creative Activities

About the Author

Bonnie Arnwine is the mother of an exceptional child, and sensory integration has been an integral part of her son’s successful transition from special education to full inclusion in regular classes.

Formerly a preschool teacher, she is now Director of Childrens’ Ministries for Fair Oaks Church of Concord, CA. She earned her Bachelors degree in English from the University of California at Davis and has undertaken graduate work in education. She currently lives in Bencia, California with her husband, son, and daughter.