Need some inspiration for a Halloween party, or maybe a body parts themed preschool unit? This Skeleton Sensory Activity is perfect for the spooky season. Toddlers and preschoolers will have so much fun exploring the skeleton toys in this taste safe sensory bin.
If you want to make your Halloween themed lessons a breeze, then check out the Halloween Activity Pack. For only $10 you get 86 pages of hands-on activities and craft templates that are perfect for math and literacy centers, fine motor skills and more. Check it out today.
Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times. Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase.
Halloween Themed Sensory Activities
If your kids love sensory play, then try another fun Halloween activity. Here are some of my favorite sensory tubs to do during the month of October.
- Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
- Jello Eyeballs Sensory Bin
- Witches potion sensory bin
- Skeleton Sensory Bottle
- Halloween Water Play
For more ideas, take a look at these 36 Halloween Sensory Activities.
Materials Needed
- 1 – 2 pounds of Salt
- Purple (or red and blue) food coloring. (About 20 drops)
- 1 – 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- Toy human skeleton
- Large plastic container
- Sensory Bin tools (spoons, cups, bowls, etc)
I bought the Fandex Mini Skeleton (Similar to this Model Skeleton) and I am so glad I did. The skeleton easily disassembles into smaller sections and the different bones can be scattered around the sensory bin.
However, when finished playing with this skeleton sensory bin, the bones can be put back together and placed on the stand provided. When assembled, the skeleton bones can be used for science centers when your class is learning about the human body.
The icing on the cake? Each bone has a little L or R etched onto it. That way when you are assembling it again, you know which bone goes where. How easy is that?
How to Make a Skeleton Sensory Activity
1. Place the food coloring, vinegar, and salt into the large container
The vinegar is used to help the color set. Without it, the food coloring will stain the little hands and clothes of the kids while they play.
2. Mix until all of the salt has turned purple.
If the color isn’t as vivid as you would like, add more food coloring. You can add as much food coloring until you get the color that you want.
3. Let the salt dry.
The amount of time it takes to dry will depend on the weather. If you live somewhere warm, overnight should be fine. However, if you live somewhere cold, give yourself a few days to let the salt dry properly.
4. Pour the purple salt into a large container.
5. Take apart your skeleton.
6. Place the skeleton, and sensory bin tools into the tub.
As an extended learning activity, create a skeleton puzzle. Then, as the children pull out one of the pieces, they can practice matching bones to the puzzle. Use this free printable skeleton to create a puzzle for your sensory bin. Or just take a photo of your skeleton and print it out beforehand as a fun way to turn this into a matching activity too.
You can also use these skeleton activities for kids as a way to teach your class about the skeletal system.
7. Finally, all you need to do is enjoy playing and learning.
What You’re Learning
Sensory
There are a number of different senses engaged in this easy activity. For example:
- Taste – salt is taste safe and the kids can see what it’s like.
- Tactile – salt is grainy, and feels grainy when you play with it.
- Visual – the purple food coloring makes the salt visually stimulating.
- Smell – you can add in essential oils to make the sensory table filler smell nice.
Science
This fun activity is the perfect way to teach both younger and older kids about the skeletal system. Learn about the different names of the bones and why they are so important for our bodies. You can discuss things like:
- What bones need to stay healthy.
- How bones help us move our bodies.
- Fun facts about bones.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills refer to the small muscles in the hand and fingers. Developing these skills are important for being able to write when the kids go to school, as well as being able to complete tasks independently. (For example, dressing and feeding themselves).
Picking up the bones, and scooping and pouring the salt are all going to help young kids develop:
- Pincer grip
- Hand-eye coordination
- Dexterity
- Strength
Are you going to try this Skeleton Sensory Activity with your kids?
Don’t forget to Pin the idea for later.
86 Pages of Halloween themed play based learning activities. Perfect for preschool and kindergarteners.
