Glue various textured materials to a large piece of cardboard. Divide the board into squares with a black marker and attach the different materials into each section. Allow the children to touch each material and talk about how it feels. There are many materials for this texture board such as cotton, fake fur, aluminum foil, chamois, foam rubber, netting, sandpaper, burlap and more. Cutting the cardboard into a snake shape and making sections is another option for this craft.
Collect a variety of rocks and stones when on a walk. First touch the stones to feel the denseness and surface. Then talk about hot and cold. On a hot sunny day, the rocks may feel warm to the touch, whereas stones that are buried in dirt or in the shade may be cold. This activity can be replicated indoors by placing stones in the freezer and some in a bowl of hot water. Place these on the table and invite the children to touch the stones. Discuss how the same object can have a different feel under two circumstances.
Cut a large square of clear, self-adhesive paper and tape it to the wall, sticky side out. Set out a box of lightweight junk items and invite the children to stick them to the paper to create a collage. Think about objects like grass, dried leaves, feathers, yarn, fabric scraps, a variety of papers, buttons and pieces of pipe cleaners. The children will be fascinated by pressing things onto the sticky paper in this sensory activity.
This magic substance becomes solid and warm when you squeeze it, yet turns into a liquid substance and runs between your fingers when you loosen your grip. Mix a box of cornstarch and water (enough to make it feel like gravy) in a large bowl. Add food coloring if you wish. Both children and adults will enjoy playing with this soothing substance.