DIY Sensory Rugs for Kids (2024)

Sensory rugs are so great for children’s learning and very beneficial for their development. Children are usually very attracted to sensory rugs that stimulate their senses with different textures and colors. The great news is that DIY sensory (massage) rugs are easy to make at home and are very affordable. They make the child’s playtime fun and exciting. These are great for baby and toddler room setups.

Sensory rugs for kids are designed to stimulate children’s senses, help them develop fine motor skills, and promote problem-solving and imaginative play. They are typically made of soft and durable materials such as felt or cotton and feature various sensory elements such as loops, buttons, zippers, laces, and textured fabrics. These rugs feature various textures, colors, and shapes for children to explore with their hands and feet. They can help improve fine motor skills, develop tactile awareness, and enhance sensory processing abilities. Montessori sensory rugs are also easy to clean and durable, making them ideal for use in preschools, daycare centers, or homes with active little ones. With a variety of options available, these rugs provide a wonderful way to encourage learning and play for children of all ages. These rugs can be used by children aged 6 months to 6 years in various ways, including as a play mat, a learning tool, or a calming space. Some popular types of sensory rugs for kids include:

1. Activity mats – These mats feature different activities such as puzzle pieces, textures, and sensory toys that engage kids’ senses and encourage exploration.
2. Rugs with geometric shapes – These rugs have different shapes and sizes that kids can use to learn spatial awareness and fine motor skills.
3. Sensory mats – Sensory mats feature a variety of textures, fabrics, and colors designed to stimulate children’s senses and offer a calming space for relaxation.
4. Puzzle mats – These mats have detachable pieces that kids can use to learn how to match shapes, improve fine motor skills, and develop problem-solving abilities.
5. Alphabet and number mats – These mats feature letters and numbers that can help kids learn the basics of language and math in a fun, tactile way.

Overall, Montessori sensory rugs for kids offer a creative way for children to learn and have fun while developing essential skills.

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Maria Montessori was one of the first educators who noticed a connection between sensory stimulation and brain development. One of the main attributes of Maria’s success in helping children reach their potential and achieve great results is her emphasis on sensory stimulation. She utilized children’s senses to teach concepts of mathematics, language, and science.

Montessori believed that sensory development is critical to a child’s overall development, as it forms the foundation for higher-level cognitive functions. She believed that children learn through their senses and that providing them with rich sensory experiences is essential for their growth and development.

Montessori emphasized the importance of allowing children to explore and experiment with their environment, and to engage in activities that stimulate their senses, such as touching, smelling, tasting, and listening. By encouraging children to use their senses, Montessori believed that they would develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them, and ultimately become more capable learners.

Maria Montessori was a strong advocate for sensory development and believed that it was a critical aspect of a child’s overall development. She emphasized the importance of providing children with a wide range of sensory experiences, including allowing them to touch, feel, see, and even taste different objects.

DIY sensory rugs have great advantages, they:

• stimulate senses
• children LOVE them
• no to a minimum cost
• benefit brain development
• have a calming effect
• beneficial for their general well-being
• great for children with sensory processing issues
• easy to store
• great for exploring different textures

The exciting news is that you already probably have everything you need to create a beautiful sensory rug for your child.

Here are some ideas for materials you can use to create sensory rugs at home:

• sponges
• beans, seeds, peas
• pebbles
• rocks
• plastic lids
• pencils
• straws
• сurtain rings
• bamboo mats
• pegs
• corks
• marbles
• beads
• buttons
• fabrics

how to make sensory rugs for kids

Materials needed:

• Non-slip rug pad
• Fleece fabric
• Scissors
• Fabric glue
• Puffy paint
• Yarn
• Velcro

Steps:

1. Cut your rug pad into the desired size and shape using scissors.
2. Cut your fleece fabric into the same size and shape as the rug pad.
3. Apply fabric glue onto the rug pad and carefully lay the fleece on top, pressing it down to make sure it sticks.
4. Using puffy paint, draw shapes, letters, or numbers onto the fleece. You can also add different textures by drawing squiggles or lines with the puffy paint.
5. Cut pieces of yarn and attach them to the rug using fabric glue to add some more texture.
6. Attach velcro to different spots on the rug to give the child something to pull or play with.
7. Allow the rug to dry completely before giving it to the child to play with.

Sensory rugs can be a great tool for children to explore different textures and sensory experiences. However, be sure to supervise children while they play on the rug to prevent choking hazards or other injuries.

I found these gorgeous examples of sensory rugs made by creative Russian mamas

Handmade Massage Rug BabyBlog.Ru by LizaSource

Massage Rug – Forest Meadow – Strana MamSource

Handmade Massage Rug – Baby.rusource

Our Massage Rug – BabyBlog.Ru – Albinasource

Handmade Massage Rug – Deti.mail.ru – Evgenijasource

Massage Rug – Strana Masterovsource

Massage rug – “Magic forest” – Karapuzka.blogspot.comsource

Pebble massage rug – Nauka Remontasource

Handmade crafts – Baby.Ru source

Handmade developmental rug – Yarmama.Rusource

An idea for a developmental rug – “Road” – Live Internet.Rusource

Sensory Playmatby Popeline Co.

Choose the fabric that feels best for you on the touch. Use aglue gunto glue hard objects or sew soft parts to create your sensory rug. Please note that these rugs are not recommended for use with children who are still in the mouthing stage of their development in case any of the elements get loose.

Sensorial printables you might find helpful in your classroom