Corn kernels make for beautiful, inviting play and are even better with a dyed corn sensory table. With simple supplies, you can make corn ANY color of the rainbow.
We are big fans of a dyed corn sensory table
We love this invitation to play so much so that we always have about 40 pounds of corn kernels on hand.
That’s normal, right? Everyone has this? 🤣
With just a couple of bags of corn from the grocery store + some coloring, you can make the most beautiful sensory play.
Related: Our GIANT 10-foot Fall coloring poster is the best addition to your Fall fun.
You can use your dyed corn sensory table year after year
We love an activity that can be prepped once and used endless times.
Our corn has lasted us for YEARS and looks just as beautiful as the day we bought it.
Nobody wants to reinvent the wheel every year, and you’ll save so much time by having premade, grab-and-go sensory fillers just waiting for you.
Check out these other Fall faves:
- Warm Tea Fall Sensory Table
- Pumpkin Spice Play Dough
- Play Dough Turkeys – Thanksgiving Activity
- Clean the Pumpkins
Materials
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- Corn kernels
- Coloring – ex: liquid watercolors or food coloring
- Zippered plastic bag
- Shallow container
- Fall materials – or any theme of your choosing
How to make a dyed corn sensory table
Pour your corn kernels directly into your shallow container.
We love letting the kids play with the uncolored corn for a few days before dyeing. This way, it feels new and extra interesting once you color it.
Add a few handfuls of corn to your zippered plastic bag and a splash of coloring.
Start with about:
- 1 cup corn + 8ish drops of food coloring
- 1 cup corn + 1 tablespoon liquid watercolors
Don’t worry about following precise measurements for the coloring! Add a small amount, zip the bag, shake it up, and if you need more coloring, just add it in. You can’t really mess it up.
Once your corn is colored to your liking, pour it back into your shallow container, spread it out, and let it dry completely.
When it’s dried, toss in your fall materials, and it’s time to play!
What age is appropriate for a sensory table?
Sensory tables are one of the most powerful learning tools because kids of almost any age can use them.
When working with very young kids, always make sure that materials are taste-safe in case they ingest any of the materials.
For example, a warm tea sensory table or colorful cooked pasta can be great places to start because they can be made from food materials.
We use sensory tables nonstop in preschool and can never get enough of them.
On the other side, big kids love sensory play, too!
Often, sensory tables end in school after preschool or Kindergarten, but I promise you, fifth graders and 34-year-olds are just as delighted by sensory play as preschoolers are.
Note: Sensory tables should always have appropriate adult supervision whether they are taste-safe or not
Save your dyed corn sensory bin for next year
If you store your corn in an airtight container, it will last you for years and years.
Then next year, grab your corn, pour it into a container, and your fun begins all over again in seconds.
Have fun!
FAQ
Any that can safely enjoy the materials.
Usually very quickly! We usually make this the night before though just so that it’s bone-dry before playing.
An airtight container or zippered bag both work perfectly for storage.
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