Over the summer, our sensory shelf was surprisingly quiet. The jars of glue, baking soda, shaving cream and activators mostly stayed put. But now that school is back in full swing? The shelf is emptying faster than we can restock it.
Why?
We think it’s because children—especially neurodivergent children—spend so much of their school day following structure, routines, and expectations. For many, this can mean “masking,” or working extra hard to fit in, follow directions, and hold themselves together.
By the time they get through school to play therapy, they are craving freedom. Craving transformation. Craving an outlet where they can stir, stretch, mix, and mold their experiences in a way that is fully their own.
That’s why our sensory shelf has become such a staple at our office. In play therapy, making sensory items is a space where children experiment with cause and effect, cope with the unexpected (what if the slime is too sticky or too runny?), and find mastery through hands-on creation.
And we’ve noticed: after school starts, kids flock to this kind of play even more. It’s their way of releasing, re-balancing, and reclaiming a sense of self after a long day of holding it all in.
Help Us Keep the Shelf Stocked!
Because this play is so important, we’re flying through our sensory materials faster than ever. Donations of glue, slime activator, shaving cream etc. go directly to keeping the shelf full and the play flowing.
If you’d like to support our sensory shelf, please consider gifting items from our Amazon wishlist or feel free to drop off supplies at our office. Thank you for helping us give children the space they need to explore, transform, and grow!
Donations are accepted and appreciated, but never expected or required.
Our Slime Corner at SPT
