Exciting Magic Writing Sensory Bag for Preschoolers

Writing has, hands down, always been one of the hardest things to get my own children and my students interested in. “Who wants to go to the writing center today?” Crickets… “No one?”

It’s been a struggle for years to find ways to encourage my students to get excited about writing. I started adding different writing tools like markers, gel pens, and colored pencils. They gave the writing center a little more attention, but not as much as it needed. Adding in envelopes, a mailbox, menus, and even greeting cards provided more interest.

When I added in the Magic Writing Sensory Bag… BOOM! I couldn’t keep kids out of the writing center. They LOVED using the new writing tool to practice letters and writing their names. An added bonus was integrating sensory play at the same time.

all the supplies for a magic writing sensory bag activity are set out on a counter.

someone has used different colored markers to color a white piece of paper.

overhead image of an open gallon ziploc bag with black paint & clear gel inside.

someone is using blue duct tape to attach a white piece of paper to the back of a writing sensory bag.

up close view of a completed writing sensory bag with the word "magic" written in the middle.

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool

Kindergarten

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Magic Sensory Writing Bag Supplies :

8 oz clear hair gel
4 oz black acrylic paint
Scissors
Markers – any colors
Zip top gallon-size baggie
Packaging tape or colorful duct tape
Alcohol swabs (or alcohol and cotton balls)
White cardstock
Q-tip (optional)

Magic Writing Sensory Bag

I feel like sensory bags don’t get as much praise as they should. Either teachers/parents aren’t familiar with sensory bags or they feel that the bags might be too messy. Let me ease your minds. Sensory bags, like our foam shape sensory bag, are typically clear storage bags, filled with some type of liquid or squishy material to stimulate the senses. Examples can include paint, hair gel, or even shaving cream. You can even add small items like beads, glitter, or plastic letters. The best part is… zero mess. When the bag has been sealed, the mess will stay contained.

This particular sensory bag is filled with clear hair gel and acrylic paint, however there are more options. Instead of using bags, try using a bottle for a different perspective. The Ocean Theme Sensory Calm Down Bottle is perfect for a soothing sensory experience.

More Ways to Explore Sensory Play:

Keep it cool with Winter Melted Snowman Goop
Try the tasty Popcorn Sensory Bin
Have fun squishing the Edible Playdough for Kids

Why Should Children Use the Magic Writing Sensory Bag?

While it might be obvious why children should practice writing, it is important to remember that early writing starts before Kindergarten. Reading Rockets has a great article describing the many benefits of early writing.

Children should be encouraged to engage in early literacy skills, including writing. Here are a few other benefits of using the Magic Writing Sensory Bag:

Fine Motor Skills: Children must practice fine motor skills in order to properly hold a pencil. Whether they use a small Q-tip or their finger, your child will be using their fine motor skills to write on the sensory bag.

Letter Recognition: Use the sensory writing bag to practice identifying and writing letters. What sound does the letter make? Tell me something that begins with that sound. Can you write write the letters in your name?

Shape Recognition: Have your child practice making different shapes on their sensory writing bag. Can you draw a square? How are a square and rectangle different? Use a circle, triangle, and rhombus to make a design or picture.

Materials You Will Need for the Magic Writing Sensory Bag:

8 oz clear hair gel
4 oz black acrylic paint
Scissors
Markers – any colors
Zip top gallon-size baggie
Packaging tape or colorful duct tape
Alcohol swabs (or alcohol and cotton balls)
White cardstock
Q-tip (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Magic Writing Sensory Bag:

Step One:

Gather all the supplies.

Take the alcohol swab and erase the product labeling or any writing.

Color the white card stock with markers, then set it aside.

Step Two:

Add 8 oz of clear hair gel to the zip top baggie, then add 4 oz black acrylic paint.

Step Three:

Push all the air out of the plastic baggie. Seal the baggie and carefully mix the gel and
paint together. Add the colored piece of cardstock to the back of the baggie. Use
packaging tape or duct tape to seal the bag and secure the cardstock in place.

Step Four:

Have little hands practice drawing letters, making shapes, or drawing pictures.

To “erase” just lightly tap over the area that was drawn on and begin again.

Yay! You Made Your Squishy Magic Writing Sensory Bag. Now What?

Now that you’ve made the magic sensory writing bag, you decide how they will best work for your students. Maybe place some throughout the room in your centers. The writing center and art center would be a great spaces for the sensory bags. If your students enjoy the sensory bag, let them try the salt writing tray as well.

You can even make multiple bags and give one to each child to place inside their desk or cubby. When they have finished an activity or completed clean up, they can take out their bag and practice writing.

Ways to Modify the Sensory Writing Bag:

Let students work in pairs or small groups to practice spelling words. One child can say a word while the other students spell the word on their writing bag.
Use the Beginning Sound Letter Posters as a guide for students that need a visual reminder for writing.

Looking For More Sensory Bag Ideas?

Frequently Asked Questions

These are frequently asked questions about the Magic Squishy Sensory Writing Bag:

How long will the sensory bag last?

A sensory bag, depending on how your child cares for it, should last for multiple uses. Wiping the bag down with a wipe or sanitizing cloth can help keep away germs. Make sure to stay away from sharp items (or fingernails), as it will tear the bag.

How can I keep the bag sealed?

For a layer of extra mess protection, you can place a piece of tape along the bags seam or even hit it with some super glue before sealing. Another tip is to use a warm hair straightener to seal the seam of the bag.

What age group can use sensory bags?

Sensory bags are a great tool for many different age groups. From toddlers to elementary school, these sensory writing bags can be modified for various ages. Toddlers and preschool children can use the bags to make lines and curves. Older children can write spelling words.

We Hope You and Your Child Loves Being Creative With the Sensory Bag!

Drop us an email or comment to let us know how you used the bag in your classroom or at home!

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