--- title: Half-Term Activities to Try at Home description: A collection of simple half-term activities using sensory play, crafts and messy ideas to support learning, emotional wellbeing and confidence. image: https://sendedventures.com/hubfs/sensory%20play..png --- [![SENDEDVENTURES Logo](https://sendedventures.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SEND%20EDventures%20-%20Logo%20500x200.png?width=400&height=160&name=SEND%20EDventures%20-%20Logo%20500x200.png "SENDEDVENTURES Logo")](https://sendedventures.com/) [![SEND EDventures - Logo 500x200](https://sendedventures.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SEND%20EDventures%20-%20Logo%20500x200.png?width=370&height=148&name=SEND%20EDventures%20-%20Logo%20500x200.png "SEND EDventures - Logo 500x200")](https://sendedventures.com) - [HOME](https://sendedventures.com/) - SEND UNPACKED - [ARTICLES](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/articles) - [QUESTIONS & ANSWERS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/questions-and-answers) - [RECOMMENDATIONS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/recommendations) - [INTERVIEWS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/interviews) - [GIVEAWAYS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/giveaways) - [OUR JOURNEY](https://sendedventures.com/our-journey) - [CONTACT](https://sendedventures.com/contact) - [SUBSCRIBE](https://2ffmsv.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2mg1NHUUtS9e0gyqCgUtdBw) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sendedventures/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@sendedventures) [Follow us on TitkTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@sendedventures) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ✕ - [HOME](https://sendedventures.com/) - SEND UNPACKED - [ARTICLES](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/articles) - [QUESTIONS & ANSWERS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/questions-and-answers) - [RECOMMENDATIONS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/recommendations) - [INTERVIEWS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/interviews) - [GIVEAWAYS](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/giveaways) - [OUR JOURNEY](https://sendedventures.com/our-journey) - [CONTACT](https://sendedventures.com/contact) - [SUBSCRIBE](https://2ffmsv.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2mg1NHUUtS9e0gyqCgUtdBw) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sendedventures/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@sendedventures) [Follow us on TitkTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@sendedventures) ![](https://sendedventures.com/hubfs/sensory%20play..png) [Recommendations](https://sendedventures.com/blog/tag/recommendations) # Half-Term Activities to Try at Home Half-term can be meaningful without being busy or expensive. Strong learning happens through relaxed, hands-on play at home, where children feel safe to explore. Here are sensory play, crafts, and messy activities that support communication, fine motor skills, emotional well-being, and confidence, while remaining practical for families.   ### Sensory Farm Bag from The Works This farm-themed sensory bag includes textured materials and small figures for playful, hands-on exploration. It works well for sensory trays or themed learning about animals and farms. Skills supported: sensory exploration, early language, imaginative play, focus and calming strategies Buy here: [The Works – Sensory Farm Bag](https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/sensory-toys/sensory-bag-farm/WKS_0092633322765.html)   ### Easy Home Crafts for Young Children by BBC CBeebies This collection uses simple crafts and everyday materials that most families have at home. You can adapt activities for different abilities and attention spans. Skills supported: fine motor control, creativity, following simple instructions and confidence in making Find here: [BBC CBeebies Craft Ideas](https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/50-easy-craft-ideas-for-under-6s)   ![water play](https://sendedventures.com/hs-fs/hubfs/water%20play.png?width=628&height=314&name=water%20play.png)   ### Make Your Own Sock Puppets by Little Hearts Big Love Sock puppets are a wonderful way to encourage storytelling, communication, and role play. Children create characters, practice conversations, and act out situations in a playful setting. Skills supported: communication, social understanding, imagination and emotional expression Find here: [Little Hearts Big Love Sock Puppet Guide](https://littleheartsbiglove.co.uk/making-sock-puppets/)   ### Salt Dough Sensory Hearts Activity from SEN Resources Blog This activity involves kneading, rolling and shaping salt dough before decorating it with textured materials. The hands-on process is calming for many children and supports physical development. Skills supported: hand strength, sensory processing, creativity and concentration Find here: [SEN Resources Blog Salt Dough Hearts](https://senresourcesblog.com/2018/02/12/valentines-day-kids-sensory-craft-salt-dough-hearts/)   ### Creative Activity Ideas for Children with Additional Needs by Hospice in the Weald This thoughtful list includes fun, accessible activities for a range of needs, from creative play to gentle sensory experiences. Skills supported: emotional well-being, creativity, engagement, independence Find here: [Hospice in the Weald Activity Ideas](https://www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/news-and-stories/10-creative-activities-for-children-with-special-needs/)   ![slime](https://sendedventures.com/hs-fs/hubfs/slime.png?width=638&height=319&name=slime.png)   ### Wizard Potion Jar Craft by Baker Ross Children can mix colours, pour liquids and create their own magical potion jars from simple materials. This activity encourages curiosity and sensory play in a fun, imaginative way. Skills supported: hand-eye coordination, sensory play, early science concepts, imaginative thinking Find here: [Baker Ross Potion Jar Craft](https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/kids/wizard-potion-jar/)   ### Sensory Play Ideas for Young Children by Twinkl These sensory activities include textures, sounds, movement and visual stimulation, making them ideal for early development and calm bonding time. Skills supported: sensory awareness, early communication, attention, and physical development Find here: [Twinkl Sensory Play Ideas](https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/20-sensory-play-activities-for-babies-sensoryplaydaypviblog)   ![sensory play.](https://sendedventures.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sensory%20play..png?width=680&height=340&name=sensory%20play..png) ### Wet and Messy Play Ideas from Gympanzees This collection focuses on water play, foam, mud kitchens and tactile experiences. Messy play can be deeply calming for some children and supports exploration. Skills supported: sensory processing, motor skills, curiosity, emotional regulation Find here: [Gympanzees Messy Play Ideas](https://www.gympanzees.org/our-services/online-resource-hub/syndromes/14-awesome-wet-messy-play-ideas-to-stimulate-your-child)   ### Edible Sensory Play Activities by Early Years Resources These activities use food to explore textures, smells, and colours safely. They help sensory seekers and children who are anxious about food. Skills supported: sensory tolerance, fine motor skills, curiosity, and early food confidence Find here: [Early Years Resources Edible Sensory Play](https://www.earlyyearsresources.co.uk/blog/edible-sensory-play-activities/)   ***Disclaimer:** The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. 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