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Sensory Rice Tray

A supervised sensory tray for scooping, pouring, hiding, and finding.

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About this activity

A rice tray supports sensory exploration and fine motor skills. Children scoop, pour, and search for hidden items while adults keep the activity calm and contained.

Materials needed

  • Dry rice
  • Tray
  • Spoons
  • Cups
  • Large hidden objects

Preparation time

5 minutes

How to play

  1. 1Place rice in a wide tray on a washable surface.
  2. 2Add scoops, cups, and a few large objects.
  3. 3Model scooping, pouring, and searching.
  4. 4Pack away slowly and check the floor afterwards.

Learning benefits

Sensory explorationFine motor skillsLanguageFocus

Best for

Tags

sensoryEYFSfine motorcalm

Seasons

all year

Occasions

quiet timerainy dayplaydate

Key stages

EYFSKS1

Weather

RainyColdAny Weather

SEN-friendly note

This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.

Safety note

Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.

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