Sensory play workshops
Sensory play without the stress, the expense or the two-hour clean-up. This workshop is built around materials you already have and set-ups that survive real life.
Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy. One hour, live online from Ireland, with a booklet to keep and a certificate of attendance.
What you'll take away
- Set up a sensory invitation in under five minutes
- Choose safe fillers for mouthing-age children
- Contain mess so sensory play keeps happening
- Support children who avoid or crave sensory input
What we cover
- Ten low-cost sensory bins from kitchen-cupboard materials
- Water, sand, dough and natural loose parts
- Sensory play for regulation, not just entertainment
- Outdoor sensory play in Irish weather
Common questions
- Is sensory play messy?
- It can be, but the workshop is built around contained set-ups — trays, tuff spots and shower-curtain zones — chosen so clean-up is realistic.
- What if my child puts everything in their mouth?
- We cover taste-safe fillers and supervision guidance for children still exploring with their mouths.
Workshops in this theme
- Sensory Play at Home Without the StressAffordable sensory experiences using safe materials, manageable set-ups and realistic clean-up strategies.
- Supporting Additional Needs Through Inclusive PlayAdapt environments, communication, routines and activities so children can participate meaningfully.
- Sensory Processing in Early ChildhoodSensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant behaviour, with practical adjustments to environment and routine.
- Creating Calm, Engaging Learning EnvironmentsReduce clutter and overstimulation while improving independence, choice and sustained play.
- Meaningful Messy PlaySensory and messy-play experiences with clear developmental purpose and inclusive access.
- Create Your Own Sensory ToolkitDesign a portable regulation kit tailored to the children in your life.
- Messy-Play Stations on a BudgetRich, developmentally-purposeful set-ups without the price tag.
- Homemade Playdough and Sensory MaterialsRecipes and set-ups you'll actually reuse.
Other workshop topics
All 53 workshop themes · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog
Explore more on Roots of Wonder
- WorkshopSensory Play at Home Without the StressAffordable sensory experiences using safe materials, manageable set-ups and realistic clean-up strategies.Explore
- WorkshopSupporting Additional Needs Through Inclusive PlayAdapt environments, communication, routines and activities so children can participate meaningfully.Explore
- TopicSchemas in playWorkshops on schemas in playExplore
- TopicEmotional regulationWorkshops on emotional regulationExplore
- TopicOutdoor learningWorkshops on outdoor learningExplore
- CourseSensory & Messy Play, Made ManageableWhy sensory play matters for regulation and language, plus contained, low-cost set-ups using what is already in the kitchen press — with clear safety and clean-up routines.Explore
Trusted early years resources
Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.
- Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA)
- Síolta: the National Quality Framework
- Children First national guidance (Tusla)
- First 5: Ireland's strategy for babies & young children
- Early Childhood Ireland
Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy