DIY spice paints, nature soup, and more ways to explore smell

A lot of sensory activities focus on texture, temperature and other tactile properties. Here are a few ways to incorporate smell into your two-year-old’s sensory play.
DIY Spice Paints
DIY Spice Paints are a unique, multisensory way for your two-year-old to make art.
You’ll need:
- Water
- Small bowls or cups for mixing the paint
- A few spices of different colors
Choose spices with concentrated pigments like turmeric, paprika, nutmeg, tandoori, cinnamon, and matcha.
To make the paints:
Put a tablespoon of the spice into a small bowl or cup and add just enough water to make a paste. The amount of water you add may vary from spice to spice based on the texture and how translucent or opaque you want your paint to be.
Note: some spice powders can stain, so consider protecting clothes and surfaces before you start.
Coffee Bean Sensory Bin
Setting up this sensory bin for your two-year-old is just like setting up a rice, lentil, or pinto bean bin. Pour the coffee beans into a large shallow container and add scoops, tweezers, and a scale.
If the smell of the coffee is too strong for either you or your child, consider other scented sensory bins: you can add lavender to lentils, lemon zest to rice, or a drop of your favorite essential oil to some water.
Always keep a close eye on your child while they play with these bins, especially if they’re still likely to put things in their mouth.
Nature Soup
Before you start, collect aromatics like flower petals, rosemary, orange peels, and garlic cloves.
Combine your ingredients in a large mixing bowl or sensory bin. Then invite your child to pour the water from a pitcher into the container and start stirring with a whisk or slotted spoon. The more mixing you or your child does, the stronger the smell.
Some two-year-olds are beginning to engage in more pretend play; follow their lead if they invite you to help them “serve” or “cook” the soup.
Cut and Compare Fruits

Start by smelling whole and cut up fruits and compare them with your child. Are some of the fruits easier to smell than others? A peach, for example, smells stronger than an apple. Consider buying a few types of fruit you don’t usually eat to explore at home.
Posted in: 25 - 27 Months, Sensory Play, Playtime & Activities, Child Development
Keep reading

25 - 27 Months
Research shows that your two-year-old may already be noticing race
Discussing issues of race and racism with young children may seem overwhelming, but there are many ways to engage in these discussions.

25 - 27 Months
DIY spice paints, nature soup, and more ways to explore smell
Many sensory activities focus on texture, temperature and other tactile properties. Try these ways to incorporate smell into your two-year-old’s sensory play.

25 - 27 Months
How long should my two-year-old be able to focus?
Supporting your child’s ability to focus and concentrate helps them get deeper into play and lays a foundation for the mental stamina they’ll need later on.

25 - 27 Months
Try a sound walk (and these 5 other activities) to boost your child’s language skills
Your two-year-old is likely starting to demonstrate more awareness of environmental sounds. Here's how you can help them tune into sound.

25 - 27 Months
How to Montessori your entryway, by Sarah Adams—The Prepared Environment
Your entryway is usually busy, so it's a great place to create a prepared environment. Learn how to do this so your child knows where to find what they need.

25 - 27 Months
5 things that are happening with your child’s language development right now
A lot of exciting language development happens between your child's second and third birthdays. Here's what you can expect now in terms of language development.

25 - 27 Months
Obsessed with colour-matching right now? Try these activities
Here are some ways to practice color-matching, using The Lovevery Drop and Match Dot Catcher and household craft supplies.

25 - 27 Months
4 games that will help your child take turns
Taking turns comes before sharing, and your child is ready to practice that now with some adult guidance.

25 - 27 Months
How to pre-wire your child’s brain for reading
As early as 2, your child is starting to understand how books work. Here are some strategies to encourage your budding reader by encouraging "print motivation."

25 - 27 Months
Why it’s okay to not force that hug, by Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph
Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph discusses how empowering children to choose how they show affection can help them establish healthy boundaries later on.

25 - 27 Months
The surprising learning power of a mirror
Mirror play builds self-awareness, empathy, and social-emotional learning. Here are 4 ways to teach your child using their reflection and yours.

25 - 27 Months
Setting your child up to wash their hands on their own
Washing their hands is an important and practical skill for your child. Here's how to break it down into manageable steps.