Salt tray writing
A calming and tactile way to practice drawing, writing, or doodling - just add salt to a tray and create your own little zen garden for fingers to explore.
Sometimes the simplest setups can be the most satisfying. A thin layer of salt in a tray becomes a blank canvas for your child to doodle, trace, write with their fingers or a brush, or just have an open-ended sensory play session.
It’s great for fine motor skill development and can also be a mindful, grounding sensory activity. Think of it like a DIY zen garden.
You can guide the play with prompts - write down letters or shapes for them to copy - or simply let them explore freely.
You...
Materials
Prep
Pour a thin, even layer of salt into the tray. Set it on a stable surface and provide optional tools like brushes or cotton buds.
Play
Step 1:
Invite your child to use their finger or a tool to draw in the salt.
Step 2:
Let them freely doodle, trace shapes, or practise writing letters.
Step 3:
Show them how to gently shake the tray to “erase” and start again.
Step 4:
Offer letter or shape cards if you’d like to guide some early literacy play.
Step 5:
Encourage describing what they’re drawing or writing - it adds language practice too.
Extend
Sensory Salt: Add a tiny drop of food colouring to the salt beforehand and let it dry, or a drop of essential oil (like lavender) for a calming scent.
Treasure hunt: Hide little pictures, colourful pieces of paper, or craft sparkles under the salt to discover
Snow play: Create an icy scene with animal figurines (penguins, polar bears), "snow cars", or Frozen characters to inspire some snowy pretend play
