Color Sorting Sensory Bag

This color sorting sensory bag is a fun sensory and learning activity for kids. This simple activity set-up is perfect for pre-k if you are teaching kids about colors.

RELATED: Alphabet Sensory Bag

Color Sorting Sensory Bag Activity

This color activity is really easy to set up!

This activity comes from an amazing recycled activity book for kids – Recycle and Play. This book is packed with 50 activities to do with kids. It uses recycled materials and has a nice assortment of learning, play, sensory and fine motor activities.

And if you love recycled activities – also see our recycled craft for kids books!

This activity is a great one for practicing fine motor (moving the beads) and learning colors!

Supplies Needed To Make a Color Sensory Bag

You only need a gallon sized sealed top bag, hair gel, permanent markers and pony beads. You could use other small colorful objects instead of beads such as buttons or pom poms.

Sealed Bag – we used Large Ziploc Bags

Clear Hair Gel – you may need 1 or 2 bottles depending on the size of the bottle. Check your dollar store for a low cost option. You can also use clear shampoo or body wash gel, just be aware these create more bubbles in the bag.

Colored Permanent Markers – You will need 6 colors

Beads– we used pony beads in 6 colors that matched the permanent markers

Large Googly Eyes

Lid – you will need a lid from a small jar or bottle cap for tracing the circles.

Glue – use an extra strong glue for the googly eyes.

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How To Make a Color Sorting Sensory Bag

1. Start by tracing 6 circles on your bag, each one with a different colored permanent marker. We matched the color of the marker to our beads for color matching.

We used a jar lid to trace the circles. You could also use a small cup for this step.

2. Finish making 6 circles in a U shape for the caterpillar’s body.

With a black permanent marker, add 2 antennae to the caterpillar’s head.

3. Glue on 2 large googly eyes to the head.

4. Add hair gel into the bag. Fill it so that it is enough for the beads to move around.

Then add in your beads. If you are finding it is difficult to move the beads around in the bag, add more hair gel in.

5. Seal the bag. If you are worried about leaking or for little ones getting to the beads, add extra duct tape on top of the bag to make sure the bag does not accidentally open. Always supervise when using small pieces with kids.

The bag is now ready to use! Kids will love moving the beads to fit inside of the coordinating color circle.

To start, we placed all of the beads in the center of the bag so it is easier to see the circles. Once kids have sorted all of the beads you can mix them up and try again!

This is a fun activity to practice fine motor skills and color matching. For a twist on learning the alphabet, see our alphabet sensory bag.

Activity Credit: This activity comes from an amazing recycled activity book for kids – Recycle and Play. Be sure to check out the full book and also if you love recycled activities – see our recycled craft for kids books!