Cinnamon Activities for Kids: The Magic of Sensory Learning

A little while ago, I shared my post on Ceylon Cinnamon for Health Benefits, and it got me thinking… cinnamon isn’t just for eating or drinking — it’s actually perfect for creative learning with children! So I did a bit of digging and discovered a whole world of fun ways to use cinnamon. From sensory play and science experiments to crafts, maths, English, and even geography, cinnamon can be a fantastic, fun tool for hands-on learning at home.

In our home, learning has always been about blending subjects, following curiosity, and turning everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

In this post, I’ll show you creative, safe, and low-cost ways to use cinnamon with kids — complete with clear measurements, step-by-step instructions, and stress-free tips. Some of these I’ve already tried, like using cinnamon in Christmas decorations and candles, and the rest I plan to do soon. I thought I’d share my research here so you can try them too — and I’ll update you as we go!

Stress-Free Tips Before You Start

Before your little ones dive into cinnamon fun, let’s be honest — as lovely as cinnamon smells, it can get messy! So here are a few real-life tips to make everything easier:

• Protect surfaces: Use plastic tablecloths, trays, or newspaper for easy clean-up.

• Protect clothing: Aprons, or old clothes — cinnamon can stain.

• If working on the floor: Use a large tray or low box lid to contain rolling sticks or spilled powder.

• Mess management: Keep wipes or damp cloths nearby for quick clean-ups. Encourage kids to enjoy the textures, smells, and colours — it’s okay to be a little messy!

• Buying bulk: For craft-heavy activities, cassia cinnamon is cheaper than Ceylon, which is the high-quality, health-focused variety. Bulk or catering-size containers of cassia are ideal for less stress and more creativity.

• Storage: Keep leftover dough or paste in airtight containers in the fridge.

• Keep scent in mind: Cinnamon is fragrant — open a window if needed.

• Optional extras: Glitter can be added for firework art or crafts — it makes things sparkle!

Cinnamon Activities: A Hands-On Unit Study

1. Learn to Spell “Cinnamon”

Objective: Practice spelling, writing, and language awareness.
Activity: Write “cinnamon” on paper and have kids trace it with a cinnamon stick dipped in water or sprinkle cinnamon powder (or “cinnamon paint” — see crafts below) along the letters.
Fun twist: Write short poems or stories about the smell of cinnamon — great sensory writing practice!
Language link: Compare how “cinnamon” is spelled in other languages —

• Spanish: canela

• French: cannelle

• German: Zimt

• Afrikaans: kaneel

• Italian: cannella

2. Cinnamon Geography & Culture

Objective: Learn where cinnamon comes from and how it was traded.
Activity: Explain that cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree, native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia. Show your kids a world map and mark Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Indonesia (Cassia). Discuss climates, culture, and ancient trade history — cinnamon was once worth more than gold!
Extra learning: Learn more about the history of cinnamon and its trade routes at sinhamon.com.

3. Cinnamon Science & Sensory Play

Cinnamon Water Observation

You’ll need:

• 2 tsp (4g) cinnamon powder

• 4 cups (1L) warm water

Method:
Mix cinnamon into the water and pour into shallow dishes. Ask your kids to observe what happens after 10 minutes, 30 minutes, and a few hours. Does it float? Settle? How does it smell? Discuss colour, evaporation, and scent.

Extra tip: Cover some dishes with cling film and leave others uncovered — which evaporates faster?

Cinnamon Dough

You’ll need:

• ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce

• ½ cup (50g) cinnamon powder

• Optional: 2 tbsp (30g) plain flour for firmness

Method:
Mix together until a soft dough forms. Knead gently. Play with it straight away or chill briefly for a firmer texture. No cooking needed — this is purely for sensory play and dries hard for keepsakes. Roll out and use cookie cutters for stars, hearts, letters, or Christmas shapes. Leave to air dry overnight or bake at 90°C (200°F) for 1 hour.

Learning tie-ins: Counting, measuring, fractions, and shapes — all sneaky maths practice!

Cinnamon Paste – Play & Explore

You’ll need:

• 2 tsp (4g) cinnamon powder

• 1 tsp (5ml) water (adjust as needed)

Method:
Mix to form a thick paste. Spread on paper or cardboard and explore textures with fingers or brushes.

Extra fun: Write letters, numbers, or patterns. You can even use it as “paint” for art or handwriting practice.

Cinnamon Sensory Jars

You’ll need:
Cinnamon sticks, dried orange peel, cloves, star anise, and small jars.

Method:
Layer ingredients in a jar, close the lid, shake, smell, and describe each scent.

Reuse ideas:
Once done, use the contents for potpourri, simmer pots, or natural drawer sachets — zero waste!

4. Cinnamon Maths

Objective: Learn basic arithmetic and comparison.
Activity: Use cinnamon sticks as manipulatives — for counting, adding, subtracting, or sorting by size.
Extra challenge: Weigh them, measure their lengths, or make repeating patterns.

5. Cinnamon Firework Art

Objective: Explore cause and effect through creative art.

You’ll need:

• Ground cinnamon

• Small bowl of water

• Paintbrush

• Paper or cardstock

• Optional: glitter

Method:
Place paper on a tray. Sprinkle cinnamon over it. Dip a brush into water and flick gently over the paper — the cinnamon will spread into firework-like bursts. Add glitter for sparkle.

Tip: Do this outdoors or on a covered surface for easy cleanup.

6. Cinnamon Christmas Crafts

• Candle Decorations: Tie cinnamon sticks around candle holders (not directly on candles — glue and cinnamon are flammable!). Secure with ribbon or twine.

• Cinnamon Painting: Mix cinnamon powder with a little water to make scented “paint.” Kids can decorate leaves, ornaments, or festive cards.

• Christmas Ornaments: Bundle cinnamon sticks with ribbon or combine with pinecones and dried orange slices. Hang on the tree for a natural festive scent.

• Simmer Pots: Mix cinnamon sticks, orange peel, cloves, and star anise in a small pot. Simmer gently to fill your home with warmth and spice.

Why Cinnamon Feels Like Christmas

Cinnamon has been linked to Christmas since the 1500s, thanks to its warm, comforting aroma and use in festive foods and decorations. Once a luxury spice, it symbolised celebration and abundance — and today it still brings that same sense of coziness and joy.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon isn’t just a spice — it’s a ticket to a world of creativity, learning, and sensory discovery. Whether you’re mixing, measuring, painting, or spelling, it brings a touch of magic to home education.

So, roll up your sleeves, make a little mess (it’s part of the fun!), and let the scent of cinnamon spark curiosity in your home. And if you try any of these with your children, please share your photos or stories in the comments — I’d love to see them!