This book gives a great explanation of what Sensory Play is all about, plus more than 40 recipes for playdoughs, finger paints, slimes, gloops, etc. that you can make yourself at home (or in playgroup) using things you would mainly find in your kitchen cupboards.
Written by Amanda Ralph (who used to work for Surrey County Council as an Early Education and Childcare Officer) wrote it to support parents to understand the importance of sensory play, particularly when it comes to the way in which it is essential to the strengthening of hands and fingers, prior to the start of mark-making. Many boys find accessing pencil and drawiing activities difficult, because their hands are not quite ready for such fine movements.
The book is available either as an e-book, or paperback on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Sensory-Play-Recipe-Toolkit/dp/151881879X/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1446539212&sr=8-8&keywords=amanda+ralph)