Preschool Sensory Bins (and why you need them!)
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Preschool Sensory Bins
When it comes to toddlers and preschoolers, one of my go-to learning activities is always sensory bins.
Why?
They are cheap, easy, efficient, and most importantly, kids LOVE them.
According to Healthline, “Sensory play is a type of play that activates and stimulates a child’s senses. Often, sensory play focuses on stimulating touch, sight, and hearing as those senses are most accessible”. Sensory bins bring those to your child for a fun experience at home or in the preschool classroom.
You an easily make a sensory bin from a box, large piece of Tupperware, or a storage bin (just watch the size for safety).
My favorite classroom version is this sand table below (if you want to go all out!). I love that the child can stand and play.
What is a Sensory Bin?
It’s a bin with a base (sand, water, feathers, uncooked noodles, rice, etc.) and themed items for the child to play with. It can also be a bin filled with messier items like slime, play doh, or shaving cream. There are items inside the bin that stimulate a child’s senses (smell, touch, sight, hearing).
For example, a fall sensory bin may have a base of fake fall foliage, with paper pumpkin cut-outs with alphabet letters on each one. The goal can be to find all letters A-Z, find a specific, letter, or all the letters to make their name.
A farm theme may have a base of grass or straw and farm animals.
Another example; a base of rice (can even be colored rice!) with Christmas items thrown in for the sensory mix like bows, red and green pom-poms, scented pinecones, and more.
Another example: Car wash sensory bin. Fill the bin a few inches high with water and a little Dawn dish soap. Add a scrubber brush and toy cars. Have children wash the cars like the car wash.
What do Sensory Bins Teach?
Skills leaned with a sensory bin…
Cognitive skills (counting, shape recognition, color recognition, letter recognition, etc.)
Imaginative play
Cooperative play (with another student, teacher, or sibling)
Fine motor skills
Social skills
“Sensory play is a type of play that activates and stimulates a child’s senses. Often, sensory play focuses on stimulating touch, sight, and hearing as those senses are most accessible.” - Healthline
Sensory Bin Ideas
Video coming soon for more sensory bin ideas!
Sensory bins for preschoolers allow you a few minutes to work with other students. They are great for keeping the kids entertained without breaking the bank. Most things you can get at the dollar store to fill up your bins.
Note; never leave children alone with sensory bins. Always watch them in case they try to put items in their mouth.
Until next time,
Soli Deo Gloria,
Mandy
