Sensory bins are a great way for your child to explore their senses while developing their vocabulary through meaningful play. What do I mean by “meaningful”? The items in the bin are items they would see in their real world. It applies even more that these are seasonal items that they will be exposed to more frequently right now in their everyday environment.
Not to mention the fine motor skills that sensory bins promote, such as pulling, grabbing, holding & squeezing–getting those little muscles ready for writing one day!
What do you need to start?
- a plastic container…that’s it!
I have included a few variations for different ages & stages…
BABY version:
- sparkly garland
- sticker bows
- small stockings
- soft ornaments that do not have particles that could break off (that little mouse was my FAVORITE as a kid)
- jingle bells attached to fabric
*Although I was careful what I put in the bin for my 7-month-old, babies & young children should still be supervised at all times as they play with these items!
CHILD version:
- wrapping paper scraps (ripping is a great fine motor skill to practice at this age)
- pipe cleaners
- pom poms
- garland
- bells
- mini erasers (these are commonly found in the Target dollar spot!)
BABY + CHILD:
- water
- PLASTIC ornaments
If you make one of these with your little one please share! Here is my little guy loving them!
I did Christmas tree decorating this week. The kids absolutely loved it! I can take a picture of it tomorrow for you.
That would be awesome! I have never done that. What are you teaching now?
I forgot to take a picture of them playing in it…it was a crazy week. I’ll get a picture of it before I change it the Monday we go back. I teach preschool 4s (Pre-K). I absolutely love it and my new school is amazing!