Looking for an easy activity using items you already have at home? Try creating your own sensory bin!
Sensory bins are containers filled with various tactile materials such as sand, rice, noodles, or shaving cream. It provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their senses, increase their fine motor and visual motor skills, and promotes self regulation. Sensory bins can be filled with various toys and materials such as measuring cups, tongs, toys, or theme related items to make it more fun!
Benefits of a sensory bin include fine motor skills (improved hand strength and coordination), language development (opportunities to talk about colors, shape, and temperature), sensory exploration (essential oils for smell, edible base for taste, bright colors for sight), decreases tactile hypersensitivity, increases concentration, and allows children to play with no rules and explore their imagination. Don’t be afraid to get messy!
How to make a sensory bin:
- Select a container (preferably one with a lid)
- Determine a theme for the bin (i.e. beach themed)
- Choose a base material
- Add manipulatives into the base material
Ideas for base materials for your sensory bin:
- Sand
- Rice
- Noodles
- Slime
- Shredded paper
- Water beads
- Beans
- Popcorn kernels
- Shaving cream
Ideas for manipulatives to add to your sensory bin:
- Measuring cups
- Tongs
- Sea shells
- Small plastic figurines
- Shovels
- Toy cars
- Paint brushes
If your child has sensory sensitivities or struggles to use utensils in their sensory bin, they may benefit from occupational therapy. Watch our video to learn more about sensory bins and follow along to create one with us!
@team4kids Pumpkin Sensory Bin 🎃 easy activity using items you already have at home! Sensory bins provide children with opportunities to explore and develop their senses, increase fine motor and visual motor skills, improve concentration, and promote self regulation. They allow children to play with no rules and explore their imagination! #autumnactivities #halloweensensorybin #halloweencrafts #spookyseason #artforkids #occupationaltherapy #ot #messyplay #pediatrictherapy #kidsactivities #sensorybin #momlife #sensorybinideas #sensoryplay #preschoolactivities #toddlerfun
Egle Majute M.S., OTR/L & Megan Lopez M.S., OTR/L