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Sensory Bins

Alphabet Sensory Bin for Preschool Letter Recognition

By Sharla Kostelyk

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Provide a fun hands-on way for your child or student to learn letter sounds with this Alphabet Sensory Bin. Learning the letters of the alphabet is an important early childhood skill. It is a precursor for both reading and writing. By giving children the opportunity to feel the shape of the letters and explore through their senses, you can help cement this skill for them in a fun and engaging way. 
multi coloured rice with bright pink letter cookie cutters. Text reads "Alphabet Sensory Bin"

Setting up a sensory bin for this purpose is a great hands-on addition to your home or preschool or Kindergarten classroom. It’s easy to set up sensory bins that kids will love. They provide visual, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory input. In addition, they increase a child’s interest and curiosity in learning. 

Alphabet Sensory Bin:

Supplies needed:

  • plastic bin
  • coloured rice
  • letters (we used alphabet cookie cutters, wooden ABCs, small alphabet beads, and foil die cut letters)
  • optional: scoops or funnels

Directions:

  1. Dye rice in an assortment of colours. Read our full instructions on how to easily dye rice. You can also used coloured rice left over from other sensory play.
  2. Toss the rice in a plastic bin. 
  3. Add letters. You can use anything shaped as letters. Suggestions include magnetic letters, cookie cutters, wooden letters, foam stickers with the backing left on, Scrabble tiles, foam bath letters, or alphabet beads.
  4. Invite your child to play.

A note about adding multiple types of letters: if your child struggles with the alphabet, it can be best to only include one set of letters to reduce sensory overload and simplify things.

Ways to expand this alphabet learning activity:

  1. Play a version of seek and find. Call out the names of letters and have your child find that letter in the rice. A more advanced variation on this is to display or write the lower case version of a letter and have the child find and identify the upper case match to it in the sensory bin.
  2. When the child pulls out a letter, have them name something that starts with that letter to help them learn about beginning sounds. 
  3. Put a paper and crayons nearby so that kids can trace the letters or copy their shape on the paper.
  4. Use alphabet playdough mats to provide another rich tactile sensory activity opportunity.
  5. Set out alphabet books such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom for kids to explore and compare the letters in the bin to. 

Books to correspond with your ABC Sensory Bin:

Chicka Chicka Boom BoomChicka Chicka Boom BoomChicka Chicka Boom BoomDr. Seuss's ABCDr. Seuss’s ABCDr. Seuss's ABCAnimalia (MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE!)Animalia (MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE!)Animalia (MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE!)Touch and Trace ABC Board BookTouch and Trace ABC Board BookTouch and Trace ABC Board BookA is for Apple (Kids Trace-and-Flip)A is for Apple (Kids Trace-and-Flip)A is for Apple (Kids Trace-and-Flip)The Handmade AlphabetThe Handmade AlphabetThe Handmade AlphabetEating the AlphabetEating the AlphabetEating the AlphabetM Is For Maple: A Canadian AlphabetM Is For Maple: A Canadian AlphabetM Is For Maple: A Canadian Alphabet

 

Looking for more easy sensory play ideas for hands-on learning? Join us for a free five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

Sensory Play Resources:

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Play

Huge List of Sensory Bin Fillers and Tools

Over 100 Sensory Bin Themes

What’s the Point of Sensory Bins, Bottles, and Bags?Have you ever wondered "What's the point of sensory bins, sensory bottles and sensory bags?"

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Filed Under: Sensory Bins Tagged With: sensory play

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Play

seven metal trays each with a different colour of rice on it

By Sharla Kostelyk

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You can easily make your own colourful rice for sensory play at home or in your preschool or classroom. This recipe for dying rice doesn’t use rubbing alcohol, making it safer in case you have kids who put things in their mouth. Simply follow our instructions for how to dye rice. metal trays with purple, green, pink, blue, yellow, and orange rice. Text reads "How to Dye Rice for sensory play"Rice is one of my favourite sensory bin fillers. I always make extra of the green because I find that it looks like grass which makes it versatile for all kinds of sensory bins, bottles, and bags.

How to Dye Rice:

Supplies needed:

  • 1 cup white rice per colour
  • 1/2 tsp. vinegar per colour
  • coloured food gel or food colouring
  • optional: essential oils*

Wilton Food GelWilton Food GelWilton Food GelWhite VinegarWhite VinegarWhite VinegarWhite RiceWhite RiceWhite Rice

 

Directions:

  1. Put 1 cup of rice in a resealable plastic bag. 
  2. Add 1/2 tsp. of vinegar and a bit of the icing gel or food colouring. You won’t get colours that are as vibrant if you use food colouring as opposed to the gel. If you want to add essential oil, add a few drops at this point.
  3. Seal the bag and shake well.
  4. Spread the coloured rice out on a baking tray to dry overnight. 
  5. Repeat with other colours.
  6. Use in sensory play.

*A note about the essential oils:

Adding essential oil to the rice will create an extra sensory element as it creates olfactory (scent) input. There are some scents that are calming such as lavender, jasmine, or rose. Other scents are alerting such as lemon, peppermint, or cinnamon. 

You will want to choose the essential oil based on what you are trying to achieve. In a setting where you want your child to be learning, you may want to choose an alerting scent. If you are wanting to create more calming sensory play opportunities, then you’ll want to choose a calming scent for the rice. When not in use, be sure to store your coloured rice in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container. You can reuse it over and over again as long as it’s properly stored.

Ways to use coloured rice in sensory play:

Coloured rice can be used in a variety of sensory play activities. If you use more than one colour at a time, the colours will obviously combine through play and create a different look altogether. That’s not a bad thing, but if you have a child prone to getting upset by things not looking the way they think they should, this is something you should warn them about before they begin to engage with their sensory play. 

Here are some ideas:

  • Use coloured rice in a sensory bottle along with some small buttons or toys to create a Seek and Find Discovery Bottle. 
  • Create a rainbow effect by lining up different colours in a sensory tub. Add some scoops and funnels for kids to explore and work on their fine motor skills by scooping and pouring.
  • Use green rice to look like grass for insect, butterfly, Spring, or other outdoor themed sensory bins.
  • Fill a resealable bag about halfway full with coloured rice and then add some small toys or alphabet letters to create an I-Spy type sensory bag.
  • Layer different colours in a jar or bottle.
  • Fill a plastic bottle with some of the rice and leave some space at the top to create a music shaker. 

Other helpful information about sensory play:

  • The Mega List of Sensory Bin Fillers and Tools
  • How to Create Sensory Bins Your Child Will Love
  • Sensory Play Clean Up Tips
  • Non-Food Sensory Bin Fillers
  • How to Host a Sensory Bin Swap
  • Sensory Strewing

Looking for more easy sensory play recipes to use with your kids? Join us for a free five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

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Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Sensory Bins Tagged With: sensory play

Science Sensory Bins for Hands-on Learning

By Sharla Kostelyk

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Science sensory bins for hands-on learning allow kids to explore through their senses and interact with what they are studying. They are a great way to increase interest and engagement.

collage of images with text that reads "Science Sensory Bins hands-on learning"Hands-on learning is also a great way to increase retention of concepts. Sensory bin are easy to set up but offer a big payoff in terms of interest and interaction. 

Science Sensory Bins for Hands-on Learning

Human Body Sensory Bin

Admittedly, this one is a bit gross, but kids love getting their hands in there and exploring the organs and body parts!

Dig for Fossils Sensory Bin

Learn about dinosaurs and fossil excavation with this hands-on activity.

Bee Life Cycle Sensory Bin

Water beads are the filler for this simple yet effective way to help kids learn the bee life cycle.

Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin

This sensory play idea includes suggestions for expanding the learning as well as free printables for a farm or chicken unit study.

Magnets, Magnets, and More Magnets

Invite your child to discover the world of magnets in this interactive science experience.

Sea Turtle Life Cycle Sensory Bin

Sea turtles are fascinating. Give your child the opportunity to explore in this simple to make sensory tub.

Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin

Bring this sensory play station to your home or classroom as kids learn about these interesting insects.

Solar System Sensory Bin

Photo Credit: team-cartwright.com

How To Make a Tasty Dino Dig for Toddlers and Preschoolers (STEM Fun!)

Create your own archeological dinosaur dig with this fun sensory treat! Dig like a real scientist through the jello Earth layers to dig up your dinos.

Photo Credit: activelittles.com

Hand Washing Experiment for Kids

Proper hand washing experiment for kids using a sensorial water bin.

Photo Credit: www.thekeeperofthememories.com

Whale Investigation Station for Preschoolers

Learn about whales with this Whale Investigation Station for little kids!

Photo Credit: faithandgoodworks.com

Swamp Sensory Bin

Bring the swamp indoors.

Photo Credit: www.adabofgluewilldo.com

Ocean Sensory Bin Sorting Activity

Practise matching and sorting with this ocean themed sensory activity.

Photo Credit: preschooltoolkit.com

Marble Roll STEAM Activity in the Sensory Bin

Combine sensory and science to explore how a marble rolls through different sensory bin fillers.

Photo Credit: teachingmama.org

Arctic Animals Sensory Bin

Photo Credit: www.funlittles.com

Create a pond sensory bin

Explore the possibilities in this pond wildlife habitat small world play activity.

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Icy Ocean Sensory Bin And Ice Melt

An icy ocean science activity transforms into a fantastic ocean water sensory bin! Explore the ocean with an under the sea science and sensory play activity!

Using these ideas for science sensory bins, you can expand on a unit study or introduce a new concept to your child or students. 

You may also be interested in reading:

Layers of the Earth Science Project

Easy Earthquake Experiment

Easy Outdoor Sensory Activities

 

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Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin

By Sharla Kostelyk

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I find that my kids are always fascinated to learn about different life cycles. One of the ways I like to help them reinforce that learning is through sensory play. This Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin allows kids to explore through their senses and imaginations. hands hold green toy insect. Text reads "Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin" Kids can see how the cycle from soft egg case to hard egg to nymph (young) to adult. The more they learn about this fascinating insect, the more their interest will be piqued. 

Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin:

Supplies needed:

  • kinetic sand (you can use regular sand if you prefer)
  • decorative foam balls in green (I found these at the Dollar Store)
  • Praying Mantis Life Cycle Pack
  • magnifying glass
  • rocks
  • various leaves (real or plastic)
  • plastic bin
  • optional: scoops, spoons, or tongs

Directions:

  1. Place kinetic sand and foam balls in a plastic tub.
  2. Add rocks, leaves, a magnifying glass, and the figures from the Praying Mantis pack.
  3. If you want, you can also add some scoops or tongs.
  4. Invite your child to play.

This hands-on activity is a great way for kids to get up close and personal with this type of insect. The way it is set up mimics the habitat for some types of praying mantis.

This activity can be used for science at home or in a preschool or classroom. In addition to learning, students will also be getting visual, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory input as they play.

You can use this sensory bin as part of a unit study on insects or on the praying mantis. 

Kids can research their questions such as:

  • What does a praying mantis eat?
  • How long does a praying mantis live?
  • Where do praying mantis live?

Ways to expand the learning:

  1. Read books about insects or about the praying mantis in particular.
  2. If you live in an area where there are praying mantis, you could catch one and place it in a bug habitat to observe before releasing it.
  3. Write a report complete with pictures about the praying mantis. 
  4. Print off the Praying Mantis Life Cycle puzzle. Cut out the pieces and assemble. 

Praying Mantis 4 Piece Life Cycle FiguresPraying Mantis 4 Piece Life Cycle FiguresPraying Mantis 4 Piece Life Cycle FiguresThe Life Cycle of a Praying MantisThe Life Cycle of a Praying MantisThe Life Cycle of a Praying MantisMini Praying Mantis Finger PuppetMini Praying Mantis Finger PuppetMini Praying Mantis Finger PuppetEducational Insights GeoSafari Jr. BugWatchEducational Insights GeoSafari Jr. BugWatchEducational Insights GeoSafari Jr. BugWatchHow to Draw InsectsHow to Draw InsectsHow to Draw InsectsManuelo, the Playing MantisManuelo, the Playing MantisManuelo, the Playing MantisPraying Mantises (Animal Cannibals)Praying Mantises (Animal Cannibals)Praying Mantises (Animal Cannibals)

Learn more about the praying mantis:

National Geographic

Interesting Facts about the Praying Mantises (great pictures here!)

Nature’s Perfect Predator (Praying Mantis video)

Download your free printable Praying Mantis Life Cycle puzzle to go along with this science activity. 

You may also be interested in checking out these Life Cycle Sensory Bins:

Bee Life Cycle Sensory Bin

Chicken Life Cycle Sensory Bin

Sea Turtle Life Cycle Sensory Bin

 

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Eggs and Carrots Easter Sensory Bin

By Sharla Kostelyk

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I am so in love with the bright and cheery colours in this Eggs and Carrots Easter Sensory Bin! It’s very inviting for kids. This bin also engages them in filling and dumping and pouring and creating which are especially good skills for preschoolers to practise. brightly coloured rice with toy eggs and carrots. Text reads "Easter Sensory Bin"

One of the nicest things about sensory bins is that they don’t have to be exact. While I will share with you what we used for our Easter sensory bin and you can get ideas and inspiration from that, you don’t have to have all the same supplies to make one of your own. You can add items you already have that are Easter themed or Spring colours to create your Easter sensory tub.

Eggs and Carrots Easter Sensory Bin:

Supplies needed:

  • pink, yellow, purple, and green coloured dry rice
  • Easter shaped cookie cutters (we used bunny, carrot, and egg cookie cutters)
  • stretchy bunnies
  • mini glitter foam eggs
  • hollow plastic carrot container
  • foam carrot decorations
  • handy scooper or something to scoop and pour with 
  • plastic bin

Directions:

  1. Dye the rice. You can do this by adding food colouring or paste and 1/2 tsp. vinegar into a bag and shaking. Then lay the coloured rice on a tray to dry overnight. 
  2. Place the coloured rice in a plastic bin.
  3. Add all the other items. Again, if you don’t have exactly these items, you can use any Spring or Easter related toys or kitchen items.
  4. Invite your child to play.

There are so many possibilities with this Easter sensory bin. Kids can use the empty carrot as a scoop or to fill with rice or eggs. They can also fill the cookie cutters with rice. Once they begin playing with the bin, the different colours of rice will inevitably mix and that’s ok. If you have a child who gets upset by things like this, explain ahead of time that the colours will mix and that it’s all part of the fun. Once the colours mix together, it’s also quite pretty.

Check out some of these other Easter sensory activities:

Easter Fluffy Slime

Peter Rabbit Playdough

Christ Centered Easter Sensory Bin

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Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin

By Sharla Kostelyk

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Hands-on learning is the best kind of learning. Let kids explore farm animal science in this Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin. This lesson can be used with preschoolers and students in early elementary.popcorn seeds, dry noodles, chicken, egg, chicks. Text reads "Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin"

You can set up this sensory bin as part of a Farm unit. It’s a cute way to introduce the farm unit or set up a sensory station in your home or classroom. This is also a super cute activity to do in the springtime. 

Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin:

Supplies needed:

  • plastic bin
  • popcorn seeds
  • dry noodles (like the kind you use in chicken noodle soup ironically!)*
  • life cycle of a chicken pack
  • optional: scoops or spoons

Note: *I found my dry noodles at the bulk foods store.

Directions:

  1. Place the popcorn kernels and dry noodles in a plastic bin.
  2. Add the figures from the life cycle of a chicken pack.
  3. Invite your child to explore and play.

Ways to expand this activity:

  • Set out books about farm animals and/or chickens nearby to expand on this activity.
  • Talk about the sounds chickens make and have your child imitate the noise.
  • Discuss what kinds of things we use eggs for.
  • Make a recipe that uses eggs together. 
  • Learn more about chickens and raising chickens using the resources listed below.
  • Visit a local farm. 
  • Raise chicks. 
  • Print off this puzzle. Cut out the pieces for kids to assemble.

The stages of development of a chicken are:

  1. egg development
  2. hatchling
  3. chick
  4. pullet (adolescent)
  5. chicken

If your kids want to learn more about chickens, here are some resources to help you expand their knowledge:

Life Cycle of a Chicken Puzzle (free printable)

Life Cycle of a Chicken Printable Cards

Chick to Hen Life Cycle Craft

Learn the 4 key stages of the chicken life cycle.

How to Collect and Clean Chicken Eggs

Chicken Farm Animals: Baby to Grown

All About Chickens for Kids and Teachers

Sign up to download your FREE Chicken Life Cycle printable puzzle.

Check out some of our other Life Cycle Sensory Bins:

Sea Turtle Life Cycle Sensory BinBee Life Cycle Sensory Bin

Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin

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