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Sensory

The Mega List of Sensory Bin Fillers and Tools

By Sharla Kostelyk Leave a Comment

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Sensory bins are so easy to make and don’t have to cost anything. In fact, there are sensory bin fillers already in you home just waiting to be used. More than 100 Sensory Bin Fillers and Tools - so many ideas here! #sensoryplay #sensorybins #preschool #kidsactivities #sensoryactivitiesSensory bins are kind of my go-to sensory activity. They allow kids to really explore through their senses and discover the world around them. Kids from toddlers to teens can benefit from this method of exploration.

Sensory tables or bins are also great for use in the classroom. They can be centered around an educational unit or theme, can have a planned purpose such as the intention to improve fine motor skills, or they can just be for free play. Incidentally, all of these types are beneficial.

Whether you are creating sensory bins for your child to play in at home or needing sensory bin filler ideas for preschool, these lists will hopefully give you a place to start.

Sensory Bin Fillers:

I have linked to examples of sensory bins that include the fillers below to provide some additional inspiration.

  • rice (plain or coloured)
  • dry pasta noodles (plain or coloured)
  • cooked pasta (plain or coloured)
  • water
  • soapy water or soap foam
  • ice
  • snow
  • sand
  • dirt
  • mud
  • rocks
  • kinetic sand
  • sticks
  • grass
  • leaves (real or plastic)
  • cotton balls
  • shredded paper
  • feathers
  • foam or foam pieces
  • pompoms
  • beads
  • corks
  • sponges
  • Epsom salts (plain or coloured)
  • confetti
  • buttons
  • packing peanuts
  • Kidfetti
  • soap shavings
  • shaving cream
  • water beads
  • glass beads
  • seashells
  • beans (plain or coloured)
  • ribbon curls
  • Easter grass
  • lotion or gel
  • baby oil
  • building blocks (wooden, foam, or plastic)
  • fabric scraps
  • costume jewelry
  • play puffs
  • tinsel
  • silk or plastic flowers
  • silk or plastic flower petals
  • streamers
  • dry beans (plain or coloured)
  • corn silk
  • play coins
  • toys (especially things like small animals and vehicles)

Water Beads Rainbow MixWater Beads Rainbow MixWater Beads Rainbow MixPlay PuffsPlay PuffsPlay PuffsKidfetti Play PelletsKidfetti Play PelletsKidfetti Play PelletsDinosaur PastaDinosaur PastaDinosaur PastaZoo Animals PastaZoo Animals PastaZoo Animals PastaHappy Birthday PastaHappy Birthday PastaHappy Birthday PastaAlphabet PastaAlphabet PastaAlphabet PastaNeptune Table and Lid SetNeptune Table and Lid SetNeptune Table and Lid SetSand and Water Activity Play TableSand and Water Activity Play TableSand and Water Activity Play TableSplash N Scoop Bay Sand and Water TableSplash N Scoop Bay Sand and Water TableSplash N Scoop Bay Sand and Water TableSee-Thru Sensory TableSee-Thru Sensory TableSee-Thru Sensory TableSafari Ltd In The Sky TOOBSafari Ltd In The Sky TOOBSafari Ltd In The Sky TOOBSafari Ltd Coral Reef TOOB SetSafari Ltd Coral Reef TOOB SetSafari Ltd Coral Reef TOOB SetKinetic SandKinetic SandKinetic SandNatural Decorative Real SandNatural Decorative Real SandNatural Decorative Real Sand

More Sensory Bin Fillers:

  • aquarium rocks
  • moss
  • shavings
  • cotton batting
  • playdough
  • slime
  • jello
  • straws (whole or cut into pieces)
  • flour
  • cornmeal
  • dry oatmeal (plain or coloured)
  • popcorn kernels (plain or coloured)
  • seeds
  • birdseed
  • pine cones
  • dry chickpeas (plain or coloured)
  • lentils (plain or coloured)
  • marbles
  • magnets
  • number shapes
  • letter shapes
  • paper clips
  • bottle caps
  • cut up pool noodles
  • lids
  • dry cereal
  • egg shells
  • puzzle pieces
  • salt (plain or coloured)
  • coffee beans or coffee grinds
  • fruits or vegetables (real or plastic)
  • glitter gravel
  • styrofoam balls
  • bubble wrap
  • pudding
  • edible water beads
  • oobleck

Many sensory bin fillers can be coloured. You can find detailed instructions for how to colour each of these items in this helpful guide on how to dye sensory materials. Scents can also be added to some of them by adding a few drops of essential oil. Be sure to know whether the scent you are using is one that is calming or alerting and use accordingly. You wouldn’t want to have a child playing in a lemon scented bin just before bedtime as that is an alerting smell, but that would be a great sensory bin to use in the mornings!

When looking for materials for sensory bins, you want to consider factors such as the age of the children who will be using it, safety, the shelf life of the items, and if the bin will be played with inside or outside.

You wouldn’t want to put water in a sensory bin that was going to be used outside in below freezing temperatures because it would freeze and expand, possibly causing the plastic bin to break. You also wouldn’t want to use perishable food items in a bin that was being used in a warm temperature climate prone to bugs or you’ll get creepy crawlies in your home or classroom. 

Sensory Bin Tools:

Sensory bin tools are additions to the sensory bins that are designed to further the experience for the child. Many of these tools provide an educational element or are designed to enhance fine motor skills.

  • funnels
  • tubes
  • empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
  • scoops
  • containers
  • spoons
  • cups
  • bowls
  • tweezers
  • spatulas
  • tongs
  • sand shovels
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • scissors
  • chop sticks
  • strainer
  • sifter
  • whisk
  • forks
  • cookie cutters
  • rolling pins
  • potato mashers
  • garlic press
  • ladle
  • ice cream scoop or cookie dough scoop
  • scale
  • baster
  • squirt bottle
  • cupcake liners
  • ice cube trays or silicone moulds
  • sponges
  • watering can

TweezersTweezersTweezersHelping Hands Fine Motor Tool SetHelping Hands Fine Motor Tool SetHelping Hands Fine Motor Tool SetTongsTongsTongsTraining ChopsticksTraining ChopsticksTraining ChopsticksIce Cream ScoopsIce Cream ScoopsIce Cream ScoopsMini Wood ScoopsMini Wood ScoopsMini Wood ScoopsCollapsible FunnelsCollapsible FunnelsCollapsible FunnelsMeasuring SpoonsMeasuring SpoonsMeasuring SpoonsMeasuring CupsMeasuring CupsMeasuring Cups

Of course, as with all sensory play, adult supervision should always be used. Some of these fillers and tools are more appropriate for older children.

You know your child best, so if it’s a younger child who tends to put things in their mouth, be sure not to choose sensory bin fillers or tools that may pose a choking hazard.

How to Use Sensory Bins:

If your child is new to sensory bins, you’ll want to help them in the beginning. Model some ways to play by scooping, dumping, pouring, feeling, kneading, filling, measuring, and using your imagination. Talk about the textures and sensations you’re feeling to give them the vocabulary to speak to you about their experience.

There is no one “right” way to play with sensory bins. Allow kids the freedom to explore, create, imagine, and play.

With younger kids, you’ll want to remind them to try to keep the sensory bin contents inside the container. Some kids are better at this than others.

One of the common complaints that parents have about sensory bins is the cleanup. I’m not going to lie… they can get messy! But here are some tips that can help contain the mess and make cleanup easier.

Grab a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook full of great ideas. It includes recipes that can be used in sensory bins. Simply input your email below.

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Filed Under: Sensory

Winter Sensory Bins

By Sharla Kostelyk Leave a Comment

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It’s that time of year again. The snow is falling, temperatures are dropping, and kids are starting to go stir crazy! These winter sensory bins are a great way to bring the outdoors indoors without bringing the cold in with it.

Sensory play is an important part of development for all kids, particularly those who have sensory issues. The additional sensory input meets their needs and helps with emotional regulation and mood.

Winter Sensory Bins:

Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin from here on The Chaos and The Clutter

Winter Sensory Tray from here on The Chaos and The Clutter

Arctic Animals Sensory Bin at Teaching Mama

Snowman Sensory Bin at Every Star is Different

Snow Sensory Tub from Simple Fun for Kids

Animals Hibernating in Winter ~ Sensory Bins for Preschoolers from The Natural Homeschool

Winter Counting Sensory Table from The Imagination Tree

Arctic Sensory Bin from Adventures and Play

Frozen Oobleck Sensory Bin on Messy Little Monster

Pretend Snow Snowman Sensory Bin from Housing a Forest

Pretend Snow Sensory Bin from Mommy’s Bundle

Exploring Ice in the Sensory Table at Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds

Winter Diorama Ideas: Animals that Adapt in Winter from The Natural Homeschool

Mini Polar Sensory Bin from Mom Inspired Life

Figure Skating Sensory Bin from Every Star is Different

Pretend Snow Sensory Play with Trains from Play Trains

Winter Wonderland Small World Play from Buggy and Buddy

Snow Sensory Activity with Shaving Cream from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Snow Slope Imaginary Play over at Picklebums

Bring the snow inside with this Real Snow Sensory Bin from Messy Little Monster

Simple Snowman Sensory Bin from Living Life and Learning

Snowball Water Play Winter Activity at Fantastic Fun and Learning

Winter Preschool Treasure Hunt Bin from Brain Power Boy

Winter Sensory Bin from Paper and Glue

Penguin Sensory Bins:

Penguin Sensory Bin from here on The Chaos and The Clutter

Penguin Sensory Bin from Adventures and Play

Make a Penguin Sensory Bin at Mama Smiles

Penguin Pretend Play from Nurture Store

Penguin Ice Play for Toddlers at Messy Little Monsters

Penguin Sensory Play from Fantastic Fun and Learning

As you can probably tell from these examples, sensory bins are simple to create. You likely have most of the supplies in your home today to make a sensory bin that your child would love. If you are looking for more in-depth information on creating sensory bins including filler ideas, sensory recipes, storage, and money saving ideas, you can find those in my ebook on Sensory Bins. Sensory Bins ebook Get 175 sensory activity ideas in convenient printable lists which are ideal for using in the home, classroom or in a therapeutic setting.

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Holiday Scented Christmas Tree Slime

By Sharla Kostelyk 2 Comments

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When we made our original stretchy Christmas Tree Slime, the kids enjoyed it, but were wishing they could have slime that actually looked like a Christmas Tree and count be “decorated”. This holiday scented Christmas tree slime is just what they were looking for! Holiday Scented Christmas Tree Slime Recipe #slime #christmasslime #holidayslime #slimerecipeThis holiday scented Christmas tree slime allows kids to use their imaginations as they “decorate” the tree. It also provides tactile, visual, olfactory (scent), and proprioceptive sensory feedback.

Holiday Scented Christmas Tree Slime Recipe:

  • 5 oz. clear glue
  • 1/2 cup water
  • green candy colour (you can also use food colouring or paint if you prefer)
  • pine essential oil
  • green glitter
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 Tbsp contact solution
  • pom poms

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, pour 5 oz. of clear glue.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of water. Mix until the glue has broken up and is incorporated into the water. I use warm water for this so that it mixes more easily.
  3. Add a few drops of green candy color, mixing until you get the perfect Christmas tree colour.
  4. Add a drop or two of pine essential oil.
  5. Sprinkle in your glitter. I used a mix of chunky and fine glitter. Stir everything together.
  6. Mix in 1/2 tsp. baking soda. The baking soda will help determine your slime’s thickness.
  7. Mix in 1 Tbsp of contact solution. Be sure that your contact solution contains boric acid. Contact solution determines the stickiness of the slime. The slime will be ready to knead when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  8. Knead the slime. At first, it will be sticky. Just keep kneading it! If you have to, you can add a little bit more contact solution, but be careful not to over-activate it by adding too much.
  9. Add some multi-colour pompoms as the “ornaments” on the tree.
  10. Be sure to store the slime in an airtight container.

During the holidays, it can be even more important to have sensory play activities around. When kids aren’t doing their regular routine, they can have a harder time self-regulating. Ensuring that they are receiving plenty of sensory input, particularly the type that provides proprioceptive feedback can help them to regulate.

With kids not only being out of routine, but also not receiving as much natural sensory input at school or out in the community, you will need to provide many opportunities for them. Holiday themed sensory play is an easy way to do that.

Here are some other holiday sensory play ideas:

Melted Snowman Sensory Bottle

O Holy Night Sensory Bin

Simple Christmas Sensory Bag

Stretchy Christmas Tree Slime

Christmas Gifts Sensory Bin

Peppermint Scented Christmas Playdough

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How To Make Stretchy Slime

By Sharla Kostelyk Leave a Comment

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It’s always the time of year for cool slime. Christmas time is no exception. That’s why we love this stretchy slime recipe with a Christmas tree holiday theme. It’s a fun slime and easy to make. Stretchy Slime #sensoryplay #slimerecipes #slime #holidayslime #Christmasslime

Stretchy slime makes a great gift for your child to give their friends or for you to give your nieces and nephews. You can either give them the completed slime in an airtight container or print the recipe for them and gift them the supplies. Kids love things they can make themselves!

You can easily change out the Christmas trees for another type of festive confetti to create other versions of holiday slime. Consider using confetti shapes like candy canes, ornaments, snowflakes, reindeer, gingerbread, or stockings.

You can find some wonderful Christmas themed confetti at the dollar store.

Stretchy Slime Recipe

You Will Need:

  • 1 cup of clear glue (I find that Elmer’s washable clear school glue works best)
  • 2-3 Tbsp. contact lens saline solution*
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • Christmas tree confetti
  • optional: other confetti such as red for added colour

*Be sure that you use a buffered contact lens saline solution.

How To Make Stretchy Slime

  1.  Pour the glue into a large mixing bowl and add the baking soda.
  2. Begin to add the contact lens solution a few drops at a time as you stir.
  3. When you find that the mixture begins to pull away from the bowl, knead by hand.
  4. Add the confetti sprinkles in and fold them in. Continue kneading.

stretchy slime

Stretchy Slime

The best stretchy slime is made more by feel than by recipe. If you find that your slime is too sticky, add a few more drops of the saline solution. If it’s not sticky enough, you can add a drop or two more of the glue. Play around with it until you get the consistency you’re going for.

Some people prefer their slime to be a bit more sticky and others hate the sticky feeling. Understanding that everyone has different sensory preferences, feel free to adjust the recipe to your preference.

This holiday slime recipe makes a super stretchy slime.  Part of the fun for kids is seeing how far their slime can stretch.

stretchy slime

Fun Slime

Making this Christmas tree stretchy slime is a perfect  activity for that time in between the last day of school before the holidays and Christmas. Kids tend to be brimming with extra energy and excitement during that time.

Giving them good sensory play opportunities can help them regulate their emotions and remain more calm. The pulling and stretching and kneading of this stretchy slime gives kids what’s called proprioception feedback.  Proprioception is excellent for helping kids self-regulate.

While the kids think that they are just trying out a cool slime recipe, you’ll be able to see the effects that the sensory play has on their mood and behaviour. The kids will be happy with their slime and their parents will be happy with more calm in the house. That’s what I can a win-win!

Need more sensory play ideas for calm kids? 

Grab your copy of 25+ easy to make recipes. >>> SENSORY RECIPES

Includes cool slimes, ooblecks, playdoughs, cloud doughs, kinetic sand, and more, all in one handy guide.

 

Click here for more fun slime ideas:

Unique Types of Slime

Cool Slime Recipes

Milky Slime Recipe

Cool Spider Slime

Halloween Slime

Peppermint Slime

Glow In The Dark Glitter Slime

 

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Fill an Ornament Christmas Sensory Bag

By Sharla Kostelyk Leave a Comment

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Not only is this Christmas sensory bag a great sensory activity, it is also an excellent fine motor activity. Kids can push the sequins into the area to fill the ornament.

Fill the Ornament Christmas Sensory Bag sensory and fine motor activity #finemotor #Christmassensory #sensoryplay #holidayactivities #kidsactivities #sensorybagThis cute activity can be taken with you for use as a busy bag. It can be taken in the vehicle or used in waiting rooms. If you’re going to take it out and about, it’s definitely best to seal the edges with duct tape. Using a holiday themed duct tape makes it extra cute.

Fill the Ornament Christmas Sensory Bag:

  • sandwich or medium sized resealable bag (I like the medium freezer bags)
  • clear hand sanitizer
  • sequins and/or mini ornaments
  • permanent marker
  • optional: duct tape (way more fun if you use holiday themed duct tape)

  1. With a permanent marker, draw an ornament shape on a resealable bag.
  2. Fill the bag slightly less than halfway with hand sanitizer. Add a healthy amount of sequins or mini ornaments in holiday colours to the bag.
  3. Remove as much air as you can from the bag.
  4. Seal.
  5. If you’re going to be using this with younger children or are worried about a potential mess, fold duct tape over the edges of the bag. You can get all kinds of fun holiday printed tapes to use that will make this look even more festive.

Duct Tape, Holiday BowsDuct Tape, Holiday BowsDuct Tape, Holiday BowsDuct Tape, Frozen Inspired OlafDuct Tape, Frozen Inspired OlafDuct Tape, Frozen Inspired OlafDuct Tape, Red GlitterDuct Tape, Red GlitterDuct Tape, Red Glitter

The child can now “fill” the ornament by moving the sequins with their finger on the outside of the bag.

You can make multiples of these Christmas sensory bags and use different colours of sequins or small ornaments. The kids can race to see how quickly they can fill the ornament.

Multicolor Mini OrnamentsMulticolor Mini OrnamentsMulticolor Mini OrnamentsMulticolor SequinsMulticolor SequinsMulticolor SequinsMulticolor SharpiesMulticolor SharpiesMulticolor Sharpies

Check out some of our other Christmas themed sensory bags:

I-Spy Christmas sensory bag 

Simple Christmas sensory bag This simple Christmas Sensory Bag makes a delightful

Christmas ornaments sensory bag 

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10 Things You Can Do to Make Each Day Easier for Your Sensory Kiddo

By Sharla Kostelyk 1 Comment

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Being a child with sensory needs can make even the simplest things like combing your hair or getting dressed feel challenging. Sometimes making small adjustments can make the everyday struggles easier.10 Tips to Make Every Day Easier for Sensory Kiddos #sensory #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorderAs a parent, you can feel helpless as you watch your child struggle. Using the strategies below, you can make life easier for your child and cut back on sensory meltdowns and day-to-day battles.

Here are some tips that can help with those everyday battles:

  1. Use a visual schedule. This allows the child to know exactly what to do and what’s coming next. It can ease the pain of transitions and lessen the chance of meltdowns. For some kids, they need the tasks broken up into smaller steps, so look for a visual schedule that breaks things down.
  2. Give warnings for upcoming transitions and allow for extra time so that your child can adjust. Be sure to allot margins in your day to allow for this and to reduce stress on both you and your child.
  3. Offer sensory breaks throughout the day. This gives your child the necessary sensory input. Sensory breaks also make good transition bridges.
  4. Use a Sensory Triggers Log to help you identify your child’s sensory triggers. This will allow you to avoid them or make changes to your child’s environment to accommodate them.
  5. Work on giving your child an emotional vocabulary so that they can express their feelings.
  6. Teach your child calming breathing techniques.
  7. Meet your child’s sensory needs during the day with sensory activities and heavy work opportunities. This will not only help them all day long, it will help them sleep better at night.
  8. Don’t die on the clothing mountain. Let your child wear what’s comfortable to them. Be a sensory detective to discover why certain articles of clothing bother them. This will help you find solutions.
  9. Have your child use a vibrating toothbrush. Not only will this add more sensory input to their day, it will decrease oral sensitivity and eventually lead to less battles over food.
  10. Teach your child about sensory processing and the 8 sensory systems so that they can better identify their needs and voice them to you.

Bonus tip: Carry a pack of Post-It notes with you in your purse so that you can cover the automatic flush sensor on toilets in public bathrooms. No more surprise loud noise for your child to contend with!

I love this list so much because it has some actionable strategies that you can start using right away.

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Filed Under: Sensory, Special Needs Parenting

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