Ahhh, summer…that wonderful time of year when the weather is nice and life seems simpler. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when kids seem even more restless and even though some things about parenting may be easier, the sensory needs of your child don’t automatically disappear.
In fact, the sensory needs of some kids become more noticeable in the summer as they adjust to the changes in routine.
To combat this challenge with my kids, many of whom have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I use sensory stations. Sensory stations are even easier to set up in the summer because so many of them can be set up outside with little to no preparation. One sensory station that we always keep year-round is a sensory bin. I make a new sensory bin every week or two.
Even though my kids are getting older, they have not outgrown sensory bins. They still play in them and after spending time with one, they are calmer and more able to focus.
These ideas will help inspire you to create your own sensory bin for your kids this summer:
Summer Sensory Bin here at The Chaos and The Clutter
Frog Life Cycle Sensory Bin from Teaching Mama
Starfish and Sand Dollar Shaving Cream Tray from The House of Burke
Water Sensory Tray here at The Chaos and The Clutter
Edible Sand Sensory Activity from A Little Pinch of Perfect
Fizzy Ocean Sensory Bin from Wildflower Ramblings
Seaside Sensory Bin here at The Chaos and The Clutter
Beach Themed Water Sensory Table for Toddlers from Golden Reflections Blog
Sparkling Ocean Playdough from Stir the Wonder
Calming Lavender Sensory Bin here at The Chaos and The Clutter
Sea Turtle Sensory Bin from Teaching Mama
Watermelon Sensory Play from Little Bins for Little Hands
Garden Sensory Pail here at The Chaos and The Clutter
Ocean Sensory Bin from Happy Hooligans
Gardening Sensory Bin from Mama Papa Bubba
For hundreds of other sensory bin ideas, you can also follow my Sensory Bins board on Pinterest.
Follow Sharla Kostelyk’s board Sensory Bins on Pinterest.
If you are looking for information on making sensory bins, you may be interested in my book. 
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