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Sensory Bins

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Sensory bins offer an opportunity for children to explore and learn through their senses. This increases their creativity, expands their vocabulary, and helps them better retain what they are learning about the world around them. They are also great for keeping kids occupied!More than 100 Sensory Bin ideas to inspire you from The Chaos and The ClutterSensory bins have so many benefits that read far beyond play. Read more about the purpose of sensory bins.

Teachers and preschool teachers can set these up in their classroom as part of a learning unit or as a sensory station. Parents can use them to keep kids learning while keeping boredom at bay.

What items do you need to make a sensory bin?

The main thing you need is a plastic tub of some kind. An under the bed tub or plastic toy bin work well. Even an empty ice cream pail or box can be used in a pinch. 

You can then add a filler and a few items. Be creative. Consider textures, smells, sounds, and other sensory elements such as changes in temperature.

It is sometimes easier to come up with ideas if you use a theme. You can find a list of over 100 ideas for sensory bin themes here.

Sensory bin fillers:

For the base of your sensory bin, you’ll need some kind of filler. There are so many options for this. The most common fillers tend to be pantry staple items such as dry rice or beans. Other common ones are sand or water. But the possibilities really are endless.

You can find a full list of sensory bin fillers and tools here. Some schools don’t allow food items to be used due to allergy concerns or waste. If you’re looking for non-food sensory bin fillers, you can find a list  of item ideas here. 

Sensory bin tools:

The more kids can explore through their senses, the more they can learn. This is why adding tools to the tubs that allow them to pinch, scoop, pour, measure, and fill expands the activity. It also helps kids work on their fine motor skills.

Tools such as grabbers, kid tweezers, measuring cups, measuring spoons, funnels, scoops or small shovels, squeeze bottles, magnifying glasses, and tongs make great additions to the bins. These items really take the opportunities for learning and growth to the next level.

Gator Grabber TweezersGator Grabber TweezersGator Grabber TweezersHandy GrabbersHandy GrabbersHandy GrabbersMini TongsMini TongsMini TongsSilicone Collapsible Funnel SetSilicone Collapsible Funnel SetSilicone Collapsible Funnel SetMeasuring Cups & Spoon SetMeasuring Cups & Spoon SetMeasuring Cups & Spoon SetPlastic ShovelsPlastic ShovelsPlastic ShovelsFlower Magnifying GlassFlower Magnifying GlassFlower Magnifying Glass

 

What age are sensory bins for?

Sensory bins can be used with all ages. Literally. From babies to seniors, the benefits of sensory play applies. Of course when using sensory bins with babies, you need to be aware of considerations such as avoiding choking hazards and perhaps using taste safe fillers. Babies explore the world through their senses, so even babies can benefit from sensory play.

Adults with dementia can also derive major benefits from sensory play. And all ages in between can derive learning and fun from this engaging experience. 

Sensory bin ideas:

Get inspiration for making  your own sensory tubs with these examples:

4th of July Stars and Stripes Sensory Bin
Alphabet Sensory Bin for Preschool Letter Recognition
Autumn Sensory Bin with birdseed and cinnamonAutumn Sensory Bin with Birdseed and Cinnamon
Bath Time Sensory Bin with Ice and Gelatin
Bee Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Birthday Cake Sensory Bin
Birthday Party Sensory Bin
Bright Butterfly Sensory Bin
Bugs Sensory Bin
Calming Lavender Sensory BinCalming Lavender Sensory Bin
Candy Sensory Bin PlayCandy Sensory Bin
Christ-Centered Easter Sensory Bin
Christmas Gifts Sensory Bin
Christmas Sensory Bins
Citrus Sensory BinCitrus Sensory Bin
coffee sensory binCoffee Sensory Bin
Construction Sensory Bins
creating their own sensory binsCreate Your Own Sensory Bin
Creating a Colour Themed Sensory Bin
Desert Sensory BinDesert Sensory Bin
Dig for Fossils Sensory Bin
Dinosaur Sensory Bin
Dollar Store Sensory Bin
Hop Easter Sensory BinEaster Egg and Bunny Sensory Bin
yellow and purple with toy sparkly eggs and the letters to spell Easter Egg HuntEaster Egg Hunt Sensory Bin
Eggs and Carrots Easter Sensory Bin
Eyeball sensory bin with purple water beadsEyeball Sensory Bin
Fall Sensory Bin
20 Fall Sensory BinsFall Sensory Bins
Farm Theme Unit Study
a hand holds a small toy frog on a plastic lily pad set on blue water beadsFrog Life Cycle Sensory Bin and Activities
Frog Sensory Bin
Frog Sensory BinFrog Sensory Bin with Play Puffs
Frozen inspired sensory binFrozen Sensory Bin
Frozen Treasure Find
Garden Sensory Bin
Going on a Bug Hunt Sensory Bin
History Sensory BinHistory Sensory Bin
seven metal trays each with a different colour of rice on itHow to Dye Rice for Sensory Play
Human Body Sensory Bin
I Spy Sensory Bin
Insect Sensory Bin with Pasta
The “No Rules” Garden
Joy Sensory BinJoy Sensory Bin
Kinetic Sand Sensory Bins
small hands hold a plastic ladybug and leavesLadybug Life Cycle Sensory Bin and Activities
Lemonade Sensory Soup
Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin
Magnets, Magnets, and More Magnets
Monsters Sensory Bin
plush bunny sits by a sensory bin filled with moss, grass, and toy butterfliesNature Inspired Easter Sensory Bin
Nature Inspired Spring Sensory Soup
Non-Food Sensory Bin BasesNon-Food Sensory Bin Fillers
Nutrition Sensory BinNutrition Sensory Bin
O Holy Night Nativity Sensory Bin
Our Best Sensory BinsOur Best Sensory Bins
Over 100 Sensory Bin Themes
Penguin Sensory BinPenguin Sensory Bin
Peter Rabbit Sensory Bin
Pirate Week Kick Off!
Praying Mantis Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Rainbow Activity and Party Ideas
Scented Valentine’s Sensory Bin
Science Sensory Bins for Hands-on Learning
Sea Turtle Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Seaside Sensory Bin
Seek and Find Sensory Bin
Sensory Activities with Baby Oil
Hate the messiness of sensory play? Here are some tips.Sensory Bin Cleanup
green and blue water beads and toy frogs on top. Red filler and heart shaped erasers on the bottom.Sensory Bin Starter Kit
How to Host a Sensory Bin SwapHow to Host a Sensory Bin Swap
Sensory Bins Book
Spring Flowers Sensory BinSilk Flowers Sensory Bins
Valentine's Sensory BinSimple Valentines Sensory Bin
Snowflake Sensory Bin
Glow in the Dark Solar System sensory binSolar System Sensory Bin
Spring Sensory Bins
Simple St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin for kidsSt. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin
Summer Sensory Bin
15 Summer Sensory BinsSummer Sensory Bins
This Sky sensory bin is perfect for flight units or for kids who want to explore and use their imaginations.Take Flight with a Sky Sensory Bin
Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Under the Sea Theme Party
Valentine’s Pluffle Sensory Bin
Valentine’s Week Fun
Water Beads Sensory Tray
C Sensory BinLearning Activities for the Letter “C”
Horse Sensory Bin
Ice Cream Theme Unit Study
Learning Activities for the Letter “K”
Simple Spring Sensory Bin
Puzzle Piece Sensory Bin
Winter Sensory TrayWinter Sensory Tray
Winter Theme Unit
Winter Wonderland Sensory BinWinter Wonderland Sensory Bin
Zoo Theme Week

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. You’ll also be signed up for our free Sensory Activities and Solutions email series.

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