{Tuesday's Tip} Sensory Bins

I love sensory bins for toddlers.  I feel strongly that they are a great way for kids to experiment, feel different textures, and learn more about the world around us.

I have several, medium-sized plastic bins to hold the sensory items that I switch in and out when I'm not using them (pictured above).  Then I have one big plastic bin that I keep empty so that I can add different sensory items to it.  It is best if this bin is large enough for kids to climb into.  When I've used sensory bins with kids, if the bin isn't big enough for them (as in, they can only reach their hands in and dig)...well, they still try to squeeze their little bodies into the bin and that can be more frustrating than fun for them.  So I've found larger bins are better for sensory exploration, like a wash bin, or large Tupperware bin.

You can use the sensory bin inside or outside.  I'd recommend that you lay down a towel, tarp, sheet, or something underneath the sensory bin for easier clean-up.  Depending on activity you may want to stick your child directly in the bathtub after the sensory activity (plus, that just continues the fun for them as they splash in the tub).

{25 fun items for kids to play, dig & discover}

Shredded paper (newspaper, recycled paper, or colored paper)
Water balloons 

Air balloons

Noodles (dry or wet)

Corn meal
Bird seed

Grass
Snow (Or insta-snow powder, you just add water and it is cold like real snow)

{Insta-Snow Powder}

Rice
Beans (Very easy to clean up)
Wheat (I LOVE this texture because it is very soothing) 
Ice cubes in water (Use different shapes or add food coloring to make more interesting ice cubes)

Pom poms

Flour (Messy but really fun!)

Water
Sand
Water beads (These are cool, I found them at JoAnn's.  They are really tiny and you add water to watch them expand.  They are reusable if you dry them out.)

{Water Beads}

Cotton balls

Fabric (cut into long strips)
Bubbles
Pool Balls
Saw dust
Hay

Pine cones (or bark)

Dirt with small rocks

To help your toddlers explore the sensory bin, you can add regular kitchen items, like large spoons, bowls, flour sifter, whisk,  funnels, etc.  Sandbox toys, like shovels, buckets, and molds, are also perfect for playing in the sensory bin. 

{Wheat sensory bin}

Pretend play items or toys can add some variety to your sensory bin, like cars, balls, animals, dinosaurs, plastic bugs, people, dishes, etc.  Also, check out your recycle bin for safe objects your child could use in the sensory bin as well, like toilet paper tubes, empty butter/yogurt containers, egg cartoon, etc.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this post was helpful, we'd love to know what you think! Also, please share your favorite sensory activities and tips.