Sensory bins are a great way to help children explore, develop, and stimulate the 5 main senses. When a child plays with a sensory bin, they are able to touch, feel, and even talk about the different materials they are discovering. Sensory bins can help develop and improve focus and concentration skills in a way that is far superior to average plastic toy play. While playing with sensory bins your child can also learn to talk about the textures they feel while they explore. This helps language development. They also inspire imaginative play and improve fine motor skills.
Related: DIY Colored Beans for Sensory Play
I love using sensory bins in just about all of my lesson plans. They’re perfect for reviewing a specific subject, they’re easy to set up, use, and put away…a mom’s favorite learning tool! Recently, I used this Underground Discoveries-Letter U Sensory bin to help teach my son about things found underground.
I bought a few bags of black sand from the Dollar Tree along with a medium size plastic container with a lid. I laid some plastic bugs, snakes, worms, acorns, grass, and rocks in the bottom of the bin and poured the sand on top. Using a small shovel, let your tot scoop sand from one bin to the other while discovering what kinds of critters are underground. He immediately got his John Deere trucks and started scooping and dumping dirt while picking out the spiders.
Related: Mini Construction Site Sandbox
Together we then counted out his findings from his Underground Discoveries-Letter U Sensory Bin.
Materials Needed Underground Discoveries-Letter U Sensory Bin:
- Plastic Bugs & Worms (Dollar Tree)
- Rocks
- Acorns
- Grass
- Black Sand (Dollar Tree)
- Plastic Container (Dollar Tree)
- Shovels (Dollar Tree)
Sensory bins are great tools for teaching toddlers and preschoolers. They can be used over and over if stored and cared for properly.
Related: Insect Scavenger Hunt
Do you use sensory bins with your toddler or preschooler? If so, what kind of sensory bin have you used lately? Share in the comments below.
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Hi! I’m Meagan and I’m a 41 year old mom of a high energy almost 9 year old, happily navigating my way through the little boy years. I’ve been married for 14 years. I met my husband over 20 years ago in high school; we got married 10 years later after graduating from the University of South Florida. I currently help run a family business with my parents while blogging about my life and love of DIY projects!
When I’m not at a kids sports game, I enjoy spending time with my family on a beach anywhere. I also love decorating and organizing, fun DIY projects, bargain shopping, and eating out or in! I also love Barbecue anything and a good show or movie on Netflix.
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