we love, love, love sensory bins! They are great when the weather isn’t the best outside. Or when mom needs a moment of peace, but they also have great benefits for kids playing with them.

Sensory Exploration

Sensory bins allow children to use 4 of the 5 senses (note you could use edible items and then it would be all 5 senses).

Fine Motor Skills

Sensory bins can increase hand strength as they scoop, pour and dig the filler.

Cognitive

Sensory bins can support cognitive development. Children can find hidden items, sort items and find numbers and letters.

Calming

Sensory bins can also be calming as they offer a quiet activity for children to sit and play independently.

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Our Spacey Sensory Bin

Filler: Dried Black Beans

Objects: Glow in the dark stars and moons, Space figures, balled up aluminum foil

Tools: Wooden Spoon and buckets

Let kids take it away. They can play how they choose or you can jump in and ask them questions about the bin. How does it feel? What do you think an astronaut uses to get to the moon, Could you show me? etc.

TIPS!

• If you are worried about a mess: purchase either a clear shower curtain liner or plastic table cloth to lay on the floor under the bin.
• Save your filler! I place the dried beans in a ziploc bag and keep for the next time I want to use them.