15 Easy Sensory Bins for Toddlers and Preschoolers (2024)

FAQs

How to use sensory bins in preschool? ›

A sensory bin is a shallow container that combines filler material and various small odds and ends. You fill the bin with a filler material such as sand or rice, then add items from around the house such as spoons or measuring cups. Let your child explore the items and have fun playing.

At the toddler stage, from ages 2 to 3, kids are typically ready to engage with more toys. A great place to start are sensory bins—literally, a bin or box filled with various materials meant to stimulate the senses.

The Inside My Body Sensory Bin is an open-ended, sensory play activity that kids can explore as they learn about their organs and how their bodies work.

Some tips include counting to ten, walking away, listening to music, or watching a calming video or reading a book. Develop an exit strategy in the event of sensory overload. Talk to your child about ways he or she can stay calm or change environments if they start to feel overwhelmed.

But it doesn't have to be complicated—fill a water bottle or bag with beads, little toys, and other trinkets (and make sure to seal it well); or glue different textured fabric to the sides of wooden blocks. These are just a few great examples of how to use simple materials to light up your child's mind.

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates our senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. It helps children interact with and make sense of the world that surrounds them.

Use visual supports to help your learners remember the rules for the sensory bins (use hands only, put on lid when finished, complete seek and find, raise hand if you need help, keep the materials in the box.) Use a visual timer to help your students transition when the time comes.

From 12 months old to 12 years old, a rice sensory bin holds attention spans. It is the great equalizer of play: if you have siblings to entertain with a toddler, this activity gives them a level playing field.

Sensory bins can support cognitive development as children sort hidden items by size or color. Putting number and letter shapes into the sensory bin can provide children the opportunity to learn the alphabet, their numbers and gain practice with counting and spelling.

Sensory bins are hands-on, interactive learning tools designed to engage children's senses and promote development. These bins typically consist of a container filled with a variety of materials, such as sand, rice, water beads, or thematic items like miniature toys.

What is a sensory table for toddlers? ›

Sensory tables allow children to actively explore materials using a variety of tools and their hands. Sand and water are frequently used in sensory tables, but there are endless possibilities for materials such as wood chips, leaves, gravel, or fabric swatches.

Food sensory play activities don't have to include squishing or smashing food — they can also include activities such as preparing and eating food. Whether it's through food prep, play, or simply trying new food types, children can gain beneficial experience that allows them to become familiar with new foods.

Put a funnel in the mouth of an empty water bottle and fill it about halfway with sand or rice. Add small toys, like alphabet beads, LEGO blocks, or mini-erasers. Then, fill the rest of the bottle with sand or rice, leaving about an inch of room at the top. This gives the contents room to move around and get mixed up.

Signs of sensory processing disorder include sudden mood swings and strange behavior. Kids with sensory issues might avoid bright lights or loud noises, run around crashing into things, throw tantrums, or appear clumsy.

Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It helps to build nerve connections in the brain and encourages the development of language and motor skills.