You may, or may not know this about me, but I LOVE sensory bins! Not only do they provide a unique sensory experience, but they are a fantastic way to build vocabulary and strengthen fine motor skills. Best of all… the kids have no idea that they are learning!
Over the years I have built up quite the collection of sensory bin materials. In order to make it quick and easy to change the bins out, I need to keep everything organized. Here are some tips and tricks that I have learned to make managing the materials a bit easier.
Keep the base materials separate from the goodies. This saves space and allows you to create new combinations of sensory bins.
Use zip top bags to store your themed materials. It’s not fancy… It’s not pretty… but it gets the job done. I like to store all of my bags in larger tubs. Some of the bags are seasonal, and some are aligned to our reading curriculum.
Keep an extra bin for shovels, tweezers, cups, and tubes. These tools are a great addition to the sensory bins and since they are not specific to a theme, I like to keep them separate.
Have an extra sensory bin available so that you always have one in use and another that is in “restocking mode.”
Put your kids to work. On the last day that the bin will be used, have your students pull out all of the goodies and put them back into the storage bag.
How do your organize your sensory bin materials? Please share!
FAQs
Sensory bin play activities are one way to promote motor skills development. For example, playing with mud, play dough, or rice in a sensory bin helps develop fine motor skills. Also, moving from one sensory bin station to another helps develop motor skills since children mostly explore through hands-on activities.
What are the activities in the sensory bin? ›
Sensory bin play activities are one way to promote motor skills development. For example, playing with mud, play dough, or rice in a sensory bin helps develop fine motor skills. Also, moving from one sensory bin station to another helps develop motor skills since children mostly explore through hands-on activities.
How are sensory bins developmentally appropriate? ›
Sensory bins let children learn through hands-on play. With just a few common household materials, you can make a toy that will keep your child entertained for hours and help them develop their motor, social, literacy, math, and science skills.
How do you make a sensory bin for autism? ›
Popular items to place inside include pasta, pom poms, plastic animals, rice, dry beans, and water. Some people create sensory bin themes like a farm sensory bin, an ocean sensory bin, or a Halloween sensory bin, but there doesn't have to be a theme.
What are the rules for the sensory bins? ›
It's okay to have rules to set clear boundaries regarding sensory bin play. Rules might be that the contents must stay inside the bin, no throwing, and the materials always get put away when play is finished. Children are great helpers, and learning to use a broom and dustpan is great for fine motor skill development.
How to make sensory bins less messy? ›
The basics of using a sensory bin
I always like to set down a vinyl tablecloth first and then set the plastic bin on top. It helps contain any mess that might spill out. You could also do sensory play outside if you are worried about a mess.
How do you introduce sensory activities? ›
It's simple for children to enjoy sensory play when you create a sensory bin for them to explore. To create a sensory bin, simply fill a small tub or container with objects from nature such as leaves, rocks, and sand that have different textures for your little one to explore.
How do you organize toys for autism? ›
Limit the amount of toys you have out.
Pack up 50% of the toys you currently have into several plastic totes. Rotate them every few months or on a snow days when they get bored. Not only will this cut down on the amount of clutter, but it will keep the toys “fresh” and interesting to the kids and look a lot more tidy.
What is a sensory bin for special needs? ›
Sensory Bins and Tables enable sensory exploration, learning & therapy, and rehabilitation through adapted and integrated play programs. We offer sand, water, pellet, light table and no-mess sandboxes. Use our bins & tables with and without lids in your classroom, daycare, or occupational therapy centre.
What is the difference between a sensory table and a sensory bin? ›
The difference between a sensory bin and a sensory table is the size. Sensory bins can be plastic tubs that can be put on a table or even the floor. While a table is stand alone. You can purchase sensory table or if you are looking for a different option, I have a DIY Sensory Table tutorial.
Sensory bins are a great way to allow children to explore multiple senses at the same time in a fun way. This includes touch, smell, sight, and even sound. Learning to engage with and stimulate several senses at once in a healthy way is incredibly beneficial and loads of fun!
How deep should a sensory bin be? ›
Ideally, sensory bins should be wide and shallow. Having a container with a lid is great if you want to reuse the bin for several weeks.
How often do you need to change sensory bins? ›
Sensory Bin Maintenance
Depending on how often your sensory bin gets used, we recommend cleaning your sensory bin at home about every 3 weeks. Food items like rice and beans should be thrown away and replaced.
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