Ultimate List of Sensory Bin Fillers From A to Z | Mommy Evolution (2024)

FAQs

How do you fill a sensory bin? ›

The Bin Supplies: You can fill your bins a few inches deep with age-appropriate items like dried rice/beans/pastas, pom poms, wool balls, dirt, rocks, water, sand—whatever you like!

Sensory bins promote language development.

Toddlers and preschoolers can learn about basic concepts such as full/empty, up/down, above/below, or same/different while they are pouring, sorting, and moving the objects in the sensory bin.

What Is a Sensory Bin? 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.

I actually prefer 1 tsp of water beads per 1 1/2 cups of water. Otherwise, you end up with too much excess water in the bin! Just fill your bin with the amount of water that you would like to use, sprinkle the water beads throughout, and watch them grow!

You could also use dish tubs or shoebox storage containers. Water tables would be perfect outside if you are using messy materials and want easy clean-up. You can even find sensory tables that have two side-by-side tubs that would be good if more than one child at a time is using it.

Nest containers – Store toys with many pieces all in the same large plastic bin. Sort each toy in smaller plastic bins and nest them inside the larger one. Keep each toy set separate – You will be more likely to keep your small parts together if they are in their own plastic bin.

Keep water beads separated from the sensory sand and wash them in a colander with warm soapy water (dish soap), rinse and drain after play; then store them in a separate resealable bag or container. For longer storage, consider drying your water beads fully. Accessories can be kept clean in the same fashion.

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!

What might kids learn? The Rainbow Rice Sensory Play activity helps children: Develop fine motor skills through the repetitive motions of scooping, pouring, and grasping objects during play. Explore the properties of different materials (such as color, shape, size, texture, and sound).

By engaging their senses, these bins provide children with valuable hands-on experiences that promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. From exploring different textures to enhancing fine motor skills, sensory bins offer endless opportunities for growth and discovery.

What beans are best for sensory bins? ›

Black beans are fantastic for many different sensory bin themes. The black color is versatile and makes objects stand out. Constructive Playthings has a tremendous sensory table that is deep enough to keep the beans inside while playing.

For example, sensory bin beans are unsafe because raw or undercooked beans are toxic, while the benefits of rice sensory play are numerous! Messy Play Kits strives to be the place to offer the best and safest sensory play ideas.

Sensory bins can be themed for holidays, seasons and academic skills. Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time, including touch, sight, sound and smell. You can place small objects in a container of dry rice, pasta, beans or water.

These foundational benefits will serve your children well into adulthood. However, the sensory materials used within the bins can either be helpful or harmful for children. For example, sensory bin beans are unsafe because raw or undercooked beans are toxic, while the benefits of rice sensory play are numerous!

On many forums and groups, practitioners use dried rice in play which is plain or coloured. We have been advised that we remove rice from our provision for all ages as it is not suitable for any child to play with due to the potential risks it can present.