SENSORY BINS

If you have just started Tot Schooling I'm sure you've heard of sensory bins! I've created a brief video on WHAT they are, WHY we use them and how I STORE my fillers. Click the photo below to take a peek!

So WHAT are sensory bins?

A sensory bin is usually a large container or under bed storage bin that is filled with materials that stimulate your child’s senses. The materials in the bin, also known as fillers, can range from shredded paper, beans, water, shaving cream and so much more! 

Here's a few of my favorite blogs sharing some GREAT filler ideas!

~ Parenting Chaos has a list of 75+ Non-Food Sensory Bin Fillers & a list of 50+ Edible Sensory Bin Fillers.

~ Early Learning Ideas has a fabulous list of 80 Non-Food Fillers. She also includes for mix-ins and tools. 

~ Tami at Learning & Teaching with Preschoolers has an awesome comprehensive list of Food Fillers, Non-Food Fillers, Scoops & Container Ideas and Extras. You'll definitely want to check it out! 

Now WHY do we use them?! 

1 ~ For one, they promote practical life skills! Your child will practice scooping, pouring and filling cups and bowls. They can also get in some fine motor practice. I let my son use his tweezers to grab items from the bin or an eye dropper to transfer water. 

2 ~ It teaches them how to play independently and use their imaginations. Just add in some toy people, animals and cars and let them explore! If you’re just starting out you may want to show your child how to pretend play first so they can see how to manipulate the materials. 

3 ~ It increases their language development! We talk about the materials in the bin, use color words, size words, texture words and anything else that comes to mind when playing in our bin. We’ve been doing them for a while now and he uses these terms on his own! 

4 ~ Sensory bins are such a great developmental tool because they are using multiple senses at once! They are seeing the materials, feeling them in their hands, hearing how they move around in the bin, and sometimes they can smell the materials when we add in scents! Talk about a whole body experience!

Here's a few examples of Sensory Bins we've done! 

Now on to STORAGE! 

I keep all of my fillers in gallon sized Ziploc baggies. These baggies are then stored in a large basket. I rotate them out each week so my son gets to experience different materials.

And finally, I want to share TWO sensory bin tips for y'all!

One, if you decide to start exploring with sensory bins, I highly encourage you to put a large sheet or shower curtain under your child’s work area to contain any messes. 

And two, go over the rules before they start exploring. You don’t want them to start throwing things around and then have to clean up a mess. Although, accidents will happen, you will want to be clear from the start. 

Please comment below with any questions or comments you have. 

Come follow me on Instagram @todddler fundamentals to see how we use sensory bins each week! 

Thanks for stopping by!