Why Sensory Play is Important & 10 Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

Erin of Makers shares why sensory play is important along with lots of sensory bin ideas to encourage sensory play for kids of all ages.

Sensory play… ah.. sensory play…

Sensory play is something I was doing with my kiddos long before I even knew it had a name.

I first started setting up sensory play activities for them because I had finally found a way to keep them engaged in one activity for an extended period of time.

Little did I know that by creating these sensory play experiences, I was supporting their cognitive growth, language development, gross and fine motor skills, and social and emotional skills all at the same time!

The Importance of Sensory Play for Kids

In a nutshell, sensory play is play that stimulates multiple senses at the same time. This helps to build pathways (or connections) between nerves within the brain which then helps to lay a solid foundation for more complex tasks later down the road.

Children begin to identify and recognize particular properties of an object (liquid or solid) and can make connections to other objects with those same similarities. When we discuss the different properties and elements of each, it introduces kids to new vocabulary. That aids in language development, while the physical act of mixing, scooping and sifting strengthens fine and gross motor skills.

Add in elements to sensory bins that encourage imaginary play because when kids have the opportunity to play with you and/or others, it enhances their social and emotional skills. 

All of these things benefit kids of all ages, but especially those 5 & under. 

How to Make Sensory Bins for Kids

Although it may seem a little overwhelming at first, sensory play is actually very easy to incorporate at home.

Begin by putting down a blanket, sheet or old shower curtain your kids can spill things on. It’s good to designate a ‘space’ for the sensory materials, and remember to always encourage the materials to stay in the bin. This is something you’ll probably have to remind your kids about often.

At home I’ve found myself saying, “If you can’t keep it in the bin right now, I’m going to pack it up and we can try again later…”

It’s pretty much impossible for them not to spill at least a little, especially when they’re focusing so hard on building those fine and gross motor skills. But kids should know the materials are supposed to stay in the designated area. 

Sensory Bin Filler Ideas

Now that you’ve decided on a space for your sensory bins, get a large but shallow bin and choose a filler.

A great place to start is with a basic filler like:

• rice (which you can dye if you’re feeling ambitious)
• beans
• water (add food coloring or liquid watercolors and some essential oils for an extra wow factor)
• snow
• dirt
• shredded paper

If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can mix up a batch of:

• oobleck
• slime
• cloud dough (which – BEWARE – is one of the messier ones I’ve ever done)
• flax-seed slime
• baking soda & vinegar

There are also some fantastic sensory fillers like Cloud Clay made by Discount School Supply or Insta Snow which you can find on Amazon. 

How to Encourage Sensory Bin Play for Kids

Once you have a filler (which ideally should cover the entire bottom of the bin), you can add in all the goodies. Sensory bins are so great because you can stagger the materials you give your kids to extend their play (and learning).

They’ll be very curious about what’s in the bin, so first give them things to scoop and things to fill, like spoons and bowls, cups, shovels, bottles, etc.

Scooping, filling, sifting, and stirring are all excellent ways for kids to build their fine and gross motor skills. If you’re using a liquid base, think about adding in a baster or using droppers because the squeezing is a great way to strengthen their finger and hand muscles. 

At this point, let your child explore and experiment with the bin and the basic tools you’ve provided. Talk with your little one about what they notice, feel, smell, or hear.

• Does it remind them of anything?
• Have they felt anything like this before?
• Do they like the way it feels?

All of these questions are great ways to begin a conversation to enhance their language development.

Once they’ve had the chance to really explore and discover, you can start adding in some elements that will encourage imaginary play––small, plastic figurines are a favorite of mine. Plus, you’ve probably got a bunch of those lying around at home!

Do you have the whole Peppa Pig family? Throw them in your sensory bins. Cars work! Dinosaurs work! Little dolls work! My preference is something plastic that can be easily rinsed off, but truly whatever you’re comfortable with and your child enjoys playing with is great. 

Extension Ideas for Sensory Bin Play

When you’re done, put the lid on, store them away, and then bring them out at another time for more play. Or try changing the tools or the toys, and you may find kids spend just as much time with the bins as they did in the beginning!

You can even incorporate a book to enhance play. Read the book first, and then let your child play with the bin. Whatever the theme of your bin is, you are sure to find a book that could go with it. 

Check out my Makers Instagram or Facebook feed for some unique themed sensory bins, and I hope you will begin to love sensory bins as much as I do! 

MORE SENSORY PLAY IDEAS FOR KIDS

• Fizzy Glitter Potions
• 13 Fun Things to Do with Oobleck
• Maia’s Best Ever Butter Slime Recipe

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