Run, run, as fast as you can.
To check out this super cute sensory bin!
I absolutely love sensory bins, and this one has been a big hit in my pre-k classroom!
What is a sensory bin? A sensory bin is just that, a bin (or a box, or a container, or a tray… whatever you would like to use), filled with a collection of items. They usually start with a filler or base (I will be adding a list of those in a new blog post coming SOON) and items to target different skills, holidays, seasons, or learning themes.
Why are sensory bins used? Sensory bins are a wonderful way to expand students vocabulary, have them work on fine motor skills (scooping, transferring, pinching, pouring, stirring, etc.), and encourage them to engage in cooperative play. They provide children with an opportunity to learn in a hands on way that uses their different senses.
What is in this gingerbread bin?
I started with a filler of dry pinto beans which you can find in almost any grocery store. Some classrooms are not allowed to use food so brown pom poms would also be a great filler for this bin.
Here is a list of the other items added to this bin:
- Mesh tubing (cut up) in rainbow colors – Dollar Tree
- Rainbow stacking cups (blue cup seen in image above) – I got these at Wal-Mart when my boys were younger, I am sure they still have some at Wal-Mart/Target. I also have these, and love using them in sensory bins.
- Gingerbread Rubber Ducks – Oriental Trading
- Jumbo Buttons – Discount School Supply
- Rainbow Lollipops – Hobby Lobby; found in their Christmas section (miniature ornaments) every year
- Glittery Pom-Poms – Discount School Supply
Here is a shot of my gingerbread sensory bins from last year, when we had to individual bins.
I used the same items, and also added in mini gingerbread men and gumdrop/candy mini erasers, which were both from Oriental Trading.
Here is the sensory bin I have in my classroom, although you do not need a big bin like this.
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Do you use sensory bins in your classroom or at home?
