With April showers comes May flowers, mud and gardening! As the weather becomes warmer and our time outside increases, here are a few sensory bin ideas that can target your child’s need for exploration and keep all their senses alert! Sensory bins are a great way to introduce your child to new sensory experiences from smells to various textures.
Garden Sensory Bin
Find it at home: This sensory bin can be filled with dirt or mud with hidden rocks, different shaped leaves or pretend bugs for an added surprise!
Make it grow: Show off your green thumb! Start to create your own mini garden with your child by planting vegetables or flowers they can watch flourish throughout the summer!
Make it edible: Crush up Oreos for pretend dirt and hide gummy worms, m&ms or other delicious goodies to target your child’s oral sensory exploration!
Color Coordinated Rice or Pasta Sensory Bin
Find it at home: Do you have old rice or pasta laying around? Grab some food coloring and you can make this fun sensory bin! Mix in corn, or lemon slices for added textures and smells!
Make it fun: Color coordinated sensory bins are a great way to get your child involved in helping create their sensory bin! Pick a color and explore with your child the different textures, smells and tastes each color can offer!
Make it edible: Add little jars of different flavored honeys or jams as a great way to have your child explore different scents and flavors!
Urooba Khaleelullah, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Photo credit: Garden Sensory Bin
Photo credit: Montessori From the Heart