We all know and love sensory tubs! From filling them up to sifting through them, they provide hours of language development, fine motor play, and just plain FUN. M and G love sensory-based activities and I'm always trying to find ways to switch it up. We usually do our sensory bins in plastic shoeboxes, but here are some different ways to dig in and play!
Play on a Tray
One of my favorite crafting-learning-play item that I've ever bought is the plastic tray set from Oriental Trading. They are super versatile, sturdy, and we use them daily. For this sensory activity, I sprayed shaving cream all over and M squeezed dots of food coloring (just don't use the gel-based kind; it stains!) on top. She mixed and stirred and spread until she had a tray of gorgeous colors. You could even extend this by laying a piece of card stock on top of the finished colors and make prints!
Ice in a Drawer
I think we all have plastic storage containers, right? Well, dump one out and fill it with ice. Hide animals or toys and dig, scoop, and play your way through an icy landscape!
Beads in a Bowl
Water beads are the new sensory thing, so pour some in a bowl and watch them grow! Stir, pour, and squeeze to your heart's delight!
Sensory Feet
Got a little one that wants in on the action? Tape some paper on an exersaucer and squeeze some washable paint on it. Let your tot mix and mash with their feet!
Magnet Magic
Add a new element to your sensory bin by throwing in some themed magnets and a magnet wand. Your tot will love swooshing the magnet wand through the filler (beans, rice, ect.) and "fishing" out the items that "magically" stick!
Water Table
Toss some tiny objects in a water table and let your little one explore, catch, splash, and swish! For an extra challenge, provide a big pair of tongs, measuring cups, or a slotted spoon.
We just love integrating sensory experiences into our daily play and hope we've inspired you to do some, too!
Written by Jill
Love all the ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the magnet wand? Have been looking for a magnet they can hold. Thanks Jean
ReplyDeleteJean, you can find those at teacher stores such as Lakeshore Learning.
DeleteThese are such great ideas. My husband would reprimand me for giving out so many ideas in one day....lol. He would jokingly say, "Honey, that's five posts you have there." Jodi @ www.meaningfulmama.com
ReplyDeleteJill-Love your daughter's face in the first pic. Great ideas. I'll have to do the catching items in water with little man. He loves water play- with the nice weather- we were able to get outside and have fun with his water bin. Last night he experiences the water beads for the first time.
ReplyDeleteJen
Thank you for sharing all these great ideas! Karen
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