Sensory bins are a great way to keep your little ones busy while building fine motor skills simultaneously. We have found that the simpler the bins, the more fun they have and the longer they play. The ideas we share with you will range from super simple and inexpensive to premade items, and we constantly rotate through them. It is fun to watch as skill levels improve as they play and the new things they come up with, from making “food” to making “music” with the same items. Their imaginations are truly amazing to see.
One of the keys to success with sensory boxes is containing chaos. We have used various methods of chaos containment, from high chairs to water tables. A friend let me in on to the absolute best option which, believe it or not, is a ball pit! The ball pits we use are these two: the one I have is larger and can fit 3-4 children with a bin comfortably – Ball Pit, the one my sister has, is a little smaller and can comfortably accommodate 2-3 children – Smaller Ball Pit.
Another key to a successful sensory bin is the “tools.” Check out the kitchen section at your local discount store, and you will surely find some fun tools. Some items we have found to be the most fun include the following:
- Measuring Cups
- Spoons
- Brushes
- Little Cups (plastic shot glasses are the perfect size for little hands)
- Little Containers with lids
- Random little boxes that come with packages. (This is your chance to let them play with the box they are much more interested in than the present.)
Reusing the “tools” with different materials creates an entirely new experience!
