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rice bin

Tea Party Sensory Play

May 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Easy-to-set-up tea party sensory trays for water or rice bin play. Miniature tea sets are the highlights of the sensory play.
Easy-to-set-up tea party sensory trays for water or rice bin play. Miniature tea sets are the highlights of the sensory play.

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These tea party sensory play ideas provide possibilities for easy, affordable, and fun learning through play. Only a few low-cost supplies are needed for the activities.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Tea Party Sensory Play Supplies

Here are the supplies for easy-to-set-up, engaging tea party sensory play:

  • toy tea sets
  • measuring cup
  • container for water
  • low edged trays
  • toy fruit counters
  • fruit-themed reusable ice cubes
  • play food cookies, cupcakes, and squares
  • rice
  • waterproof apron
  • spill proof tablecloth
  • water supply

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A black, red, and white theme sets the tone for a super inviting tea party water play sensory invitation.

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Preparing For Tea Party Sensory Play

To prepare this sensory activity, first, cover a table with a spill-proof tablecloth.

Next, select a toy tea set, a container for water, and a few play food fruits or desserts and set them on a tray on the table.

Then fill the container and teapot with water.

Now this tea party play invitation is ready to explore. Setting up for a sensory activity couldn’t be any easier!

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Tea Party Sensory Play Variations

Larger and smaller tea sets and fruit and dessert play food are options to add variety to tea party sensory play.

This black and white diagonally striped placemat enhances the visual appeal.

A black, red, and white theme sets the tone for a super inviting tea party water play sensory invitation.

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A silver-edged, gilded mirror tray exudes elegance.

This silver-edged, gilded mirror tray is paired with a dainty miniature tea set for super inviting tea party water play.

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A shiny aluminum foil pizza pan is an inviting alternative and the larger tea cups have more room to hold fruit.

Toy fruit counters add interest to this easy-to-set-up tea party water play sensory invitation for early learners.

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The dainty miniature dollar store tea set below is super affordable and little learners love to handle the tiny pieces.

Tea party water play is extra inviting with a miniature tea set on this silveredged gilded mirror tray.

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For more variety, offer a tea set and accessories in a rice bin or tray.

Dessert playfood and a toy tea set are inviting to play with when set in a rice-based sensory bin.

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Dessert playfood and a miniature toy tea set are inviting to play with when set in a rice-based sensory bin.

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Eye-hand coordination, practice with self-help skills, exploring capacity, language development, and just plain fun are goals for these sensory activities.

Tea party sensory play is perfect for Mother’s Day or any time of the year. And it works fabulously for outdoor playtime.

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Related:

Strawberry Hot Chocolate Bin

Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

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[Read more…] about Tea Party Sensory Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, Mother's Day, party, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: dramatic play, Mother's Day, pretend play, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

February 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.
An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

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You may have noticed a pair of adorable llama ornaments in a winter sensory bin a few posts back. With their pastel pink blankets, these woolly animals are easily repurposed in a llama-inspired valentine sensory bin.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Loose parts for an adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base.

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The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun blue, pink, and white valentine sensory bin:

  • two non-breakable llama ornaments
  • storage container in a heart shape
  • peg family
  • pink heart necklace strips
  • blue and pink gemstones
  • heart-themed cookie cutters
  • valentine-themed heart erasers
  • blue foam hearts
  • pastel pink and blue pompoms
  • pink spatula
  • heart-shaped measuring spoon
  • “U-R Great” treat basket

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    The Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

    A cute Valentine's Day rice sensory bin inspired by llamas. There are lots of fun loose parts to explore in the bin.

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    White glutinous rice is the base for this pretty bin. It is a go-to sensory bin base because of its bright white color.

    As in the llama-inspired winter sensory tub, the bin is a white food bus bin, also a common item in my sensory activities.

    The llama ornaments are foam-based, so are suitable for early learners to handle and explore. Thqt being said, all sensory activities for little ones should be closely supervised by a caregiver.

    Heart necklaces cut in strips make attractive loose parts.

    A heart-shaped storage container is a happy Dollar Store find and matches the color theme of the bin.

    The pink heart-shaped measuring spoon offers little learners a chance to scoop and pour.

    A little wooden peg family is accented with blue, pink, and silver acrylic paint.

    The valentine-shaped basket has a positive message.

    Blue and/or pink foam hearts, cookie cutters, and pompoms round out the loose parts in the bin.

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    An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

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    Llama Facts

    Llamas are popular in art and home décor. Llama-themed arty goods can be scooped up in any season of the year. Here are Ten Fast Llama Facts about these appealing animals.

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    Related:

    Valentine’s Day Water Play

    Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

    Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

    Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

    Valentine’s Day Process Art

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    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, loose parts, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play

    Chinese New Year Rice Bin

    January 15, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. It's filled with loose parts early learners will love to explore.
    This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. It's filled with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

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    Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) is just around the corner, and it will soon be the Year Of The Rabbit. As has been the tradition in the last few years, I put together a themed sensory bin for the occasion. The colorful Year Of The Rabbit Chinese New Year rice bin is filled with interesting treasures for early learners to explore.

    Chinese Lunar Calendar

    The Chinese Lunar Calendar is used to determine festivals and wedding dates. The longest and most important festival is Chinese New Year, celebrated each January/February in China, and by millions of people around the world. This year Chinese New Year falls on January 22, 2023.

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    The Chinese Zodiac

    There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. In a 12-year cycle, each animal corresponds to one year and is believed to represent certain character qualities. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the zodiac and is considered to be

    • elegant
    • gentle
    • alert
    • kind
    • patient
    • mannerly
    • affectionate
    • witty
    • approachable
    • responsible
    • peace-loving
    • talented
    • self-disciplined
    • able to set goals and achieve them

    People born in the Year Of The Rabbit are believed to constitute these character traits.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Chinese New Year Rice Bin Supplies

    This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year loose parts tray is filled with treasures early learners love to explore.

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    The first thing gathered for this Chinese New Year-themed bin is a rabbit hanging decoration. I took it apart and used one of the stuffed dangling rabbits for the bin. Also in the bin are:

    • bunny counters
    • training chopsticks
    • red bowl
    • ladles and gold spoons
    • wooden numbers from 0 to 9
    • large gold buttons
    • pompoms
    • gold play coins
    • cut gold necklaces
    • plastic bus bin
    • white glutinous rice

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    The Chinese New Year Rice Bin

    A stuffed bunny decoration and rabbit counters are highlights in this Year of The Rabbit Chinese New Year rice bin.

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    It is handy to have a few different kinds of bins available for sensory activities. For this themed Chinese New Year play invitation, I feature a white bus bin big enough for two or three children to explore at a time.

    White glutinous rice is the base for the bin. It is relaxing to play in and showcases the loose parts well.

    The feature rabbit is colorful, and pompoms and rabbit counters color coordinate.

    Rabbits are soft, with even softer tails. The pompoms are like rabbit tails.

    The gold coins are reminders that children and single young adults get red envelopes filled with money or chocolate coins.

    Cut gold necklace strips represent long noodles. These symbolize long life and are traditionally served.

    This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. A stuffed rabbit decoration and bunny counters are highlights in the bin.

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    Training chopsticks are included for exercise in transferring noodles, pompoms, and other loose parts.

    There is a red bowl and gold buttons. Both red and gold are popular colors in Chinese New Year decorations. Red symbolizes luck and happiness, and gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

    Rabbits breed easily and can have 4 or more litters per year. There are anywhere from 1 to 14 kits per litter, with an average being six. Each litter spurs on the question: How many baby bunnies did the mother bunny have? That is why there are so many rabbit counters in the bin! The wooden numbers give an opportunity for number recognition when counting rabbits.

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    This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year rice bin is so fun to assemble. The bright and sparkly stuffed rabbit decoration is definitely the highlight of the bin.

    This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year loose parts tray is filled with treasures early learners love to explore.

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    Related:

    Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

    Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

    Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

    Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

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    [Read more…] about Chinese New Year Rice Bin

    Filed Under: Chinese New Year, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, math, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play

    Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

    October 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Gold and silver loose parts add elegance to this glam skeleton sensory bin. They make skulls and skeletons inviting to explore.

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    Fall is such a great time to spot seasonal home décor in stores, as it is very plentiful. And one of my favorite things to do is to translate a seasonal trend into an “of the moment” sensory bin. This fall I’m particularly drawn to the beautifully adorned skeletons in wall art, decorations, and tableware. And this theme works well in a glam skeleton sensory bin guaranteed to catch the attention of little learners.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Skeleton-themed loose parts tray for early learners to explore. Gold and silver accessories add glamour to the tray.

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    The color scheme for this elegant sensory bin is silver, gold, cream, and white. Loose parts gathered for the bin are:

    • skeletons
    • skulls
    • bones
    • spider figurines
    • pearl beads
    • gem leaves
    • bead jewelry strands
    • crown hair combs
    • mini pumpkins
    • bells

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    The Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

    A large square metal serving tray is a good fit for this sensory activity. Brown, white, or gold rice provides a good base. My bin features glutinous rice… I love its super white hue.

    To prepare this glamorous sensory invitation, pour a layer of rice into a tub or tray. Then spread gem diamonds and leaves, bead strands and pearl beads, bells, bones, and pumpkins over the rice. Add skeletons. spiders and crown-adorned skulls as a finishing touch.

    An oh-so-glam skeleton-themed rice bin featuring gold and silver loose parts. A non-threatening way for little learners to explore the skeleton.

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    Setting the loose parts in a smaller metal tray without adding rice is a no-fuss alternate way to offer this sensory activity.

    An easy-to-set-up glamourous sensory tub for early learners featuring skulls and skeletons, and gold and silver loose parts.

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    And placing a mirror on a stand at the back of the bin adds a double dose of glam.

    An ornate mirror adds a double dose of glam to a skeleton-themed rice sensory bin your little learners are sure to love.

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    Offering skulls, skeletons, and bones in a sensory bin filled with pretty loose parts is a non-threatening and inviting way for little learners to explore the human skeleton.

    Glam up a skeleton-themed rice bin with gold and silver loose parts. Miniature pumpkins and pearl beads complete the bin.

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    Black Light Skeleton Sensory Bin

    Since there are many white or cream-colored pieces in this bin, it’s fun to extend sensory learning by observing if any of them light up under a black light. Surprisingly, a few gem leaves glow the most when the bin is placed in a dark room under a black light.

    Find out what loose parts glow under a black light with this fun glam skeleton rice bin.

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    Note: To find out more about what glows under a black light, view my blog post “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation.“

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    Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

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    [Read more…] about Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: autumn, fall, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: black light, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, skeletons, spiders

    Flower Planting Sensory Play

    May 10, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Bring spring inside by introducing these four flower planting sensory play activities to your little learners.
    Bring spring inside by introducing these four flower planting sensory play activities to your little learners.

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    One of the best things to do in spring is to visit greenhouses, pick flowers, and then plant them in gardens and pots. Little learners can experience this indoors in flower planting sensory play activities.

    A few easy-to-gather supplies are all that is needed for children to engage in spring planting sensory activities. Featured are four sensory tray ideas.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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    Seed Tray Flower Planting

    Set up this no-fuss flower planting sensory activity today!

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    Seed trays are the perfect size for planting miniature flower figurines.

    Supplies To Collect:

    • small seed starter trays
    • flower figurines
    • dried black beans

    Set out the seed starter trays, along with a bowl of black beans and flower figurines. Invite little learners to plant flowers in black bean “dirt.”

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    Flower Planting Sensory Tray

    Miniature flower and butterfly figurines take center stage in this easy-to-set-up flower planting sensory activity.

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    The low edge in serving trays makes them ideal for little learners to reach in and explore sensory materials.

    Supplies To Collect

    • small seed starter trays
    • dessert cups
    • flower and butterfly figurines
    • spoons
    • serving tray

    Spread a layer of black beans in an edged serving tray. Set in dessert cups and spoons.

    Then place containers with flowers and butterflies next to the tray.

    Invite little learners to scoop and pour black beans, plant flowers, and add butterflies to their designs.

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    Book-Inspired Construction Zone Tray

    A bean-based sensory bin inspired by the storybook "The Digger And the Flower" by Joseph Kuefler.

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    This book-inspired sensory tray features an unlikely pairing: a construction vehicle and flower figurines.

    Supplies To Collect

    • picture Book: The Digger And The Flower
    • black beans
    • rocks
    • flower figurines
    • serving tray

    Read the endearing picture book called “The Digger And The Flower” by Joseph Kuefler. It’s a keeper!

    Then layer a base of black beans in a serving tray.

    Next set in a construction vehicle digger, rocks, and a few flowers.

    Afterward, invite students to take turns exploring the tray.

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    Rice Bin Flower Planting

    Miniature flower figurines take center stage in this easy-to-set-up flower planting rice bin.

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    Rice makes an economical sensory base in this bin.

    Supplies To Collect:

    • brown rice
    • seed starter trays
    • flower and butterfly figurines
    • wooden scoops
    • plastic bin

    Spread brown rice in a bin. I feature a food service bin that accommodates two to three children.  Add in seed starter trays, flower figurines, and wooden scoops for little learners to use in the bin.

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    Note: Eaten raw, black beans and rice are toxic. Supervision is important when offering these activities. If your little charges are prone to sticking things in their mouths, consider using an edible sensory base.

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    These four flower planting sensory play invitations take only minutes to set up. With slight variations in supplies, the flower and butterfly figurines can be explored in new ways.

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    Related: Carrot Paint Prints

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    [Read more…] about Flower Planting Sensory Play

    Filed Under: construction vehicles, gardening, preschool, sensory, spring, summer Tagged With: bean bin, butterflies, flowers, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

    Ocean Sensory Activities

    March 31, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Three fun ocean-themed sensory activities to captivate your little learner. An aquatic rice bin, water tub, and playdough tray are featured.
    Three fun ocean-themed sensory activities to captivate your little learner. An aquatic rice bin, water tub, and playdough tray are featured.

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    Ocean sensory activities are among the most attractive and calming play invitations one could offer. The serene blue water, neutral sand, crisp shells, and fish that add pops of color are eye-appealing and offer many tactile opportunities.

    The inspiration for the sensory activities featured in this post is aquatic Easter eggs, repurposed for three learning through play invitations. I was excited to spot the eggs at a local dollar store.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Ocean Sensory Activity Supplies

    The following supplies will work well in all three sensory activities.

    • rocks in various sizes
    • shells
    • marbles
    • set of miniature ocean creature figures
    • set of aquatic plastic Easter eggs

    If it is difficult to find ocean creatures or aquatic plastic eggs, using just one of these ocean sets is fine too. An economical alternative to offer is creatures from toy fishing or dive toy sets. Paper fish could also be substituted.

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    Ocean Rice Bin

    Set up this easy and fun rice-based ocean sensory bin. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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    The base for this ocean bin is white glutinous rice. Its light neutral color is a good contrast for loose parts, so it’s often my go-to choice for a rice bin. The bin for this activity is a round serving tray.

    Spread the rice in the bin, and set in the rocks, shells, marbles, ocean creatures, and aquatic eggs.

    Little learners will enjoy scooping up and pouring the rice, and putting marble “eggs” and mini ocean creatures inside the eggs. They may discover that the fillable eggs become shakers that make soft sounds when rice is added, or loud sounds when marbles or small rocks are inserted.

    Take the opportunity to discuss the names of the ocean creatures, and model them in speech.

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    Set up this easy and fun rice-based ocean sensory bin. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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    Ocean Water Tub

    Set up this easy and fun water-based ocean sensory tub. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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    The bin for this activity is a kitchen tub, commonly used in the foodservice industry. I keep a stack of them around for organizing my current theme supplies, and for sensory activities. When offering a sensory invitation for two or three children to explore at the same time, a bin this size works well.

    Water with blue food coloring added is the base. But little learners would be more than happy to explore the supplies in clear water.

    Add the same supplies to the tub as used in the rice bin. I added marbles here, but also could have included them in the rice.

    This water-based activity offers the same learning through play opportunities as the rice bin does, and little learners can experiment with floating and sinking objects.

    Set up this easy and fun water-based ocean sensory tub. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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    Ocean Playdough Tray

    Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Good playdough recipes are included in the post.

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    For another sensory opportunity, the ocean-themed loose parts can be offered in a playdough tray. Set them out in a large party tray, along with turquoise, marbled or plain dough. Add a few ocean-themed cookie cutters and the playdough invitation is ready to go.

    Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the tray.

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    Playdough Recipes

    The marbled playdough was repurposed from a winter playdough recipe,

    A scented jello playdough recipe makes lovely turquoise dough.

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    Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the tray.

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    The aquatic Easter eggs are the latest addition to my plastic egg collection. If you spot them, you may want to purchase two sets – one for ocean sensory activities, and another to fill with Easter treats.

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    [Read more…] about Ocean Sensory Activities

    Filed Under: Easter, ocean, playdough, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: eggs, fish, playdough, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, water play

    St. Patrick’s Jewelry Bin

    March 8, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.
    A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.

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    This St. Patrick’s jewelry bin lets children explore the bling in an additional way to wearing it on the official celebration date, March 17th each year. It makes a great discussion starter about the world-renowned St. Pat’s celebration and the significance of shamrocks and the color green. And it introduces the tricky leprechaun, most entertaining for children!

    St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland and started out as a religious one. It evolved into a celebration of Irish culture, and people around the world take part in it. One of the biggest ways people do this is by wearing green on March 17, or at festive events that take place near this date. They may wear t-shirts, socks, hats, glasses, and/or jewelry with a green theme. Irish sayings and shamrocks are a huge part of the designs. Touches of orange, gold, and white also make an appearance.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    For this sensory bin, gather the following economical and easy to find supplies:

    • white rice
    • gold coins and bells
    • green and rust necklaces
    • yellow and green gem rings
    • shamrock-themed bracelets
    • green bowl, spoon, and tongs
    • leprechaun legs
    • sensory tub

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    The St. Patrick’s Jewelry Bin

    A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.

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    Pick a sensory tub for the activity. A serving tray will work for one or two children. I feature a food and tableware tub here, large enough for a few children to participate together.

    Generously spread white rice on the bottom of the tub. The neutral base allows the accessories to “shine.”

    Next, layer in the loose parts.

    Lastly, press in the leprechaun legs.

    Note: The leprechaun legs are taken from a St. Patrick’s Day wall plaque. A figurine would make a great substitution.

    Early learners can explore the colors and textures of the jewelry, and wear it if they like. They will have fun with the gold coins and bells in the bin. And they may decide to find a way to trap the somewhat exposed leprechaun!

    A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.

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    To learn more about St. Patrick’s Day, view the blog post “St. Patrick’s Day” by National Geographic Kids.

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    Related: St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

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    [Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Jewelry Bin

    Filed Under: preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: jewelry, leprechauns, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, St. Patrick's Day

    Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin

    December 24, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This plaid-themed Christmas rice bin is filled with cozy items for little learners to explore. A traditional bin to offer every year.
    This plaid-themed Christmas rice bin is filled with cozy items for little learners to explore. A traditional bin to offer every year.

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    Sensory bins are one of my favorite things to put together. There is a multitude of themes for bins to choose from, and so many interesting loose parts to include. Sometimes one or two items provide inspiration for a whole bin. And that’s the case with this rustic plaid-themed Christmas rice bin.

    A few years ago, I spotted plaid gift boxes at Michael’s and snapped a couple up. Right then and there I got the idea for this cozy bin. It took a while to collect enough intriguing items for little learners to explore. This year the concept finally came together.

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    Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin

    The container to hold all the sensory supplies is an inexpensive spiral saucer sled!

    Glutinous rice is the base. I like it a lot because its super white color provides good contrast for the contents of the bin.  One five kg bag fills the saucer-shaped container nicely.

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    Plaid-themed Christmas items scattered over the rice are:

    • gift boxes
    • plush ornament balls
    • sheep fridge magnets
    • nutcracker soldier marionette ornament
    • cuddly bear
    • shovel ornament
    • small photo frame accented with jingle bells
    • Santa train engine cookie tin on wheels
    A delightful plaid-themed holiday rice bin filled with cozy items for little learners to explore year after year.

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    The photo frame could be personalized with a picture of a little learner.

    The bells on the frame add a musical element to the play experience, always a plus.

    The nutcracker soldier has a special feature: his legs do the splits when the attached string is pulled.

    Undoubtedly the Santa train engine cookie tin is the highlight of the holiday-themed bin.

    Cozy plaid-themed Christmas gift boxes and ornaments to fill a holiday rice bin.

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    Tip: If you try a version of this activity, make sure there are no sharp edges on the items you choose for your bin.

    Have you put together a unique sensory bin? I’d love to hear about it.

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    [Read more…] about Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin

    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, rice bin, sensory bin

    Leprechaun Sensory Play

    March 14, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Easy to put together leprechaun sensory play trays with St. Patrick's Day loose parts.
    Easy to put together leprechaun sensory play trays with St. Patrick's Day loose parts.

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    Leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold, and the color green are all associated with St. Patrick’s Day. And they make for super fun sensory play…especially the leprechauns! Here are two inexpensive, easy-to-put-together leprechaun sensory play activities.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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    Leprechaun Facts

    • Leprechauns are tiny, mischievous, gold-loving characters in Irish folklore.
    • Shoemaking is how leprechauns spend most of their time.
    • These entertaining, energetic, miniature men love to participate in dance parties and expertly play the tin whistle, fiddle, Bodhran, and Irish harp.
    • Underground caves or hollow tree trunks in rural Ireland are where these solitary characters are said to live.
    • Leprechauns love to collect gold and store it in pots in the remote countryside (or at the end of the rainbow.)
    • The speedy tricksters can vanish quickly, so are difficult to capture.
    • But if a leprechaun is caught, he must grant three wishes.
    • Leprechauns are known all over the world.

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    Related: St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Blocks

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    Leprechaun Sensory Play

    Here are two easy to set up leprechaun sensory trays:

    Leprechaun Rice Tray

    Gold coins, shamrocks, a money pot, and an oh-so tricky leprechaun are the highlights of this rice-based tray.

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    Glutinous rice is the base for this tray. I love it because it is super white, and showcases the loose parts. Included are:

    • leprechaun figurine
    • money pot
    • tiny gold coins
    • white, green, and gold beads (because leprechauns like all kinds of treasure)
    • glittery, green hats (to collect any coins or gems that don’t fit into the pot)
    • shamrocks
    • St. Patrick’s Day greeting

    The leprechaun is a repurposed plant poke topper. The other loose parts are snipped from inexpensive St. Patrick’s Day necklaces.

    Shamrocks, gold coins, a money pot, and an oh-so tricky leprechaun are the highlights of this rice-based tray.

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    Shamrock Confetti Tray

    Instead of rice, generously sprinkled shamrock confetti with metallic gold pots added in is the base. The tray also includes a leprechaun, money pot, gold coins, beads, hats, and shamrocks.

    The leprechaun has plenty of gold to collect in this shamrock confetti-based St. Patrick's Day sensory tray.

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    For more facts about leprechauns, view these blogposts:

    The Legend Of The Leprechaun (CBC Kids)

    Legend Of The Irish Leprechauns (Your Irish Culture)

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    There is plenty of gold for the leprechaun to collect in this shamrock confetti-based St. Patrick's Day sensory tray.

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    Follow up a leprechaun sensory play session with a scavenger hunt for pots of gold, a leprechaun race, or a game of Hide And Seek.

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    [Read more…] about Leprechaun Sensory Play

    Filed Under: preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: leprechauns, rice bin, sensory tray

    Jewelry Sensory Tray

    February 15, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This heart-themed jewelry sensory tray goes beyond Valentine's Day with its cheery spring colors.
    This heart-themed jewelry sensory tray goes beyond Valentine's Day with its cheery spring colors.

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    If you have washable heart-themed children’s jewelry pieces lying around or found some in a post-Valentine’s Day sale, they can have a go in a jewelry sensory tray. Add a few complimentary colored loose parts, and your early learners will be eager to explore the tray.

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    Loose Parts For The Tray

    Heart-themed jewelry loose parts tray.

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    • heart bracelets
    • color block silicone bracelets
    • rainbow heart rings
    • wiggly eye rings
    • rainbow heart erasers
    • foam flowers and hearts
    • gem hearts
    • flower eraser
    • buttons

    This tray has loose parts in a variety of cheery colors, taking it beyond Valentine’s Day.

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    Making The Jewelry Sensory Tray

    Heart-themed jewelry sensory tray that takes tactile exploration beyond Valentine's Day.

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    Pick a tray large enough for a few children to play in.

    Add a layer of rice. I feature glutinous rice. I love it because it is super white.

    Spread the heart jewelry and complimentary colored loose parts in the tray. Invite your early learners to explore the tactile center.

    This sensory tray idea also works for individual play. Just divide the supplies into a portion for each child and add them to smaller trays.

    Heart jewelry sensory tray with cheery colors that take tactile exploration beyond Valentine's Day.

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    [Read more…] about Jewelry Sensory Tray

    Filed Under: preschool, sensory, spring, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, jewelry, loose parts, rice bin

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    Hi, I'm Annette Kaminsky. I am a preschool teacher who loves to share easy and fun early learning activities. Thanks for visiting my blog. Feel free to stay awhile!

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