• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Winter
  • Chinese New Year
  • Blog
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Contact Me
  • Easter Activities

sensory bin

Airplane Rice Sensory Bin

May 16, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This airplane rice sensory bin is easy to set up and pleasing to the eye. Putting it together is the perfect opportunity to practice how to dye rice in gorgeous blue hues.

_______

How to Dye Rice

_____

The process of dying rice is super simple and very satisfying! Gather the following supplies:

  • white rice
  • blue food coloring
  • vinegar
  • measuring cup
  • closable sandwich bags
  • teaspoon
  • parchment paper
  • large tray

_______

The Rice Dyeing Process

Dyeing rice is a quick process as rice doesn’t need much drying time. I feature basmati rice for the task, but any kind of white rice will work.

The first step in dyeing the grain is to measure one cup of rice into a closable sandwich bag.

_______

Next, drop in a teaspoon of vinegar.

Afterward, add three generous drops of blue or turquoise food coloring.

Seal the bag and shake and squeeze the contents until the blue color distributes evenly.
Note: An alternative to this method is to add a few teaspoons of vinegar to a jar and stir in the food coloring. Then spoon a teaspoon of colored vinegar into the rice-filled sandwich bag.

If the blue shade of the rice isn’t as dark as you would like, simply add a little more food coloring and vinegar to the bag and shake it some more.

_______

Lastly, spread the colored rice on a large serving tray covered with a sheet of parchment paper and leave it to dry for about twenty minutes. If you do not have parchment paper, just spread the rice on the tray. Any excess food color should wipe off pretty easily with a wet cloth.

The closable sandwich bag is reusable, and more batches of rice can be colored in it.

To add variety when dying multiple batches of rice, add a little more vinegar and food coloring to some bags. The mix of lighter and darker hues will add interest to a sensory bin. Using blue and turquoise food colors in different batches also adds contrast.

This activity is perfect for children to participate in, and it is bound to be a hit. Give each child a closable sandwich bag to measure in rice and color it. Or offer them a plastic storage container with a lid to dye the rice. As the ingredients are mixed, the container makes a shaker, adding a musical experience to the activity.

_______

The Airplane Rice Sensory Bin

_______

Putting together the airplane rice sensory bin is as easy as dying the rice. Simply pour the rice into a small storage bin. Add a few airplane figurines and some cotton balls for clouds. Or instead of the figurines, add popsicle stick or mini paper planes.

_______

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

More Sensory Bins:

Starry Sky Sensory Bin

Bee and Sunflower Sensory Bin

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

Easter Bunny Sensory Bins

_______

[Read more…] about Airplane Rice Sensory Bin

Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, science, sensory, transportation Tagged With: airplanes, rice bin, sensory bin

Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

April 19, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This spring bunny sensory bin is so easy to set up, making it a great last-minute activity. Just a few supplies are needed to make the colorful bin a hit with little learners.

_______

Supplies To Collect

The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun sensory bin, perfect for an Easter or Spring theme:

  • small storage tub
  • green Easter grass
  • ice cream cone-shaped treat holders
  • fillable eggs
  • wooden beads
  • stuffed bunny

_______

_______

The Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

A small, clear storage tub holds the supplies in this bin. This size is ideal for taking sensory activities on the road.

A package of bright green paper Easter grass is the base. Fluffed up, it spreads over the bottom of the bin nicely.

_______

Ice cream cone-shaped treat holders, a new find this year, provide fine motor control opportunities. They would also be fantastic in an ice cream stand center, extending their value as a play accessory.

Cotton balls are a reminder of bunny tails, and can be reimagined as ice cream.

Pastel-hued small wooden beads give participants a chance to practice eye-hand coordination.

_______

A white and green long-legged stuffed bunny is the star of the spring sensory bin.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

Variation of the Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

_______

When this sensory bin is set out for a few days, small changes add interest. This second bin features large bunny and chick treat holders instead of the stuffed bunny.

_______

[Read more…] about Spring Bunny Sensory Bin

Filed Under: Easter, preschool, sensory, spring Tagged With: bunnies, Easter, sensory bin, sensory play, spring

Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

April 15, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Bright pastel pink, turquoise, yellow, green, and purple colors are common in Easter activities and décor, but Easter eggs come in many themes and color combinations. A set of natural, fillable, camouflage eggs inspired this lentil Easter bunny sensory bin.

_______

Supplies in the Easter Bin

Just the following few supplies were collected for this simple spring sensory bin:

  • storage tub
  • red lentils
  • bunny and carrot treat holders
  • pom pom bunnies
  • fillable camouflage eggs
  • foam Easter beads
  • green bunny-shaped erasers
  • small wooden bunnies
  • spoons

_______

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

A small, clear storage tub holds the supplies in this bunny-themed bin. This sized tub is ideal for on-the-go sensory activities as it is easy to pack up and transport.

Tiny disc-shaped red lentils (which are actually orange) provide the sensory base. They are packed with color, so no dying ingredients are needed. So easy!

_______

Large green camouflage fillable eggs, a pink bunny, and an orange carrot allow filling and pouring activities. When closed, they make excellent shakers.

_______

White rubber pom pom bunnies, green foam Easter beads, green bunny erasers, and small wooden bunnies are fun fillers for the treat holders.

Spoons are always a welcome addition to sensory bins.

_______

What do you think about this activity?

_______

Related: Easter Art Activities

Silhouette Bunny Art
Easter Transient Art
Bunny Rolling Pin Art
Dot Marker Easter Bunnies
Chick Headband Craft
Bunny Ombre Art

_______

[Read more…] about Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

Filed Under: animals, Easter, preschool, sensory, spring Tagged With: bunnies, Easter, lentils, sensory bin, sensory play, spring

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

January 26, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

A smiling cat is popular in Lunar New Year décor. This cheerful cat decoration originated in Japan and is an ornament displayed all year round there. In Japanese it is called “maneki-neko”, meaning “beckoning cat”. The joy-filled cat has become popular in Chinese New Year celebrations, often called “Lucky Cat.” This Lucky Cat sensory bin incorporates the festive feline in a super fun early learning tactile activity.

_______

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

This playful Lunar New Year sensory bin contains the following supplies:

  • dyed chickpeas
  • Lucky Cat stuffed animal
  • miniature cat figurines
  • toy cat balls with bells
  • star-shaped snack cup and spoon
  • gold coins
  • gold bells
  • serving tray

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

Many of my Lunar New Year sensory bins have a rice base. Rice fits the theme perfectly as it is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, often eaten at all three meals.

_______

Chickpea-based sensory bins are also a favorite. Chickpea dishes and snacks have become more popular in China in recent years. Most importantly, chickpeas are easy to dye red, a common Lunar New Year color. This Lucky Cat sensory bin features rows of chickpeas dyed in a few gorgeous colors for added beauty.

Note: To find out how to dye chickpeas view the blog post Unicorn Theme Sensory Play.

The joyful jingly Lucky Cat stuffie is the highlight of the bin. The cute character is the motivation for putting the sensory invitation together.

_______

Miniature cat figurines give more opportunities for more feline exploration.

Toy cat balls with bells are an unexpected sensory and musical addition.

Gold coins and bells fit the Lunar New Year theme, and are a standard go-to.

A star-shaped snack cup and spoon give opportunities for scooping and pouring.

_______

All the supplies are showcased in a round serving tray for one or two children to explore.

This Lucky Cat sensory bin is bound to be a hit with your little charges.

_______

More Lunar New Year Activities

Chinese New Year Dragon Craft

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

_______

Dragon Necklace Craft

Chinese New Year Sensory Play

Chinese Money Tree Activities

Easy to do, creative Chinese money tree activities that give early learners a chance to use shiny gold coins and loose parts in art and sensory play while learning about a world-renowned celebration.

_______

Chinese New Year Pretend Play

Orange-scented Playdough Invitation

Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

_______

Chinese New Year Dragon Craft

Chinese Zodiac Sensory Bins

_______

[Read more…] about Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, preschool, sensory, themes Tagged With: Chinese New Year, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

January 19, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Every January since I started this blog, making a sensory bin with the zodiac animal of the year’s Chinese New Year celebration has been a tradition. The 2025 zodiac animal is a snake, and it was super fun including snakes in a Chinese New Year chickpea-based bin.

This year’s Chinese New Year celebration starts on January 29, and the date marks the beginning of a Year of the Snake. The slithering reptile is the sixth of 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, coming after the dragon and before the horse. People born in a Year of the Snake are thought to be intelligent, passionate, intuitive, diligent, creative, competent, and wise.

_______

Chinese New Year 2025 Sensory Bin Supplies

Early learners absolutely love sensory activities and get a sampling of the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration by exploring this red and gold chickpea bin with a few color-coordinating snakes set in.

The following supplies are in the festive bin:

  • dried chickpeas
  • gold play coins
  • ingot bowl
  • gold garland bits
  • red dessert cups and spoons
  • gold bells
  • gold buttons
  • snake figurines

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Dried chickpeas dyed in various amounts of red acrylic paint are the base for this simple Lunar New Year bin. For easy instructions detailing how to dye chickpeas, view my blogpost “Chinese New Year Sensory Play. “

A food service bus tub holds the chickpeas and other supplies nicely and allows two or three children to investigate the bin together.

A pair of nesting ingot bowls with oval lids was a new find, and I chose the smaller one for the bin. Its unique boat shape and shiny gold finish add interest.

Fun facts: In ancient Chinese culture, ingot bowls were made of gold or silver, and were used as currency. Today they symbolize wealth and hope for prosperity. The glamourous bowls are displayed in festival décor and are sometimes filled with candy, chocolate, or fruit.

_______

Gold play coins, buttons, bells, and garland bits are loose parts that complement the New Year’s theme.

Red snack cups and spoons give opportunities to scoop and pour, always a favorite activity of young children.

Various-sized red and yellow snake figurines are highlights of the Chinese New Year chickpea-based bin. Children love to use them in hands-on investigative activities.

_______

More Chinese Zodiac Sensory Bins

Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

Year Of The Rabbit Sensory Bin

Year Of The Dragon Sensory Bins

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, New Year's, preschool, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, Chinese New Year, sensory bin, snakes

Grinch Christmas Oobleck Bin

December 21, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

In this Grinch Christmas Oobleck bin, a well-known Christmas storybook theme and a favorite sensory activity are paired together.

The goopy sensory bin is inspired by the storybook “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss. The popular picture book features a tall, long-fingered grumpy beast called “The Grinch’ who lives by himself up on a hill above the town of Whoville. Old Grinch absolutely hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve he disguises himself as “Santy Claus” by wearing a makeshift red and white costume. He ties one “reindeer” antler to his faithful dog Max’s head and has him pull a sled down to Whoville. The grouchy Grinch steals all the Whos Christmas decorations, presents, and festive food. He even scoops up the log for the fireplace from each home.

While ready to push the sled full of festive items over the tip of Mt. Crumpit early Christmas morning, the Grinch is surprised by the sound he hates the most…the singing of the Whos standing together holding hands. He realizes he hasn’t stopped Christmas at all. After thinking for a few hours, his heart softens and he decides to return all the Christmas items he took. He joins in the Christmas festivities in Whoville and even carves the “the roast beast”, a food he dislikes a lot.

_______

To get familiar with or revisit this story, view Book In Bed’s delightful, colorful animated read aloud version: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

_______

Supplies Collected

_______

For the super fun, educational holiday sensory bin, the following supplies were gathered:

  • cornstarch
  • water
  • neon green food coloring
  • measuring cup
  • tablespoons
  • Grinch disposable snack cups
  • Christmas tree shape container
  • present shape container
  • ornament-shaped bells
  • candy cane ornaments
  • large tweezers
  • sensory bin

_______

Making The Grinch Christmas Oobleck

For this tactile sensory activity, first choose a bin. I use a saucer sled. It’s bright color matches the season, and it is large enough to easily hold the Oobleck and the supplies.

_______

Next, make the grinchy green Oobleck. Use a tablespoon or your hands to mix two cups of cornstarch with one cup of water. Add a little more water if needed. Then blend in a few drops of neon green food coloring. The goopy mixture is the right consistency if it becomes a ball when you close your hand around it but transforms to a liquid that slowly drops off when you open up your hand.

_______

The Grinch Christmas Oobleck Bin

This festive sensory bin is well-loved by children and adults.

Start of by inviting particpants to help mix the Oobleck and investigate its properties. They will eagerly accept your invitation!

_______

Once everyone has had a chance to explore the green goop, add picture book-themed items inspired by the book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” to the bin. I include:

  • a Christmas tree shape container, a clear present shape container, and Grinch disposable snack cups to drop Oobleck into.
  • festive accessories such as candy cane and ornament-shaped bells.
  • tablespoons and children’s play tweezers to help explore the Oobleck and pick up supplies in the bin.

_______

How Oobleck Got Its Name

Way back when I was training to be an early childhood worker, this sensory recipe was introduced as goop. More recently, I’ve discovered that it has been given the name Oobleck. Interestingly, the name is inspired by another Dr. Seuss children’s book titled “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” The Oobleck in the story is green too!

_______

The Science Behind Oobleck

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, so it does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity. This is because depending on the force applied, it changes from a liquid to a solid, or from a solid to a liquid.

In the mixture, cornstarch is suspended in water and does not dissolve. When you apply force such as closing your hand and squeezing a blob of it, it acts like a solid. The cornstarch bits align and interlock under pressure. But when you stop the force by opening your hand, the goop becomes a liquid. The cornstarch bits flow freely off your hand along with the water.

Oobleck is a fascinating sensory material. Making and exploring its properties is a popular science activity, and it’s one of my favorites. Have you tried making Oobleck?

_______

_______

More Science Activities

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Color Explosion Science Experiment

Reptile Egg Science

Felt Marker Chromatography Experiment

_______

[Read more…] about Grinch Christmas Oobleck Bin

Filed Under: Christmas, literacy, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: picture books, sensory bin, sensory play

Cozy Gingerbread Sensory Bin

December 18, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

One of the most popular themes to offer at Christmas is a Gingerbread theme. Delightfully entertaining variations of the gingerbread boy story set the stage for endless hands-on gingerbread thematic activities for early learners. This cozy gingerbread sensory bin is a festive and fun tactile play invitation to include.

_______

Cozy Gingerbread Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

The following simple supplies are in this sweet cookie-themed sensory bin:

  • white rice or pinto beans
  • gingerbread storage container
  • fillable gingerbread man ornament
  • gingerbread cookie cutters
  • gingerbread baker ornaments
  • pony beads
  • pom poms
  • feathers
  • buttons
  • gingerbread-themed erasers
  • gingerbread man measuring scoop
  • paper snack sups
  • measuring spoon

_______

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

The Cozy Gingerbread Sensory Bin

This gingerbread sensory bin is inspired by a soft and fluffy winter sock spotted in a cozy clothing store.

As with many of my sensory invitations, the bin to hold all the supplies is a white bus tub. It is economical to buy, transportable, and large enough for two to three little learners to explore together.

Spotted, light brown dried pinto beans are the base. The neutral-toned beans provide all the color needed for the bin’s gingerbread cookie theme.

_______

A gingerbread treat tin and clear, fillable gingerbread ornament with the top removed are accessories to fill using the themed measuring scoop and spoon.

A trio of gingerbread baker ornaments with hooks for hanging removed serve as cookies, and gingerbread man erasers are reimagined as additional treats.

Pink, green, red, and white beads and buttons allow cookie cutters to be decorated.

_______

Similarly colored pom poms, feathers, and twisted pipe cleaner bits contribute a soft feel to the bin and are additional supplies for decorating.

_______

Benefits of the Cozy Gingerbread Sensory Bin

Sensory bin exploration offers early learners many benefits. They include

  • Practice using the senses of sight, hearing, and touch to explore the contents in the bin.
  • Developing hand-eye coordination and strengthening hand muscles by scooping, pouring, picking up, and arranging the supplies.
  • Expanding vocabulary by discussing colors, textures, and actions used to investigate the supplies.
  • Enhancing math skills by counting and sorting supplies.
  • Practicing social skills such as sharing and turn-taking.
  • Exercising creativity and engaging in imaginative play.

_______

Soft-Hued Gingerbread Sensory Bins

The cozy winter sock I mentioned serving as inspiration for the sensory play was designed in a white and soft pink color scheme. I added more colors in the bin above to match the gingerbread-themed accessories. But I couldn’t resist trying a few bins with a paired down pink and white color scheme. Below is a dried bean-based bin and two rice-based bins featuring accessories with these two colors. Gingerbread man lights add ambiance to the third bin.

_______

_______

_______

Aren’t the soft pink, white, and brown gingerbread-themed sensory bins oh-so-pretty?

_______

Related: Gingerbread Theme Pretend Play

_______

More Gingerbread Theme Activities

Click on the pictures below to access more gingerbread activities.

Scissor Skill Gingerbread Man Craft
Woodland Fox Treat Holder
Melted Candy Gingerbread Ornaments
Gingerbread Sensory Bin
Gingerbread Playdough Tray
Candy Decorated Gingerbread Girl

_______

[Read more…] about Cozy Gingerbread Sensory Bin

Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory, themes Tagged With: bean bin, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread man, sensory bin, sensory play

Fall Drip Ice Cake

November 9, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This fall drip ice cake sensory bin combines fall colors with ice and dinosaurs. It is suitable for a winter theme about ice or could be incorporated into a fall or dinosaur theme. It would be an inviting activity outside on a hot summer day.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Gather the following easy-to-find, inexpensive supplies for this super fun sensory bin:

  • ice cube molds
  • empty round food storage containers
  • small bottles
  • tempera paints
  • stir sticks
  • sensory tray
  • dinosaur figurines

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

Preparing the Fall Drip Ice Cake Sensory Bin

To prepare this autumn drip ice cake sensory play experience first freeze water into ice shapes. Use molds such as Ice cube trays, margarine and yogurt containers, and an ice cream pail. Allow one or two days for the freezing to be complete.

Next, pick a sensory bin to use. A large active world tray is up to the task and provides ample room to explore accessories. A round saucer sled is smaller but also works well as a sensory bin.

Then add tempera paints in fall colors to small bottles. Leave a little room in the bottles to stir in water. This slightly thins the paints and makes them easier to pour.

When the ice shapes are thoroughly frozen stack the large ones on top of each other to create a three or four-tier cake.

_______

Afterward, spread ice cubes in various sizes around the cake in the bin. Then set dinosaur figurines among the cubes.

_______

Related: Paint Pour Ice Cake Winter Sensory Play

_______

The Fall Drip Ice Cake Sensory Invitation

To offer the fall drip ice cake sensory invitation gather participants around the bin.

Invite them to take turns pouring paint over the ice cake.

_______

When the bottles are empty, allow everyone to explore the paint-covered ice cake, frozen cubes, and dinosaurs in the bin.

_______

This icy sensory invitation incorporating fall colors and dinosaur figurines is bound to be a favorite.

_______

_______

_______

_______

More Fall Activities

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Fall Leaf Salad Spinner Art

Fall Scissor Skills Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Fall Drip Ice Cake

Filed Under: autumn, dinosaurs, fall, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: dinosaurs, ice cubes, painting, sensory bin, sensory tray

Tea Party Water Play

July 18, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Set up this oh-so-simple tea party water play sensory invitation in minutes. Children love to pour water from a tea pot into cups, or from one cup to another, so will be super excited to explore it. Easily add in or change supplies to further extend the play experience.

_______

_______

Supplies To Collect

Just a few supplies will have your little learners eagerly engaging in a tea party sensory experience. Gather the following:

  • bus tub
  • liquid food coloring
  • water
  • miniature tea sets
  • flower-themed confetti
  • spoons
  • waterproof table cover

_______

_______

The Tea Party Water Play Set Up

To set up this low prep sensory invitation indoors, cover a table with a waterproof table cover. If you plan to offer the activity outdoors on a warm weather day, you can skip this step.

Next, pick a sensory tub to use. My go-to tub size is a white bus tub. It comfortably allows two to three children to play in it at one time and is easy to transport to any location. It is also very sturdy.

Then add lukewarm water and squeeze in a few drops of liquid food coloring.

Sprinkle in flower-themed confetti to add a dose of sparkle.

Lastly, drop in a miniature tea set for each child participating, and include a few larger spoons.

_______

A sensory play invitation couldn’t be easier to offer.

_______

Variations of the Tea Party Water Play Experience

To add interest and extend the tea party sensory play experience, include flowers and buds. These peonies look beautiful and offer a tactile experience.

_______

Note: Peonies are safe to touch but should not be consumed. If the children in your care are prone to explore by putting things in their mouths, choose edible flowers such as roses (featured below) for this activity.

_______

Rose flowers and buds are an exquisite choice for the bin. All parts of a rose plant are safe to eat. Just make sure there are no thorns on the rose stems as they are very prickly!

_______

Changing up the color of the water from a neon pink to a neon turquoise adds interest too.

Additional water play ideas for the bin are selecting a larger tea set, and offering play food desserts.

And finally, instead of filling a tub with colored water, simply set a miniature tea set on a low-edged tray and add a small bottle filled with water. Little learners will delight in transferring water from the bottle to the tiny teapot and cups.

_______

Benefits of the Tea Party Water Play Invitation

Practicing the skill of pouring, developing eye-hand coordination, enhancing fine motor skills, labeling flowers and parts, color recognition, experiencing beauty, and having a pleasurable play experience are all benefits of this simple and economical tea party sensory set up.

_______

_______

Related:

Tea Party Sensory Play

Teacup and Peony Sensory Tray

Lilac Flower Sensory Trays

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

Flower Theme Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Tea Party Water Play

Filed Under: flowers, preschool, pretend play, sensory, spring, summer Tagged With: flowers, sensory bin, sensory tray, tea set, water play

Bee and Sunflower Sensory Bin

May 26, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

It is common to see bees hovering around sunflowers, as bees love the generous supply of nectar and pollen that sunflowers produce. Bees pollinate sunflowers so are helpful to these giant-headed flowers in return. Their relationship is the inspiration for this bee and sunflower sensory bin.

Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

In searching for supplies, my first stops are always at discount or dollar stores. This is often all that is needed to add specialty items to a sensory setup. The following locally found supplies are in this insect and flower sensory bin:

  • honeycomb ice cube tray
  • honey pot and dippers
  • sunflower-themed spatula
  • bee figurine
  • artificial sunflowers
  • bumblebee stickers
  • pompoms
  • pearl beads
  • spatula
  • bowl and spoon

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more fun early learning ideas.

_______

The Bee and Sunflower Sensory Bin

White glutinous rice, one of my favorite supplies, is the bee and sunflower sensory bin base. The bin itself is a bus tub, another favorite accessory.

A honeypot and honeycomb ice cube tray are eye-catching feature accessories.

_______

Artificial sunflower heads and a sunflower-themed spatula represent the sunflower theme.

_______

In addition to one life-like bee figurine, bumblebee stickers without the white paper-backing removed provide opportunities for counting and sorting.

_______

Pearl beads and pompoms in various sizes add interest and offer fine motor and eye-hand coordination opportunities.

Preschoolers love sensory play, and setting up a bee and sunflower-themed sensory bin for your little charges will surely have them buzzing with excitement.

_______

Related:

Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

A fun honeycomb cereal "snowflake" necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

_______

Spider Theme Activities

Green Huntsman Spider Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Bee and Sunflower Sensory Bin

Filed Under: gardening, insects, preschool, pretend play, science, sensory, spring, summer Tagged With: bees, rice bin, sensory bin, sunflowers

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 7
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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!

Subscribe Via Email

Recent Posts

  • Salt and Ice Science Experiment May 20, 2025
  • Airplane Rice Sensory Bin May 16, 2025
  • Salt Painting Planet Art May 3, 2025
  • Spring Bunny Sensory Bin April 19, 2025
  • Tin Foil Egg Printing April 17, 2025
  • Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin April 15, 2025
  • Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center March 25, 2025
  • Easter Store Dramatic Play Center March 23, 2025
  • Origami Heart Wreath February 28, 2025
  • Black History Month Mixed Media Art February 26, 2025

Categories

Topics

block play bunnies butterflies Chinese New Year Christmas Christmas craft color colors dramatic play Easter flowers hearts holiday jewelry leaves leprechauns light table loose parts painting paper crafts playdough pretend play printables printmaking process art pumpkins rice bin scented playdough science experiment scissor skills sensory bin sensory play sensory tray shamrocks skeletons snakes snowflakes spiders spring St. Patrick's Day sunflowers tablescapes trees Valentine's Day water play

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in