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sensory bin

Santa Claus Sensory Bin

December 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.
This easy Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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With Santa on many children’s minds right now it’s the perfect time to set out a simple Santa Claus sensory bin.

This fun sensory activity is inspired by two Santa ornaments I was gifted this Christmas season. After receiving the ornaments, I realized I had enough supplies to make a no-fuss Santa bin. The bin is a great example of how just a few themed items can provide an interesting sensory invitation.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

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Here are the supplies I gathered for the festive bin:

  • Santa train engine cookie tin
  • Santa ornament
  • knitted Scandinavian multicultural dolls
  • fillable Santa ball ornament
  • jingle bell garland
  • peppermint candy erasers
  • Santa and Santa hat erasers
  • wooden ladle

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The Santa Claus Sensory Bin

This easy Santa sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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This jovial sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. The chickpeas are colored with various amounts of red acrylic craft paint. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

Note: As an alternative to using chickpeas for the base, white rice works well too.

The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use.

The Santa train engine cookie tin was a happy find last year. I previously featured it in a blog post titled “Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin.”

The Santa ornament fits perfectly in the train engine. I checked to make sure it has no rough edges before offering it in the bin. A small plush Santa is a good fit too.

A fillable Santa Claus ornament and other dollar store supplies make for an inviting chickpea-based sensory bin.

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The fillable Santa ball comes apart, and each half holds lots of chickpeas and loose parts.

The Scandinavian knitted dolls are cut from a Christmas garland. They make fun helpers for Santa!

Dollar stores carry metallic jingle bell garlands. Cut into strips, the garland becomes musical loose parts for the bin.

Peppermint and Santa-themed erasers add interest. They are great for counting and sorting practice.

A wooden ladle is useful for filling the Santa train and ball ornament with chickpeas, erasers, and garland. When using one, early learners get practice with eye-hand coordination.

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Making Your Own Santa Claus Sensory Bin

Would you like to make a Santa Claus-themed sensory bin? You probably have a few interesting supplies already on hand to include. Then add a few dollar store finds. It’s that simple!

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Related:

Santa Claus Playdough Tray

Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

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More Christmas Activities

Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

Christmas Village Tuff Tray

Orange-scented Playdough Invitation

This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.

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Santa Claus Sensory Bin

Chocolate Mint Playdough

Plaid-themed Christmas Rice Bin

Lemon-scented Christmas Playdough

Easy S’mores Bars

Make this easy, three-ingredient s'mores bars recipe that takes a classic campfire treat indoors. Serve surrounded by festive decor at Christmas time.

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Christmas Tree Decorating Center

Christmas Sensory Play

Handprint Angel Christmas Keepsake

Llama Christmas Sensory Bin

Llama themed sensory bin inspired by the picture book 'Llama, Llama Holiday Drama' by Anna Dewdney.
    [Read more…] about Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, Santa Claus, sensory bin, sensory play

    Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    December 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.
    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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    This gingerbread sensory bin is quick and easy to set up. Most of the supplies in the bin are dollar store finds, so the activity is low-cost. So why not set it up for your little learners this holiday season?

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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    Supplies To Collect

    A super fun gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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    The gingerbread-themed supplies gathered for the bin are:

    • cookie cutters
    • cookie tin
    • ice cube tray
    • gingerbread people ornaments and game pieces
    • gingerbread house and candy cane ornaments

    Also in the bin are:

    • bell garland strips
    • peppermint erasers

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    The Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    An easy-to-put-together gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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    This gingerbread-themed sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post titled “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

    Note: You can skip coloring the chickpeas and use undyed ones instead. They are the same color as gingerbread cookies!

    The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use at a time.

    The cookie tin, ice cube tray, ornaments, garland, and erasers are from dollar stores. You would be able to find cookie cutters there too.

    This sensory bin is a great follow-up activity to reading gingerbread character stories and doing songs and fingerplays about gingerbread people.

    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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    Other Supplies For The Gingerbread Bin

    There are endless supplies that work in this bin. Other supplies that could be added are:

    • large gingerbread cookie cutters
    • gingerbread people erasers
    • wiggly eyes
    • pompoms
    • buttons
    • rickrack strips
    • cookie jar

    Whatever the supplies, this cheery gingerbread sensory bin is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners!

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    Related:

    Gingerbread Playdough

    Scissor Skill Gingerbread Man Craft

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    [Read more…] about Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread man, loose parts, 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

    Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

    July 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.
    A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.

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    This taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin is refreshing in the heat of the summer and would brighten up a cool fall or icy winter day. Any time of the year, it is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners. They’ll especially love the lemonade ice cubes in the bin!

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Gather the following for this colorful and tasty sensory bin:

    • tray or tub
    • lemons
    • strawberries
    • can of frozen lemonade
    • ice cube trays
    • red and yellow food coloring
    • plastic glass and bowl
    • large spoon
    • kitchen tongs
    • knife
    • cutting board
    • plastic tablecloth

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    Preparing The Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

    Steps to easily put together a colorful, refreshing strawberry lemonade sensory bin.

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    To prepare this oh-so-easy lemonade sensory bin, do the following:

    First, mix a container of frozen lemonade with water according to the package directions.

    Next, pour lemonade into a variety of ice cube trays and freeze overnight.

    Just before playtime, wash the lemons and strawberries. Cut strawberries into halves and slices, and lemons into halves, quarters, and slices.

    Then cover the table the sensory bin will be set on with a plastic tablecloth.

    Pour a layer of cool water into a container the size of a food service tub. A smaller tub or tray will work fine for one child to play in.

    Note: If more than one child is participating in the activity, offer an individual lemonade sensory bin to each child.

    Next, set in a non-breakable cup and bowl, kitchen tongs, and a large spoon.

    A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.

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    Afterward, sprinkle in cut lemons and strawberries.

    Lastly, add lemonade ice cubes in a variety of sizes and shapes.

    Note: Smaller ice cubes are easier and safer for little learners to taste. Larger ones are easier to see in the bin.

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    Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin Exploration

    You may wish to offer this bin with just lemon slices and lemonade ice cubes first.

    Lemons and lemonade ice cubes are the highlight of this easy-to-put-together taste-safe sensory tray.

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    Strawberries can be sprinkled into the bin at the start, or put in a little later to add interest and sensory exploration possibilities.

    Turning the water into a shade of coral by squirting in a few drops of red and yellow food coloring further adds to the learning through play experience.

    Coral water brightens up this cheery, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory tray.

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    Benefits Of The Lemonade Sensory Play

    Your little learners have the opportunity to use all of their senses in this taste-safe bin. They can…

    • taste sweet and sour foods
    • feel cold, sticky, and smooth food parts
    • smell the refreshing scent of strawberries and lemons
    • hear the foods splash into cups and be stirred into bowls
    • see the colorful lemons and strawberries, and subtle ice cubes

    Lots of interesting conversation naturally occurs while children explore their lemonade sensory bin, enhancing language.

    Developing eye-hand coordination while scooping and pouring and exercising fine motor control by squeezing lemons and using kitchen tongs are also benefits. And when the color of the water is changed, little learners experience science!

    Coral water brightens up this cheery, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory tray.

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    Lemonade Recipes

    Interested in trying some new lemonade recipes, or discovering more additives for a lemonade sensory bin? Check out this excellent post “The Twelve Best Lemonade Recipes” by gypsyplate.com.

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    Related: Strawberry Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin

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    [Read more…] about Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: lemonade, lemons, sensory bin, sensory tray, strawberries

    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 Light Table Tray

    March 15, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A cheeky leprechaun is the highlight of this low-maintenance, easy-to put together St. Patrick's Day light table tray.
    A cheeky leprechaun is the highlight of this low-maintenance, easy-to put together St. Patrick's Day light table tray.

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    St. Patrick’s Day accessories lend themselves so well to sensory activities and can be used in many different ways. Keeping an eye out for transparent supplies is the key to making this easy, mess-free St. Patrick’s light table tray.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Transparent gems, gems, and more gems work well for this tray. Select them in different sizes in the colors green, yellow, and brownish gold.

    Other supplies to gather are shamrock reusable ice cubes, shamrocks cut from wall decorations, a black pot, a leprechaun figurine, and mini green tongs and drinking cups.

    Dot markers and a piece of transparency copy paper come in handy for creating a rainbow.

    A clear compartment tray works wonderfully for the bin.

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    The St. Patrick’s Light Table Tray

    How to put together a St. Patrick's Day sensory tray for the light table.

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    First, select a clear compartment tray for the sensory activity.

    Next, use dot markers to create a large rainbow on a piece of transparency copy paper. The ink dries rapidly and doesn’t smudge at all. Or draw a rainbow with felt pens on regular copy paper. Afterward, cut the rainbow out and tape it to one end of the tray.

    Then add a variety of acrylic gems to the tray.

    Set in the shamrock ice cubes and wall decoration pieces.

    Lastly, add the drinking cups, salad tongs, pot, and leprechaun. Then set the sensory tray on a light table or light box for early learners to discover.

    Children will be excited to sort and rearrange the loose parts in the tray and may spread them all over the lighted surface.

    Note: This St. Patrick’s light table tray is low maintenance. It is mess-free and doesn’t require a base ingredient. It works well as an activity on or off the light table.

    A cheeky leprechaun is the highlight of this low-maintenance, easy-to put together St. Patrick's Day light table tray.

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    Related:  

    Leprechaun Sensory Jar

    Leprechaun Sensory Play

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    [Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Light Table Tray

    Filed Under: light table, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: leprechauns, light, light table, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

    Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

    March 11, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will love. A low maintenance bin to inspire creativity and imaginative play.
    A pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will love. A low maintenance bin to inspire creativity and imaginative play.

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    This sparkling pirate treasure sensory bin has loose parts your little mateys will be eager to explore. The low-maintenance bin will spark meaningful discussions and inspire endless creativity. Learning opportunities will naturally happen while children sort through the contents of the bin.

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    Supplies To Collect

    A treasure trove of loose parts for a pirate theme sesnory bin.

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    This treasure-filled bin features the following items:

    • large blue, red, and clear acrylic diamond gems
    • round gems
    • ornamental gold buttons
    • gold medal and coins
    • metallic silver and gold round bead necklace strips
    • large egg-shaped storage containers
    • miniature treasure chests
    • skull shovels

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    The Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

    The chosen bin for this activity is a red saucer sled, which is inexpensive to buy. It accommodates three or four children at a time.

    A gold and gem-filled pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will be eager to explore.

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    The skull shovels are part of sand playsets. And the “treasure eggs” are toy storage containers repurposed for this activity.

    Loaded into the bin are glistening buttons, coins, metallic bead garland strips, a medal, mini treasure chests, and round and diamond acrylic gems. The loose parts fill the tub, so no sensory base is required.

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    Benefits Of This Sensory Bin

    It’s always exciting to introduce loose parts to children, and the ones in this pirate treasure sensory bin offer a host of learning opportunities:

    • Describing loose parts (language development)
    • Sorting and counting pieces (math)
    • Placing treasures in eggs and chests (eye-hand coordination, fine motor control)
    • Picking favorite treasures (making choices, noticing beauty)
    • Discussing heavy and light treasure chests and containers (math)
    • Guessing “What’s inside the egg?” (making predictions, show and tell)
    A gold and gem-filled pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will be eager to explore.

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    The Pirate Treasure Bin In My Classroom

    This treasure-filled bin is currently in my preschool classroom, and every day the childrens’ interest in it grows. The red diamonds are imagined as “fire gems”, and the blue ones as “water gems.” The container eggs are described as “power balls”, and the skull shovels are occasionally used as walkie-talkies. Bead garland strips are formed into a heart shape, and a domed button is reimagined as a “snow globe.”

    Some children collect a variety of loose parts, and others choose just the coins so they can be rich and buy lots of things!

    At times pieces get taken to other play centers, offering additional opportunities for creative thinking.

    After a few days of exploring the bin, it is now on the light table, offering “enlightened” opportunities for exploring and sorting.

    This pirate treasure sensory bin makes a statement on the light table and inspires many learning opportunities.

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    “Arrrrrr” you ready to make this pirate treasure sensory bin? I highly recommend it.

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    A gold and gem-filled pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will be eager to explore.

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    Related:  New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

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    [Read more…] about Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: pirates, preschool, sensory Tagged With: loose parts, pirates, sensory bin, sensory 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

    St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

    March 6, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.
    Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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    It’s as much fun setting up a sensory bin as watching young children eagerly explore one. And this St. Patrick’s Day woodland bin is no exception! The bin is one of my favorites created so far.

    Leprechauns are mythical creatures thought to live in remote, woodland areas. They make shoes and enjoy playing music. The little tricksters especially love gold and hide their treasure in pots in the woods or at the end of the rainbow.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    A few, easy to find items can be gathered for this bin. Included are:

    • brown lentils
    • gold play coins
    • green acrylic gems
    • wood slices
    • yellow and green crinkle paper
    • kraft crinkle paper
    • wooden tree and tiny forest creatures
    • green pot, tongs and spoon
    • gold bells
    • leprechaun leg decoration
    • white cardstock
    • dot markers
    • scissors
    • sensory tub
    Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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    The St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

    First, cut a rainbow shape from a piece of white cardstock. Use dot markers to create a bright, colorful rainbow.

    A bright dot marker rainbow to add to a sensory bin,

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    Next, bunch up Kraft crinkle paper and add it to one section of the sensory bin of choice. In this post, I feature a white food and tableware storage tub.

    Add the yellow and green crinkle paper to another part of the bin.

    Tip: Crinkle paper is an economical filler, and can be used again in another sensory activity.

    Then pour in a layer of brown lentils to generously cover the rest of the bottom of the bin.

    Add the wooden tree and forest creatures.

    Then sprinkle in gold coins and bells, wood slices, and green gems.

    Drop in the pot, spoon, and tongs.

    Finally, set in the leprechaun legs and paper rainbow.

    Now the St. Patrick’s Day woodland bin is ready for your little learners to explore!

    Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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    Note:

    • Most of the supplies in this bin come from Dollar stores, so are economical finds. They get repurposed for other sensory bins, so are worth the investment.
    • The wooden leprechaun legs were taken from a wall plaque. Colored cardstock legs would make an excellent substitution.

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    Related: St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Blocks

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    Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

    _______

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

    Filed Under: art, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: forest, leprechauns, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

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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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