Sensory Bin Play
This whole pandemic thing has really thrown a lot of parents for a loop! Am I right? I know a lot of my mom friends wake up daily and wonder, “Well what am I going to do with my kids today!?” “Sensory bins” have been all the rage lately, and have become a staple activity in our home. I’ll be honest, I had never heard of a sensory bin until becoming a mom, but now that we’re more familiar with them, we’re totally obsessed!
If you’re still wondering what the heck a sensory bin is, it’s a hands-on way for children to explore their world through touch and feel. Kids learn best with their eyes, ears and hands, so sensory bins provide a great way for exploring. Plus, the possibilities are truly endless! Every sensory bin needs a theme. Some fun theme ideas are seasons, holidays, animals, outer space, and the ocean. For the base you can use rice, sand, water, cooked pasta, jello, chick peas, etc. Add food coloring to really make your sensory bin pop! Once you have your base, just add it to any container or storage bin, and then select your props. If you feel intimidated about making one, you can also purchase one off Etsy from our friends Everyday Wonder Kids.
If you have an energetic child like me who needs some downtime, sensory play provides the perfect opportunity for just that. Whether they’re splashing in water, sifting through sand or splattering paint, the experience helps calm little nerves and focus on a task. I’ve also recently learned how important open-ended play is, and sensory bins are perfect for this as well.
Lastly, it’s important to know that sensory bin play WILL get messy! Especially if your child is younger like mine. It’s best to just accept it. The benefits definitely outweigh the mess, I promise :) You can make clean up easier by laying down some towels or go outside. Please ensure this is a supervised activity (especially with small children) and don’t use props that can be a choking hazard.
This blog post is sponsored by Pirate’s Booty, our favorite snack while playing. Be sure to follow them on Instagram!
