15 Easy Sensory Bins for Toddlers and Preschoolers (2024)

FAQs

Are sensory bins good for 2 year olds? ›

Children learn so much during unstructured free play – problem solving, emotional regulation, imitation, social skills, language, fine motor skills, the list is endless. So giving them new experiences in the form of a sensory bin will help them develop and hone so many new skills, all while having a blast!

Sensory bins are good for children over 18 months of age. Before they're 18 months old, sensory bins are not developmentally appropriate because the possible hazards outweigh the benefits.

Sensory bins provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on tactile play that engages their senses. These bins encourage and support various types of development and are great activities to have in your home. Sensory bins can be themed for holidays, seasons and academic skills.

A sensory bin allows preschoolers to explore and develop their primary senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. This technique works since sensory bins can stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. You should consider filling a sensory tub with all types of filler objects of different textures.

Place 2-3 lbs of dry, uncooked rice into a 28qt under the bed storage container (like this one). You want space for kids to play and high sides. Add in a few measuring cups and some bowls. Kids need to see a visual boundary: put a big beach towel, flat sheet, or table cloth under the sensory bin.

Would it help to take a nap, go outside and play, retreat to a quiet room or leave the party? Give your child sensory toys, such as squeezy balls or buzzers, or make sure they always have their favorite blanket or stuffed animal. This can help create a sense of calm and security. Make time for physical exercise.

Short answer: yes. Creating sensory bins for toddlers allows them to build skills and understanding through play-based, hands-on learning. Sensory bins are easy, in-expensive, and effective for supporting toddler in their growth and development – but (spoiler alert) they don't have to be messy to be fun.

Use visual supports to help your learners remember the rules for the sensory bins (use hands only, put on lid when finished, complete seek and find, raise hand if you need help, keep the materials in the box.) Use a visual timer to help your students transition when the time comes.

Although sensory bin beans are popular, please, don't use them as play materials with your children. Again, eating raw or undercooked beans can be toxic and cause food poisoning, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, there are a number of other sensory materials that you can use instead.

Touch & Feel

Make a homemade play dough or little cars out of apple wedges, grapes and toothpicks. Challenge your child to see who can stack cucumber rounds the highest, and see who can make the cutest food face out of the foods on the plate. Kids can often get over excited during some of these messy food play ideas.

How to make sensory toys for preschoolers? ›

But it doesn't have to be complicated—fill a water bottle or bag with beads, little toys, and other trinkets (and make sure to seal it well); or glue different textured fabric to the sides of wooden blocks. These are just a few great examples of how to use simple materials to light up your child's mind.

Place 2-3 lbs of dry, uncooked rice into a 28qt under the bed storage container (like this one). You want space for kids to play and high sides. Add in a few measuring cups and some bowls. Kids need to see a visual boundary: put a big beach towel, flat sheet, or table cloth under the sensory bin.