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Wildflower Ramblings

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You are here: Home / Sensory Bins / 16 Sensory Bin Ideas

16 Sensory Bin Ideas

I didn’t know what a “Sensory Bin” was until about a year ago.  Simply put, it is a bin full of fun, sensory exploration for your little one.  They usually have a “base” (of rice, beans, etc), but they certainly don’t need to!  And they can be “themed”, but again, that is optional, too!  Also, it is helpful to include spoons, dishes, funnels, and other scooping equipment to help learn practical life skills while learning and playing.

Children thrive through sensory experiences.

Children thrive with boundaries.

16 Sensory Bin Ideas from Wildflower Ramblings

I didn’t start any bins with my son until he was about two years old.  He is the rambunctious type who is often found just throwing all of the beans, rice, etc everywhere.  He has slowly learned how to treat his sensory bin time.  We set the bin on a large blanket and the only rules are:

  1. Keep it on the blanket.
  2. Do not throw.

John has (finally!) learned how to play “nice” with his bins.  I certainly don’t mind a bit of a mess — but he needs to practice some self-control — and sensory bin time helps him to learn how to play constructively and creatively.

I have found so many wonderful resources from many wonderful blogging mamas out there.  I am always amazed at the sensory bins you all come up with!  I decided to compile the bins we have done in Tot School so far.

You can click on the below picture to take you to the post to see more pictures and to read about that week in Tot School:

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DSC03007DSC03367

This simple bin of cracked corn and tractors and little lambs has been, by far, my son’s favorite:

DSC04872

Check out how you can make your own Peter Doll from The Snowy Day:

IMG_6967IMG_6817

Check out how you can make your own little felt leprechaun:

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Here are some of our very first sensory bins (doesn’t John look so little and sweet?!):IMG_3257 IMG_3233 IMG_3199 IMG_3182 IMG_3166 And John’s very first Sensory Bin ♥IMG_3165

Here are some other wonderful places to find sensory bin ideas (much more thought out and messy and intricate than mine):

  • 1plus1plus1equals1 has amazing sensory bin ideas, as well as great storage suggestions.
  • Royal Baloo has so many wonderful, sometimes messy, ideas.
  • Play Create Explore has inspired me so much.  Her Pinterest Board has over 200+ sensory ideas!
  • Little Bins for Little Hands has so many sweet and thoughful bins and sensory play.

 

 photo Amy3_zps8e2e6a59.png

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Comments

  1. Debbie @ http://kidsbibledebjackson.blogspot.com/ says

    at

    These are great ideas! Pinned it! Thanks for sharing at Family Fun Friday!

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      at

      Thanks, Debbie — I love all your resources about Bible education!! -Amy

      Reply
  2. Mama H says

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    Linking up from Violet Imperfection. What a great idea!

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

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      Thanks for visiting, Hannah ♥

      Reply
  3. Lanaya @ Raising Reagan says

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    Sensory bins are so cool.

    Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
    Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. :)

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    http://www.raising-reagan.com

    Reply
  4. Leslie says

    at

    I have been waiting for my little one to get a bit older to start sensory bins. I think they are a wonderful tool.

    Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
    Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
    Leslie
    http://www.violetimperfection.com

    Reply
  5. Momma Jo says

    at

    I just love the wonderful ideas on this post. My children love sensory bins. Thanks for sharing.

    This post has been selected to feature on my Hearts of the Home Blog Hop post due to go live tomorrow. Congratulations!

    http://monstersed.wordpress.com/2013/06/13/hearts-for-the-home-blog-hop-3/

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

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      Wow, thanks Momma Jo! I will put up your featured button now ♥ -Amy

      Reply
  6. Carla says

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    These are awesome ideas!! I love the letter-themed bins…I bet my preschoolers would have so much fun with them!! Thanks for sharing this at Teach Me Tuesday at Preschool Powol Packets!

    Reply
  7. Sugar Aunts says

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    We will be featuring your post on a HUGE list of Rainy Day Summer Play activities on Share It Saturday this weekend! We will be sharing with all of our followers on our social media sites (including group boards and communities!!) Thanks for sharing with us at Share It Saturday!

    Colleen at http://www.sugaraunts.com

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

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      Thank you so much Colleen! :)

      Reply
  8. Carrie says

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    What wonderful ideas for sensory bins. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

    Reply
  9. Christin says

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    Really great ideas. A big thank you also from me for sharing them. I think they are really a great tool for learning, playing and discovering. Big hugs from China :)

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Tender Moments with Toddlers & Preschoolers Blog Hop #19 says:
    at

    […] Our featured post with the most clicks is… Preschool Curriculum and 16 Sensory Bin Ideas […]

    Reply
  2. 10 Letter recognition activities - The Measured Mom says:
    at

    […] We like to create a sensory bin for each letter we study. Here is our letter Oo bin with various Os and O objects! You can see more of our sensory bins here. […]

    Reply

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Amy is a former Kindergarten teacher, M.Ed., turned homeschooling mom. Sharing her imperfect life and her love of teaching & learning, reading, herbal remedies, parenting and more.
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Unless otherwise stated, all words and photos on this blog belong to Wildflower Ramblings. You may pin from my site, but do not use a photo, or any text, without my permission. All content is copyrighted. This is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links on the sidebars and in posts. I only share products that I love and enjoy with my family. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I receive a small commission. Occasionally, I will receive products free of charge and share them here.  Words and opinions expressed will always be my own. Please email me with questions or comments. Thank you for visiting. Amy Smith, M.Ed. wildflower ramblings @ gmail . com

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I heard about Wim Hof “Iceman” from a convention last June. Simple and free ways to improve my health, yes please!
Happy Monday friends! I'm so glad I can brighten your Monday with another giveaway!
Who else is enjoying the beautiful snow?! My son found Narnia! ✨ #snow #childhood #family

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