We had so much fun with our St. Patrick’s Day sensory bin! I love to watch the two kids interact, as well as find their own ideas for how the bin’s materials can be used for play!
How to organize themed bins?
You may notice that this is {almost} the same St. Patrick’s Day bin as last year! I have nailed down my system. For any “themed” bins, I simply put all of the items in a Ziploc baggie. Then when it’s time to get a themed bin out {Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, ocean, turtles, insects, etc.!}, I simply:
- unload my themed items from the Ziploc baggie into a bin,
- add a sensory base {beans, rice, lentils, water, etc!}, and
- add measuring cups, spoons, funnels, and other practical life items.
What is in our St. Patrick’s Day bin?
My base is green colored rice. Then I have some green tinsel (that I cut in pieces), some different colored foam (that I cut in pieces), gold coins, green bead necklaces, sparkly shamrocks, felt shamrocks, St. Patrick’s Day dice, and our Homemade Felt Leprechaun! All super cheap, easy stuff. Most has been bought at Michael’s. Really, anything “green” could go in and you needn’t “buy” anything new!
Creating cheap and easy invitations to play and imagine = presenting regular household items or toys in a new way!
Here is our St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Fun set-up. First, I put a sheet underneath to contain the mess and be able to put the rice that spills easily back into the bin! I set the bin (along with a second bin since there are two little ones playing) and our stainless bowls, cups, and spoons!
**Small parts play always requires adult supervision for children!
May was a little overwhelmed when John put the green necklace around her neck. She was smile about a nano-second later.
Lining up and counting the gold coins.
Spooning out the rice!
Comparing felt shamrock sizes!
Lining up the different sizes for shamrocks.
Taking turns (or trying to) with the tongs.
Big smiles from two happy kids!
For more ideas, please visit my St. Patrick’s Day Pinterest Board!
Check out: How to make a felt leprechaun and our last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin!
Happy playing,
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It looks like your kids had so much fun! I love all of the different ways they used the sensory bin to for learning. :)
Thanks Kirstylee!!