The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Bins

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Sensory bins are a fantastic way to encourage hands on learning and exploration with your child! We kinda love them around here!

What is a Sensory Bin?

A sensory bin is a large tub or container that is filled with some sort of “filler” material and various objects that are intentionally picked out to stimulate different senses. 

Typically sensory bins work to challenge six different senses:

  • Tactile (touch)
  • Auditory (sound)
  • Visual (sight)
  • Olfactory (smell)
  • Proprioceptive (Pressure)
  • Gustatory (taste)

What Can You Put in a Sensory Bin?

When it comes to filling sensory bins the skies the limit! I have thrown together two cheat sheets to help you when picking out your sensory bin fillers!

Non-Food Sensory Bin Filler Cheat Sheet
Click the Image to Download
Click to Download

How to Create Materials for Your Sensory Bins

Below you will find all the tutorials we have shared on site on how to dye and create various materials.

Our Favorite Sensory Bin Tools

The affiliate links below lead to our favorite products we use when creating a sensory bin or tray.

How to Create an Intentional Sensory Bin

Before throwing items into a sensory bin for your kids to play with consider the following:

  1. What is your child passionate about? 
  2. What skills does your child need to work on?
  3. Does your child have any sensory aversions? If yes then slowly introduce any materials they may be reluctant to explore.

These three questions will help you shape what items to include in your sensory bin to engage your child and help them learn while they play!

Sensory Bin Ideas

More Ultimate Sensory Guides You May Enjoy!

The Benefits of Play Dough in Early Childhood

The Ultimate Guide to Water Beads in Sensory Play

All About Discovery Bottles for Sensory Play

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