Creating a sensory bin is so fun because you are making something
wonderful for your child to be excited about!
It is also Perfect because you can tailor it specifically to your child's learning needs!
This bin is not created for children to learn their colors, rather it is to stimulate and hold your child's attention with a monochromatic theme so that learning can take place!
Sensory boxes are for year round use, indoors and out, in any weather.
But, now that the weather here in Chicago is turning cold, I am thinking ahead
about the much longer hours children will be staying indoors in the winter.
I created this bright and warm sensory bins to keep little ones
happy, engaged and learning through this upcoming winter!
DIY YELLOW Sensory Box
You have a multitude of fillers to use for your box:
yellow shredded paper
yellow grains (corn, legumes)
yellow pasta
dyed rice . . .
I like to hand dye my own at home!
But you dont have to use yellow as your filler because the items are yellow,
so the backdrop could be whatever neutral color you want such as;
sand,
beans,
pasta,
oatmeal,
rock,
cornmeal . . .
TIP : I like to mix sensory fillers so that there is more to explore, and because bigger fillers
such as shredded paper, can be easily separated from smaller ones such as rice!
Once you have decided on your filler you are now ready for your items!
Try to get a collection of natural items like;
rocks, wood, fabric, twigs, pine cones, shells, leaves, grass, seeds . . .
TIP : You can color wash natural items such as wood, rock and shells to make the colors you need.
Get something to scoop with (spoon) and something to scoop into and our (cup).
If you can, get tongs for pincer strength while sorting small objects.
Add small lids (from water bottles) or ice cube trays to sort and hold small objects.
Now, add the ORANGE items.
The secret is to get multiple items with various textures, shapes, sizes and amounts.
You want your child to be able to find and create patters (big, bigger, biggest, for example)
and have the sensory box sustain their attention.
You can get items from around the house, like the "junk" drawer and the bottom of the toy chest.
Children get many small items from gumball machines, school, party favors and more...find those!
You can go to second hand stores and find little objects (usually in bags of mismatched stuff).
You can paint objects that are a different color with spray paint or acrylics.
Flash Cards, Scrabble Tiles, Geometric Shape Pieces and other learning materials
Books, laminated pictures
Cookie cutters are fantastic because they encourage children to crunch down into the filler and experiment with making shapes, using pressure and more!
Use scented items or spices in small jars (lemon, mustard seed, etc) that are associated with the color.
TIP : to tailor the experience to your child, you can paint numbers, shapes, letters and words on wood blocks or rocks!
TIP : Keep your items and fillers separated in plastic bags or containers, then you can use one big bin / tub for your various themes and mix and match items and fillers as you create new ones!
Want to get one fast? Visit my etsy shop and
buy or order one NOW!
