DIY GREEN Sensory Box - Monochromatic FUN for Your Little One

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 your child to learn the color green but rather 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  GREEN Sensory Box

You have many fillers to choose from to use in your box:
green shredded paper or Easter Grass
dried split peas
green vegetable pasta
dyed rice . . .

   I like to hand dye my own at home and mix it with white so there is contrast for the items!

But you certainly dont have to use green as your filler,
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 GREEN  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 found items from around the house, like in the "junk" drawer and at the bottom of the toy chest.
Children get many small items from gumball machines, school store, 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 get colored items at the party store too!
You can paint objects that are a different color with spray paint or acrylics.
Flash Cards, Letter Tiles, Magnetic Numbers and other learning materials
Books, laminated pictures and words

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 (lime, green apple, fresh cut grass, pickles, herbs) 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!