Ever wonder how to make a sensory bin? It can be as complicated or easy as you choose to make it! Here are the 4 simple steps on how to make a sensory bin.
Step 1 – Choosing the right container
I have several containers in my classroom. Each serve their own purpose for sensory bins. Depending on the age of your students you can determine what works best for your student population.
If your student population can share consider getting a larger rectangular bin, example under the bed storage container, for students to sit in an area and play with.
Options like scrap photo storage boxes, plastic shoe boxes, Ikea glis boxes, ikea trofast boxes and more.
Check out my guide here for easier viewing on how to make a sensory bin.
Step 2 – Fillers for the sensory bin
Fillers can be the most challenging for a teacher to choose. With students of different needs and possible allergies. Make sure any allergies are known prior to implementing sensory bins in your classroom. Check out Amazon to see some of the items I include here.
Filler ideas include:
- Kinetic Sand
- Beach Sand
- Pop poms
- Paper shreds
- Water Beads
- Beans (lima, garbanzo, black etc)
- Water
- Mad Matter
- Floam
- Water beads
- Popcorn seeds
These items can be reused for each month or you can make multiple bins at one time with different filler items inside.
Step 3 – Inside items for sensory bin
Inside the sensory bin you need to include items to keep the kids engaged and wanting to play. See below the example of my “farm theme”. I used cups with animal mouths, scoopers of different sizes to fill the animals up.
Step 4 – Rules for the sensory bin
I have visual directions made for my students to use as a guide when playing. Depending on what the filler is I will sit directly with students as they play. Students get 3 chances to follow the rules before they take a break from the activity. Each bin (depending on size) is limited to 1-3 students. For storing, I currently store my bins on an old book shelf. It is also covered with fabric to not encourage my students to go over and touch them.
While students are at a sensory bin; I usually have interactive work tasks happening or another center open. Check out my blog here to see how I do that!
I hope this has encouraged you to start a sensory box in your classroom! Leave comments below with some fun ideas you have tried!!
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