Making A Fall Sensory Bin
Materials Needed:
Base Material:
Chose 1 or 2 base materials: Dried corn kernels, dry leaves, rice, sand, beans, shredded paper, etc.
A shallow bin or plastic container
Fall-Themed Items:
Mini pumpkins or gourds
Fake leaves (various colors)
Acorns and pinecones
Small figurines (e.g., scarecrows, animals, or harvest-themed toys)
Colorful fall-themed confetti, jewels, or foam shapes
Pom Poms
Sensory Tools:
Scoops, cups, and small buckets
Tweezers or tongs (for fine motor skills)
Small containers for sorting
Optional Add-ins:
Spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg) for scent
Instructions:
Prepare the Bin:
Choose a shallow bin or plastic container that is easy for children to reach into.
Pour in your chosen base material to create a comfortable sensory experience. Aim for a depth of about 2-3 inches.
Add Fall-Themed Items:
Scatter mini pumpkins, fake leaves, acorns, pinecones, etc. throughout the base material. This will create visual interest and provide various textures for children to explore.
Incorporate Sensory Tools:
Place scoops, cups, and small buckets within the bin for children to use. This encourages exploration and helps develop fine motor skills.
Add tweezers or tongs to promote hand strength and coordination.
Introduce Optional Add-ins:
If using spices, sprinkle a small amount on the top layer of the sensory bin to engage the sense of smell. Ensure that children do not have allergies to any spices used.
Play:
Encourage children to explore the bin freely. You can prompt them with questions or challenges, such as sorting items by color or texture. Use our ideas below or come up with your own!
Be present to guide and ensure safety, especially with smaller items.
Mess will be inevitable and that is okay! Pro tip for minimizing mess: consider using the sensory bin outside or put it on a baking sheet, trash bag, etc. to help with cleanup.
Clean Up:
After playtime, have children help clean up the bin. This can be a fun activity that teaches responsibility.