Sensory Bottles and Bins 101

Why Sensory Bins?

11/6/2019

Sensory bins, or containers filled with materials that appeal to as many senses as possible, have become a part of many early childhood classrooms. Sensory bins are so much more than a way to keep children busy. They facilitate exploration in a creative and natural way. When a child sits down to engage in a sensory activity, they are learning a variety of skills, some that you may not even have realized before!

Filling, measuring, sorting, and mixing are all skills that can be explored though sensory play. These skills need to be repeated over and over again to be mastered. Sensory bins give children the opportunity to practice these skills that they will use the rest of their lives.

Pumpkin Soup Lesson Plan

Ice Cream Dough Sensory Bin

Garden Sensory Bin

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Discussion: Using food in Sensory Play

11/5/2019

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Using food in a sensory bin is extremely controversial among early childhood professionals. If your center participates in Early Achievers or is NAEYC Accredited, you may have regulations that you have to follow regarding materials that can be used in sensory bins.

For your own research, and reference, we are providing you with links below to explore on your own for more information. These links are optional and are provided to be conversation starters.

Peas and Carrots Sensory Bin

Dr. Seuss Alphabet Sensory Bin

Online Resources:
How to Color Rice
Dr. Seuss Alphabet Sensory Bin
Peas and Carrots Sensory Bin

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How to Make a Sensory Bin

11/4/2019

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Some classrooms have a designated area for sensory play, which is fine. However, don’t think that is your only option. Mix things up by choosing a different size sensory bin in a different area.

The bin can be larger or smaller, clear or colored, depending on what you are going for. Often, water sensory bins are clear to allow the children to see the water from the outside. Larger bins are used for sensory experiences that are intended for more than one child. These factors should be taken into consideration when selecting a bin.

Every sensory bin needs some tools to go with it to add purpose and direction to the activity. Colored rice is great, but children will lose interest quickly if that is the only material in the bin. Dig around in the kitchen and craft area to find tools that children can use to manipulate the base material in the sensory bin.

There are countless other items that can be added to sensory bins to enhance learning, such as small plastic animals, cars, or dolls. I encourage you to be mindful of the objects you place in each bin. You will want to be sure that the items you are adding are not random, but rather add purpose and significance to the experience.

Water Play for Infants

Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles take very little time to make, but offer numerous, lasting benefits for the kids. An awesome calm down and anxiety relief tool, sensory bottles are easy to make, reusable, and low cost too!

Rain Sensory Bottle

Conversation Hearts Sensory Bottle

For small 11 oz water bottles add about 2 inches of clear glue (the more glue you add, the slower the glitter settles.
Add warm water that has been colored, and then fill the bottle to top with glitter and foil decals.
Hot glue (or super glue) the lid on to prevent young children from opening the bottle.

Sensory Bottles

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How to make a Sensory Bin or Bottle

11/3/2019

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You will typically want each of your sensory bins and bottles to center around a theme or concept. Many educators choose sensory bins or bottles that correlate with the unit they are teaching on or the season.

Choose a Theme!