Sensory Bins Materials List

Sensory Bins Materials List

I'm sure that many of my posts will relate to sensory bins, but I wanted to share the types of materials I used to get started.  For the bins themselves, I recommend:

• A 60 quart bin (under the bed size) so that multiple kids can access the sensory bin

• Clear bins with locking lids (15.5 gallon size works well to store your bins or for one or two children to play)

Trust me, you want the locking lids.  I've had more than one mega-spill with the lids that don't.

You can find most of the bin filling items with trip to the grocery store and the Dollar Tree. 

Bin filling basics:

• Rice
• Pasta-rotini, penne, macaroni, ziti, spaghetti
• Marbles- round and flat
• Water beads
• Dried beans- all sizes and colors
• Birdseed
• Shaving Cream
• Fruit Loops, Cheerios
• Regular Salt
• Epsom Salt
• Sand (colored)
• Aquarium Rocks

Add these to make them fancy:

• Food coloring
• Kool-aid Packets
• Essential oils (citrus, peppermint, lavender, etc)
• Fake Snow
• Glitter
• Easter grass/paper shred

Add these to make them fun:

• Plastic or squishy animals for sand, jungle, ocean

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Tongs

• Small shovels, rakes, molds and scoops (a beach playset is perfect)

These ingredients are common in many sensory recipes you will find online (maybe even here!):

• Jell-o
• Plain Gelatin
• Flour
• Dish soap (Blue Dawn is the best!)
• Bar soap (I like Ivory)
• Toilet paper
• White Vinegar
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Baking Soda
• Cornstarch (get several boxes, you'd be surprised at how many sensory recipes call for them)
• Cream of Tartar (for homemade Play-dough)

Now, once you have all this stuff, what in the world should you do with it?

Don't overthink it.  For the sensory bin beginner, take any of the "basics" and pour them into your large bin.  For example, Cheerios:  Kids will pick them up, put them down, get great big handfuls of cereal or one Cheerio at the time.  They'll squeeze/crush them, play pretend, and show you all the cool things about Cheerios you have long forgotten...and that is without ANY OTHER MANIPULATIVE.  Give them some spoons and measuring cups, and it's time for a pretend gourmet meal.  Give them some pipe cleaners (or some of your uncooked spaghetti), and they'll develop their fine motor skills threading the strands through the center of the cereal.  Introduce a new element, like fruit loops (colors!) or glitter (sparkles!) to add to the fun.

I will definitely be including some of my own sensory bin ideas along with pictures, and links to some of the more fantastic ones I've found online and tried.