Valentines Sensory Bin {super easy to make & super fun for kids!} (2024)

FAQs

Valentines Sensory Bin {super easy to make & super fun for kids!}? ›

+ Once the rice has dried, add to a container. + Add a bowl, some plastic hearts, measuring cup or even a small shovel. Add marbles, candy hearts, buttons, or whatever you know your little one will love (and depending on his or her age). + To make it super sweet, put stickers on the container and decorate around it.

Sensory bins are good for children over 18 months of age. Before they're 18 months old, sensory bins are not developmentally appropriate because the possible hazards outweigh the benefits.

sensory bins are a powerful tool that ignites a child's imagination, curiosity, and learning potential. By engaging their senses, these bins provide children with valuable hands-on experiences that promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.

Encourage your children to sort and categorize items by color, shape, and size. Play I-spy with the sensory bin and have your children search for hidden items. Create a counting game by counting the amount of items in the bin.

- Use hair gel and mix with 6 parts warm water and fine glitter if you wish then pour into the bottle. Add plastic toys such as lego bricks. Put the lid on and see if the bricks move. If they don't then empty some of the liquid and add more warm water.

Sensory bins are a great way to allow children to explore multiple senses at the same time in a fun way. This includes touch, smell, sight, and even sound. Learning to engage with and stimulate several senses at once in a healthy way is incredibly beneficial and loads of fun!

Although up to 90% of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have sensory processing difficulties, Sensory Processing Disorder is a separate condition recognized in up to 16% of the general population. Keep reading to learn about sensory processing disorder vs autism.

It's ageless. From 12 months old to 12 years old, a rice sensory bin holds attention spans. It is the great equalizer of play: if you have siblings to entertain with a toddler, this activity gives them a level playing field.

Do kids grow out of sensory needs? ›

Occupational therapy can help kids cope with sensory issues. They learn ways to give themselves the right amount of stimulation, maybe with a heavy vest, a fidget toy or ear plugs. Some kids grow out of these issues completely. Some kids, especially autistic kids, have them their whole lives.

The basics of using a sensory bin

I always like to set down a vinyl tablecloth first and then set the plastic bin on top. It helps contain any mess that might spill out. You could also do sensory play outside if you are worried about a mess.

We call kids like this Sensory Seekers – they are highly interested in movement, lights, colors, sounds, smells, and tastes that excites them. A Sensory Seeker is a child that has a high neurological threshold (or a very big sensory bucket that needs to be filled with sensory input).

Your sensory board can be made from strong card, wood or even a big plastic lid. Then just use strong glue, nails or screws to stick on the various items you have. There are no set rules when it comes to sensory boards, so make yours as cost-effective as possible with items you already have at home.