I'm happy to offer simple sensory bins, because we often see bins on social media that look like they'll take a good hour to prepare.
These bins are terrific, but... ofttimes, we're short on time!
A simple setup with a base (sand, dried legumes or rice) and a few objects to collect is usually enough... and children dive back into it again and again.
Experimenting, shoveling, pouring, burying, sifting and mixing can be done just as easily, without the need for elaborate or expensive equipment.
If you've been looking for an opportunity to create your first sensory bin, this construction site-themed bin is a great (and easy) place to start!
Construction Truck Sensory Bin
(Short) List of Materials:
- Black, brown, red legumes, etc.
- Construction Truck Toys
- A large container (Tupperware type container)
Adult Preparation
- Pour the legumes into the sensory bin.
- Place construction trucks there (it's an invitation to play), or leave them nearby.
- Once the sensory bin is ready, place it in a location that makes it easy to pick up any materials that will inevitably fall out. In other words, avoid rugs!
Presentation
You can show your child how to explore the sensory bin or simply place it in a location accessible to your child and invite him or her to explore it independently.
Some Remarks
If you only have large vehicles, you can scale this activity up by using a large storage bin. If the bin is large enough, you can even invite the child to sit in the sensory bin while they play.
Have cleaning supplies nearby, such as a broom and dustpan, to make cleanup easier after play is over.
Add-ons & Extensions
Add anything that might enrich your child's exploration, such as road signs, character figurines , draw a road at the bottom of the bin, etc.
