Welcome back to Sensory Bin 101, your introductory course to one of the most loved preschool sensory activities. Last week we looked at what is a sensory bin and a few benefits. Today we shall learn about sensory bin bases. Let’s walk.
What Is A Base?
A base is exactly what is sounds like. It is the filler for your container and can take many forms.
Almost anything in your home that is safe and in abundance can be used as a base. When I say anything, I mean anything.
Ideas for Bases
Water
The simplest and easiest base is water. Yup you heard me, water. simply ensure that you are supervising your preschooler while they are using the bin. You can colour the water and you can also scent the water.
Rice
This is a big hit in my house as rice is cheap and you can buy huge bags. I use about 2 cups of rice for each of our sensory bins. I can even colour and scent my rice.
Barley
I recently discovered this gem when I was cleaning out my cupboards and realized that my pearl barley was expired. I didn’t want to simply throw it out so I used it in our Frozen Winter Bin and I think this bin is J’s favourite to date.
Cotton
I have used cotton on several occasions especially when I want to replicate snow.
Other Bases to Consider
- shredded paper
- pompoms
- cornmeal
- shaving cream (really want to try this one soon)
- cereal (stale Cheerios anyone?)
- flour
- snow
- dirt
- straw
- oats
- beans
- beads
- Ice (chipped or cubes)
Like I said, once you have it in your home and in abundance and its safe, you can use it as a base. Well that concludes our second lesson in Sensory Bin 101. Thanks for walking with me.
Are you feeling more confident in making a sensory bin today?
Cristin says
January 23, 2015 at 7:51 amGreat ideas! I’ve also used instant mashed potato flakes which won’t hurt them if ingested. Bird seed is fun too!
Jenny says
February 12, 2015 at 4:07 pmLOLove the ideas, packaging chips are a favourite base here. 🙂 x
Shecki @ Greatly Blessed says
February 12, 2015 at 4:48 pmI’m contemplating using orca beans for ours. 🙂 Water beads are fun, too. Thanks for the suggestions!
Kim says
February 16, 2015 at 2:51 pmI love sensory tables! I am trying to start a sensory table revolution in the school where I work, and am even trying to figure out a way to use the idea with my 6th grader at home (I’m thinking that a huge bin of LEGOs is a sensory bin – they love the sound and feel of pawing through to look for just the right piece…).
I will share your post and pin board with my kindergarten folks. Thanks!
http://simplesciencestrategies.com/preschool-weather-observations/