Early learning is so important. Studies have shown that children learn more in the first five years of their life! It is so important to give children a head start in life and it will ultimately determine how successful they are when they go to school.
Reading to children is an important part of early learning, but so is play! Children learn so much when playing. Children will naturally start to play and learn in their environment, but giving them extra activities and chances to learn more is always good.
I love giving my daughter a chance for sensory play throughout the day. Sensory play is so important for developing young children. It helps their fine motor skills, leads to more development in their language and social skills, and even allows them to make more connections in their brain development!
Sensory play is anything that you give to your child that involves their senses: touch, taste, smell, hear, see. Sensory play can also involve body movement development as well.
I like to set up sensory play bins for my daughter to play with. I just set out a tub or bowl and fill it up with materials for her to explore. It can be super simple and even with materials you can find all around your house.
Since it is fall, I set up this fun fall sensory bin. It can be used for toddlers or preschool aged children. Keep reading for more information on how I made it and how to play with it!
Fall Sensory Bin
Materials:
- Variety of beans
- Leafs (fake or real)
- Pumpkins and gourds (fake)
- Pinecones (fake or real)
- Container to put materials in (tub or a big serving tray)
I found a lot of these items at the dollar store, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart! You can really use any items you want, just make sure they are fall themed!
Directions:
- Pour beans into a container.
- Lay out other materials randomly in the bin.
- That’s it!
Play Ideas
Let children explore the materials on their own. It’s best for them to take their time to feel all the materials. Let them pick it up and drop it to hear the sound it makes. Or crunch it in their hands. Letting children explore the sensory bin on their own is a great way to learn.
You can also facilitate their play by asking questions about the items or even identifying colors or textures for the children. Or even just play with them!
Another activity to do with a sensory bin is to give your child a shovel or spoon and a container to put it in. This is a great fine motor activity and my daughter loved scooping the beans into another container.
You can also let your child explore the sensory bin sitting at a table or on the floor. Both experiences lead to a different type of play, which is great!
Warnings
Sensory bins can be messy, but it is part of learning! Just take that into consideration when setting up the sensory bin. I also let my daughter help clean up at the end and she loves picking up the beans and putting them back. Plus, this adds to the fine motor experience!
Small items can be choking hazards! Make sure you are using materials that is appropriate for your child. If they still like to put things in their mouth, you may not want to give them little items.
Children need constant supervision when playing with sensory bins. Even if your child normally doesn’t put things in their mouth, you still need to watch them the entire time they are playing to make sure they are being safe with the materials.
I hope you try out sensory play with your young child! This sensory bin is fun to explore the colors and items of fall!
If you want to check out more about reading to young children and my favorite read alouds for toddlers, click here!
For even more fall ideas for toddlers and preschool, check out our post here on a fall wreath craft, lesson ideas, and fall read alouds!
Thank you for Continually Learning with us!
Kyle and Sarah
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