Sensory Bins: A Fun and Therapeutic Tool for Child Development

I often recommend sensory bins as a fantastic tool for promoting sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and emotional regulation in children. At Blossom Behavioral Solutions, we've seen how these simple yet engaging activities can make a big difference in a child's development and behavior. Let's dive into the world of sensory bins and discover how you can create them at home!

What Are Sensory Bins?

Sensory bins are containers filled with materials that stimulate a child's senses. They typically include a base material (like rice or sand) and various objects for exploration. These bins provide a controlled environment for children to engage their senses of touch, sight, and sometimes smell or hearing.

Benefits of Sensory Bins

1. Sensory Processing: They help children become more comfortable with different textures and sensations.

2. Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, and manipulating small objects improve hand-eye coordination.

3. Emotional Regulation: The repetitive, calming nature of sensory play can help soothe anxiety and stress.

4. Cognitive Development: Sorting, counting, and imaginative play with bin items boost cognitive skills.

5. Language Development: Describing textures, colors, and actions enhances vocabulary.

Now, let's explore some easy-to-make sensory bin recipes

1. Classic Rice Bin Base: 4 cups of uncooked rice Add-ins: Small toys, plastic letters, measuring cups Optional: Food coloring to dye the rice

How to make: If coloring the rice, mix a few drops of food coloring with 1 tablespoon of vinegar per cup of rice. Spread on a baking sheet to dry before use.

1. Calming Lavender Cloud Dough Ingredients:

• 8 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup baby oil

• 10-15 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients until they reach a moldable consistency. The lavender scent can have a calming effect.

1. Ocean-Themed Sensory Bin Base: 4 cups of blue-dyed rice or kinetic sand Add-ins: Seashells, small plastic sea creatures, blue glass stones
   

2. Nature Exploration Bin Base: Potting soil or coconut coir Add-ins: Small plants, rocks, sticks, plastic insects or animals
   

3. Rainbow Pasta Bin Base: Pasta dyed in various colors (use food coloring and rubbing alcohol to dye) Add-ins: Scoops, containers, sorting bowls

If you'd like a sensory bin for your child, but the idea of making one is overwhelming, you can purchase different sensory bins fully made. One of my favorite local vendors offers unique themed sensory bins, and even has a monthly subscription available https://www.goldandgraysensoryplay.com/

How Sensory Bins Help

1. Sensory Integration: For children with sensory processing issues, regular exposure to various textures in a controlled environment can help desensitize them to uncomfortable sensations.

2. Stress Relief: The repetitive actions of scooping, pouring, and touching different textures can be very calming, making sensory bins an excellent tool for managing anxiety or overstimulation.

3. Safe Exploration: Sensory bins provide a contained space for messy play, allowing children to explore freely without parents worrying about major cleanup.

4. Adaptability: Bins can be tailored to a child's specific needs or interests, making them engaging for a wide range of ages and abilities.

5. Social Skills: When used in group settings, sensory bins can encourage sharing, turn-taking, and collaborative play.

Tips for Using Sensory Bins

1. Supervise young children to ensure they don't ingest materials.

2. Start with smaller bins for children who might feel overwhelmed.

3. Rotate materials to maintain interest.

4. Use them as a calming tool before transitions or during stressful times.

5. Incorporate learning objectives like counting or color sorting for educational benefits.

At Blossom Behavioral Solutions, we use sensory bins as part of our therapeutic approach. They can be particularly helpful for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders. However, all children can benefit from the rich sensory experiences these bins provide.

Remember, every child is unique in their sensory preferences. What one child finds soothing, another might find overwhelming. Pay attention to your child's reactions and adjust the contents of your sensory bins accordingly.

Creating and using sensory bins can be a wonderful bonding activity for you and your child. It provides opportunities for play, learning, and sensory exploration in a fun, low-pressure environment.

If you have any questions about incorporating sensory play into your child's routine or concerns about your child's sensory processing, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Blossom Behavioral Solutions. We're here to support you and your child on your developmental journey!