DIY
DIY Beach Sensory Bin
How do I use a sensory bin?
using only household objects. The
contents of a sensory bin may also vary by
theme. For example, some sensory bins
have a sports theme, a bird theme or a
fairy theme. The choice depends on what
you and your child like.

Involve your child in making the sensory
bin and explain each piece as you’re
putting it together. For our example, we
chose kinetic sand as a base, with buttons,
beads and small scrapbooking ornaments
as filler.

The purpose of a sensory
bin is to help kids develop
an understanding of
textures and feelings in
a stimulating, safe way.

You and your child can use a sensory
bin by moving around the objects inside
with your hands or a small tool like a
spoon. Talk to your children about what
they’re feeling, seeing and hearing. Does this
feel soft, squishy or fuzzy? Does it sound
like rain? What color is this? Engage them
when playing actively with the bin, but
remember to let them explore it on their
own, too.

Materials: How do I make a sensory bin?
• Tactile items (cotton balls, pompoms,
buttons, beads or erasers)
• A container (plastic with a tight-
fitting lid is best)
• A base (beans, rice, sand or slime
work well)
What you need to make your sensory bin
will depend on your child’s individual • Optional: Stickers to decorate the
tastes, but you can make a sensory bin outside of the bin
26 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2022
Directions: Step 1: Clear an open and brightly lit area
like a kitchen table or island. Place all your
items in one spot on the surface.

Tip: If you anticipate having leftover small
pieces, get some Tupperware or other small
containers ready to keep any mess contained.

Step 2: Pour your filler into the container
you picked out for your sensory bin. Spread
the filler evenly with your hands or a spoon.

Step 3: Place your tactile items in one type
at a time. Talk about what they feel like as
you’re putting them in.

Tip: For older children, you can add small
seashells or dried starfish.

Step 4: Mix your bin thoroughly. Using your
hands or a spoon slowly mix the sensory bin
until there are no clumps of any one type of
item. Some items should be buried and only
visible from the sides; others may be poking
out at the surface.

Step 5: (Optional) After placing the lid on
the bin, allow your children to decorate
the outside of the bin as they please with
stickers! Stickers add a personal touch
and will give your child a sense of ownership
over the project.

Tip: Young children should always be super-
vised when using a sensory bin with small
pieces as these items can be a choking hazard.

When your child is done playing with the
sensory bin, simply fit the lid on tightly
and place it in a secure but visible spot for
future play. T
BINS: ZSV3207 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; BRUSHSTROKE:
POPOVA ANNA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
C reate this fun sensory bin with your
kids. A sensory bin is a container
filled with objects that have differ-
ent sounds and textures for children to play
with and explore. The purpose of a sensory
bin is to help kids develop an understand-
ing of textures and feelings in a stimulating,
safe way. Sensory bins are often filled with
sand, slime, beans or rice as a base with
other objects mixed in. Sensory bins are rec-
ommended for children who are ages 3 and
older. Even adults can enjoy them!
Playing with sensory bins benefits
children in many ways. It relieves stress,
encourages creativity, improves fine motor
skills and helps children develop descriptive
language. BY HEATHER M. ROSS