Creating a sensory bin is so fun because you are making something wonderful for your child to be excited about!
It is also Perfect because you can tailor it specifically to your child’s learning needs!
This bin is not created for children to learn their colors, rather it is to stimulate and hold your child’s attention with a monochromatic theme so that learning can take place!
Sensory boxes are for year round use, indoors and out, in any weather. When we were having one of bitter cold Chicago winters, I created this bright and warm sensory bin to keep little ones happy, engaged and learning indoors.
DIY YELLOW Sensory Box
You have a multitude of fillers to use for your box:
yellow shredded paper
yellow grains (corn, legumes)
yellow pasta
dyed rice . . .
TIP : I like to mix sensory fillers so that there is more to explore, and because bigger fillers
such as shredded paper, can be easily separated from smaller ones such as rice!
Once you have decided on your filler you are now ready for your items!
Try to get a collection of natural items like;
rocks, wood, fabric, twigs, pine cones, shells, leaves, grass, seeds . . .
TIP : You can color wash natural items such as wood, rock and shells to make the colors you need.
Get something to scoop with (spoon) and something to scoop into and our (cup).
If you can, get tongs for pincer strength while sorting small objects.
Use containers of all sizes for sorting and pouring.
Now, add the Yellow items.
The secret is to get multiple items with various textures, shapes, sizes and amounts.
You want your child to be able to find and create patterns.
You can get items from around the house, like the “junk” drawer and the bottom of the toy chest.
Children get many small items from gumball machines, school, party favors and more…find those!
You can go to second hand stores and find little objects (usually in bags of mismatched stuff).
You can paint objects that are a different color to make them yellow.
Flash Cards, Scrabble Tiles, Geometric Shape Pieces and other learning materials.
Cookie cutters are fantastic because they encourage children to crunch down into the filler and experiment with making shapes, using pressure and more!
Use scented items or spices in small jars (lemon, mustard seed, etc) that are associated with the color.