This article is proudly sponsored by Tiny Town Inc in Manomet! Tiny Town Inc has been filling their walls with laughter, toys, crafts, and books since 1985! Tiny Town is a family business previously owned and directed by the late, beloved and, extraordinary, Mrs. Toni Powers. It is now owned and Directed since 2018 by her grand daughter Mrs. Stacia Buckmann (learn more about Stacia here). Tiny Town's preschool is currently enrolling - give them a call today!
Easter is just around the corner! And while we love the usual basket stuffers - Reese's eggs, activity books, bathing suits, sunglasses, and bubbles - why not stuff the basket full of fun materials you could put in an Easter themed sensory bin and let the learning and fun continue past Easter? We got this fun idea from the teachers at Tiny Town Children's Center - thanks so much for sharing!
What is a sensory bin?
Sensory bins are engaging activities that encourage children to explore with tactile play while using all of their senses. Sensory bins can be made with various materials and can support all kinds of development in your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The best thing about sensory bins is that you can often create sensory bins using materials you already have at home. You can theme sensory bins around holidays, seasons, and events. The possibilities are endless!
What is an example of a sensory bin?
Tiny Town Children's Center preschoolers recently got the chance to explore a sensory after learning all about Easter and spring! Building students background knowledge is key before introducing a sensory bin - so teachers worked to read students lots of books about the season as well as observing changes outside. Then it was time to play!
While playing in the sensory bin, students engaged in conversation with their peers and teachers which helps to develop concepts while strengthening receptive and expressive language skills. All of these areas of development were supported with a low cost, simple, and motivating play activity!
Here's what you need to recreate this bin at home:
~large white pom poms ("bunny tails")
~varied toy bunnies (you can find these at craft stores, the dollar store, or even the Target dollar spot!)
~buttons of varied sizes
~Easter basket filler paper
~easter eggs for students to manipulate (great for building fine motor muscles!)
~tools such as tongs, spoons, and scoops (this is a great set)
One thing I notice when my boys are engaged in a sensory bin, is how long it keeps their attention for. I am always amazed by how long they stay engaged! This bin was no exception. While I had to monitor my little guy (some choking hazards) they both had a great time picking up the materials and hiding them in the eggs. They even simulated their own Easter egg hunt right within the bin! They are 5 and 3, and they both found it to be a blast!
Some other animal sensory bin ideas:
Shark Sensory Bin (from Mommy's Bundle)
Sea Turtle Sensory Bin (from Teaching Mama)
Looking for some great books to get reading about Easter and spring? We love these titles:
This article is proudly sponsored by Tiny Town Inc in Manomet! Tiny Town Inc has been filling their walls with laughter, toys, crafts, and books since 1985! Tiny Town is a family business previously owned and directed by the late, beloved and, extraordinary, Mrs. Toni Powers. It is now owned and Directed since 2018 by her grand daughter Mrs. Stacia Buckmann (learn more about Stacia here). Tiny Town's preschool is currently enrolling - give them a call today!
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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