Five Essential Tools to Begin Sensory Play

I was wholly intimidated by sensory play before I began. I had found a few articles on how to set up different activities, posted them on Facebook, but when it came time to get started, I always found a reason to back out. I knew the benefits of sensory play for toddlers. These bins and bottles allow children to explore their world using their senses. These activities encourage creativity and allow children exploration that might not be possible elsewhere. And let’s not forget the benefits for mommy. Sensory bins buy me at least one folded load of laundry! She is so captivated, I can actually get chores done!

But it was all too overwhelming. It had been years since I was in the classroom and I wondered if I was going to do this right. What if Vicky made a mess? What if she wasn’t interested? I had really psyched myself out. I watched as a good friend began these activities with her toddler. After watching my daughter go crazy for the bin at her house, I went to the store the very next day. I agonized over bin size and filler. I worried about how to protect my floors.

But it doesn’t have to be so intimidating. I decided to write this article and do the hard work for you. You only need a few things to get started. I have outlined what you’ll need below. These were the only things I used for a long time. We can get fancy with food dye and water beads later. Here are the few basics that will get you through your first few tries.

• These Edushape bins are perfect for what we’re doing. You want something that your toddler or little one can sit next to and still reach inside. However, you don’t want something that is easily spilled. That’s why the height on these are perfect.

• A sheet or blanket to lay underneath the bin. Unless you are choosing a liquid base for your sensory bin, a sheet will provide enough protection for your floors.
• Your base. I am a huge proponent of edible sensory bin bases at this point. My daughter loves to taste everything. You can start with uncooked black beans, rice (a popular starter), unpopped corn kernels, or lentils.
• Plastic bowls from your kitchen, be they traditional bowls or Tupperware, they are perfect for scooping and spreading the base around.
• A heavy dose of patience. It’s important to pay attention to what your child likes and dislikes. Vicky is particularly interested in fishing things out of the bin. So I bury some plastic animals and whatnot. Sit with them and discover what stimulates him/her. Sensory play allows for such an exploration and discovery.

That’s it! That’s all you need!