A sensory bin is a container filled with items that provide the user with sensory input. Dependent upon the items, also known as fillers, a sensory bin may provide the user with tactile, auditory, visual, and olfactory sensory experiences. Sensory bins provide the user with the opportunity to play, while exploring various textures and utensils/tools.
Who Uses A Sensory Bin?
Children of all ages can use a sensory bin! Children with sensory deficits may benefit. For example, an individual with hypersensitivity to water may begin playing with a sensory bin full of water. At first, the child may use tools (i.e. ladle) to manipulate the items in the bin. As the child progresses, he/she may begin to poke their finger in the water to play. Children with upper extremity range of motion deficits may benefit from utilizing a sensory bin, as well. Playing with spatulas and spoons provides the opportunity for forearm and wrist range of motion, which are both necessary to develop fine motor skills.
Where Can I Use A Sensory Bin?
You can use a sensory bin inside or outside. If you have a bin full of water, you might want to go outside or use a sink or bathtub filled with some water. You can use them on a table or a floor. Before you allow a child to play with the bin, make sure to go over some rules to avoid messes. It can be as easy as, “All items and toys must stay in the bin.”
Why Make A Sensory Bin?
Sensory bins assist with the following skill areas:
Develop Life Skills
Children learn how to utilize household tools, such as spoons, forks, ladles, rakes, shovels, spatulas, etc. When using these items, children learn to scoop, pour, fill, stabilize and orient items appropriately.
Develop Fine Motor Skills
Children use their arms and hands to manipulate items like jumbo tweezers, rocks, coins, utensils, blocks, etc. Playing with these items helps strengthen musculature in the hands and arms that are necessary to carry out tasks, such as cutting, writing, and self-care skills.
Develop Play Skills
Sensory bins can assist children to develop play skills. While engaged in parallel and/or cooperative play, children can use their imagination and participate in pretend play. All areas of play are important to develop communication skills.
Develop Language Skills
Sensory bins can assist with language skills by identifying, comparing, and contrasting objects. When the child picks up an item, the parent can say, “Look at the bell.” This labels the object and may assist with language development.
How Do I Make A Sensory Bin?
First you need to choose a theme and think about how many children will be playing in the bin. This will determine the type of bin you may need (i.e. cardboard vs. plastic, deep vs. shallow). Below are some examples:
Sample Sensory Bins
Submitted by LLA Therapy, which offers speech-language, physical, occupational, behavioral, and music therapy at its clinics in Fairlawn, Hudson and Medina. LLA is committed to guiding all individuals toward quality therapy solutions to improve the lives of their patients and their families in a collaborative, nurturing and supportive atmosphere. For more information, visit llatherapy.org