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It is no secret that we LOVE sensory bins! Of course sensory bins are super fun, but there are so many other great uses besides having a good time. As speech-language pathologists, we breakdown the 9 amazing benefits of sensory bins and why they are so important for overall development. Plus we have included free seasonal vocabulary cards so you can add even more fun to your sensory activities!
Throughout the post, be sure to check out all of the pictures and captions for ideas on sensory bin fillers. We have a BUNCH of thematic sensory bins to inspire your speech and language sessions! Plus be sure to instantly download our FREEBIE Seasonal Vocabulary Cards to add to your bins throughout the school year!
Benefit #1: Sensory bins encourage language development.
Sensory bins encourage the use of language in so many ways! For younger students, incorporate functional core words such as “out”, “in”, “on”, “off”, “more”, etc. You can throw thematic items or vocabulary cards into the mix to target exposure as well. Give simple directions to target basic and embedded concepts. Verbally model a variety of language to encourage expanding utterances and describing.
Essentially sensory bins allow for a natural context to practice a TON of language areas including core words, vocabulary, direction following, describing, and expanding utterances. Trust us…the list goes on!
Benefit #2: Sensory bins promote fine motor skills.
We love our OT counter parts! When we can inadvertently incorporate fine motor skills into our speech and language sessions, it is a win win! We like to use a variety of scoops, pinchers, and shovels to allow students to explore items. Using these items in a functional way helps to increase the muscles and hand-eye coordination needed for writing and feeding skills.
Also Read: 7 Apple Themed Activities & Ideas
In addition, there can be many different types of materials used which help with overall sensory integration and introducing a variety of textures. For example, every year I create a simple fall themed sensory bin. I like to include pinecones and leaves. Several of my students struggle with scratchy textures, but enjoy opening and closing containers with items inside. They may not be directly touching the pinecones every time, but are able to reach into the bin and grab other items! Small success worth celebrating!
Benefit #3: Sensory bins facilitate socialization.
There is nothing better than watching your students or own children having fun…with other kids! Sensory bins facilitate social interactions through turn-taking, reciprocal conversation, and cooperative play. A huge benefit of open-ended sensory bin play allows students to practice sharing and waiting for materials. In addition, younger children may only be engaged in parallel play still and observe their peers increasing their overall socialization and concept of possession.
Benefit #4: Sensory bins develop cognitive skills.
Children can work on cognitive skills unknowingly while playing! Throw some small containers into a sensory bin to encourage problem solving. Use instruments to create cause and effect situations. We love using food coloring to help students formulate basic predictions and inferences. Lastly, have students sort items into categories such as letters and numbers or shapes and colors. Best part? They won’t even know they are working hard!
Benefit #5: Sensory bins incorporate all five senses.
Aside from language development, this might be our favorite benefit. Unfortunately, some of our students don’t have the means to experience a variety of activities such as going to the zoo, riding in an airplane, trying new foods, etc. Creating immersive experiences including all 5 senses helps students retain and apply concepts.
One of our favorite sensory bins replicates a trip to the pumpkin patch! Mandy made the BEST edible pumpkin sensory bin for her kids. Empty a box of cocoa krispies into a bin as well as a few pumpkin candies. With some scoops and muffin cups, her daughters were able to play in the “pumpkin patch” plus sneak in a few tasty bites too!
To go along with the pumpkins, she printed out the familiar 5 Little Pumpkins Sitting On The Gate story along with a picture of a gate from Differentiation Station Creations on TPT. This freebie is perfect for pairing with lots of different fall activities including this yummy sensory bin!
Also Read: A Full Week Of Pumpkin Activities & Ideas For Kids
Benefit #6: Sensory bins promote self-regulation.
Have you ever zoned out while fidgeting with sand or watching a lava lamp? Those repetitive motions can make you super relaxed! Sensory bins can have the same effect on our students. Allowing students to play quietly and independently helps them calm their bodies and regulate their emotions. Having any type of sensory fidget on hand can be a huge benefit for those active kiddos.
Benefit #7: Sensory bins allow for imaginative play.
Much like the parallel play and turn taking advantages, sensory bins also allow students to be creative and use their imaginations. For example, there has been so many times that I create what I think is the most perfectly themed sensory bin for my son. But it never fails, he always seems to find a way to work in his John Deere tractors. And that’s ok! He loves to pretend and uses his imagination to bring it all together!
Benefit #8: Sensory bins teach life skills.
Load your sensory bins up with measure cups, bowls, or other cooking utensils help teach life skills. Another fun activity is using water, soap, and sponges to clean dishes, toys, or cars. Students can “cook” and “clean” while playing to develop basic functional life skills. Check out this awesome car wash sensory bin my son absolutely loved plus Mandy’s daughter using cookie cutters!
Benefit #9: Sensory bins are pure JOY!
It is no surprise that kids just really like sensory bins. They are pure joy! As you can see from all of our pictures, we enjoy putting these activities together too. It is a fun way to incorporate so many skills and are instant entertainment for kids. I knew sensory bins were a hit in our house when I asked my son what he was playing one afternoon. He responded, “I am playing sensory bin!” 🤣
Also Read: 7 Halloween Activities To Encourage Speech & Language
FREEBIE Seasonal Vocabulary Cards
Looking for something to include in your sensory bin fillers? Instantly download these FREEBIE Seasonal Vocabulary Cards to print and laminate for repeated use all year long. Sign up with your email to download to all four vocabulary sets as well as receive our weekly email and access to our ever growing free resource library. Just click here to join our resource library or on an image below!
Now that you know why sensory bins are so important go have some sensory fun! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest because we are constantly posting sensory bins in action. Drop us a comment below and let us know your favorite sensory bin fillers, activities, or ideas!
Happy sensory play, SLPs!
Kate & Mandy
Talking Mama Bears