Sensory Table Activities for Preschoolers

9/3/2021

Sensory Table Activities for Preschoolers

Are you looking for some new sensory table activity ideas, or a list of items you can add to your sensory table? You've come to the right spot! A sensory table or bin can be used for much more than than just scooping and pouring! It can be transformed into a vessel for children to explore all of their senses, nature and the world around them.

Below you will find a variety of suggested items to add to your sensory table! Be sure to download your free copy of my sensory bin checklists at the bottom of this post!

What is a Sensory Bin?

A sensory bin (or table) is a tool used by professionals to help young kids develop in several areas. It is the perfect activity to help kids play independently all afternoon long and help their minds grow through play.

This type of activity has been used in preschools all around the world for decades and the benefits been studied for decades.

A sensory bin is a small plastic tub of interesting sensory toys that appeal to different senses to help kids grow in different areas. They are used for so many things and a popular form of play for preschoolers.

What are the Benefits of using a Sensory Bin?

Developing Skills in preschool is all about creating an educational foundation that will last a lifetime. Not only are sensory bins the perfect tool to help your students' minds grow, but they are an engaging way to play that your preschoolers will love.

Sensory Exploration
Build Physical Development Skills (Fine Motor Skills, Core)
Encourage Cooperative Play
Oral language development
Self Regulation (calming)
Creativity (Small World Play)
Imagination
Explore Capacity, Volume, Measurement
Critical thinking skills

Sensory Bins Equipment

Sensory bins are a simple and cost effective way to help your preschooler play. In fact, there is a good chance that you can create a sensory bin with items you already have in your classroom or home.

Some simple low cost types of sensory containers and tools you can use:

Containers ( plastic shoe box, larger plastic bin, a baking dish, baby bath, large plastic bowl, inflatable pool or dish pan).
Scooping tools like shovels or spoons in different sizes.
Tools to pick up objects. This can look like tweezers, tongs or pipette if you are using liquid.
Holders. This is an object that can hold your bin fillers like a cup, trays, empty ice cube tray, bowls or the back of a dump truck.

More Sensory Bin Container Ideas

If you are short on space, a sensory table can be interchanged with a single bin or bowl set on a low table or the floor. Rather than a bin, you can create a sensory invitation using a tray or basket that you place on table or shelf.

Instead of an open bin, or table, smaller items can be added to childproof bottles, and tubes for younger children to explore safely.

Sensory bottles created by member Kathleen S.

A search on the internet for a DIY sensory bin will yield many low cost DIY options. You can easily build one from PVC piping, or simply cut a hole in low table (such as a coffee table) and slip a plastic bin inside.

A DIY Sensory table I made from PVC piping and a plastic bin (filled with cooked dyed spaghetti)

Another low cost option is the table from IKEA. It's small lightweight size is great for home childcare providers with smaller spaces. The two trofast bins inside the table can be removed and stored, and the covers it comes with allow the table to be used for table top activities.

Tools to add to your Sensory Bin/Table

Fill your bin with a variety tools and holders that will allow children to manipulate the base. These objects can also help young children improve skills such as fine motor skills, sorting, etc.

Types of Sensory Bin Fillers

There are so many types of different fillers you can add to your bin as a base - don't forget to download our free sensory bin guide for tons of ideas! Almost any object that you can imagine can be used to help your kids play.

Fillers are typically categorized into two categories- wet and dry.
Safety Note: It's important to consider the age, and developmental stages of the children in your care when selecting a base.

Here are a few suggested wet and dry sensory bin fillers:

Dry items

Dried Beans like pinto or chickpea
Coffee (this one smells really good)
Rice
Sand
Colored Pom Pom Balls

Wet items

Warm water
Soap and water
Mud
Shaving cream
Download our free guide with even more ideas!

A few examples of sensory bin ideas our readers have shared over the years:

Sensory Bin Activity Ideas

Creating a sensory bin for your class doesn't have to be overwhelming! In fact, all it takes is a few things to make an interactive activity that your students will love.

In addition you exploring your senses, you can also set up sensory bins to learn more about different seasons and different themes!

Some areas to explore are:
Senses

Touch: Explore touch! Add a variety of different tools and textured items to explore the concepts of smooth, rough, soft, and bumpy etc. (try a new filler that feels different like shaving cream or kinetic sand)
Smell: (add in a cinnamon stick or fresh evergreen branches)
Sight: Invite children to explore their sense of sight! Add objects and tools that allow them to explore colors, and light! (add in different colored pom poms for a vibrant bin)
Sound: (Use different materials that make sounds like a bell or a tambourine)
Taste: (For individual bins, let them play with jello or explore different sliced fruit)

Seasons & Themes

Seasonal Objects: pumpkin seeds in the fall and dirt and rocks in the spring
Animal Bins: use sand and plastic animals to observe their tracks, build their habitat and observe their needs
Holidays: use holiday inspired bins to help learn the sights and sounds of different events. This could look like bells at Christmas, red hearts during Valentine's day, and any other event you want to highlight.

Teacher Tips for using Sensory Bins with Students

For success, here are a few tricks to make sure the bins are well received and easy to manage!

DIY Sensory bin and anti fatigue mat created by member Sheena W.

Easier Clean-Up

Make clean up a breeze by adding a plastic tablecloth, shower curtain, sheet, drop cloth, butcher paper, newspaper, washable rug or mat under the table/bin. Keep a small hand broom, and dustpan near by and teach the children how to sweep with it. Keep old towels nearby for easy clean up as well.

Materials to avoid

Keep in mind that some materials might not be the best for your students. Always take into account any allergies as well as the age of your students.
Since some of the fillers are choking hazards, you want to make sure the students are old enough to avoid putting any materials in their mouths.
I would also advise you to avoid using styrofoam and raw kidney beans in your sensory bins. It's messy, a huge choking hazard and not worth the risk.

Tips for Storing your Bins

It's a smart idea to mix up what is in your sensory bin every few weeks or so. This helps keep the activity fresh and engaging!

For safe and easy storage you can store dry fillers in either plastic containers or gallon sized ziplock bags.

For individual bins, you can also store the bins with a lid in a cabinet or closet.
This is the perfect activity for a busy morning when you don’t have much time to set up.

Tips for introducing sensory bins

When it comes to sensory bins in your classroom, students will probably have several reactions. Typically there is some curiosity, excitement and a little apprehension.
Keep in mind that some sensory bins may trigger sensory issues that make your students uncomfortable so never force a child to play. Instead, spend some time demonstrating how to play with the materials provided in the sensory bin and present opportunities for the child to try.
Keep in mind that some play will be messy and that includes sensory bins. There is a chance that some rice, shaving cream, or any other filler may end up on the floor. My best advice is to remind your students to do their best to keep the materials in the bin and involve them in any clean up afterwards.