Sensory Bins: Simple, Powerful Play for Young Children

What Is a Sensory Bin?

A sensory bin is a shallow container filled with materials children can explore by scooping, pouring, squeezing, sorting, hiding, finding, and more. A sensory bin offers your child an open-ended way to investigate the world through touch, sight, sound, smell, and movement. Some examples of basic sensory bin materials are: dry oatmeal with measuring cups, water with floating lids, shredded paper with cardboard tubes, leaves and pinecones collected on a walk, cooked spaghetti with child-safe tongs, or uncooked rice with toy animals hidden inside.

Why Sensory Bins Support Learning

Sensory bins invite children to use many developmental skills at once. Scooping beans or oats from one cup to another strengthens hand muscles and coordination. Sorting pom-poms by color supports early math. Searching for toy letters in rice can build language and pre-literacy skills. Pouring water teaches volume, prediction, and problem solving. Because sensory play is often child-led, children also practice attention, persistence, planning, curiosity, and flexible thinking.

Sensory bins also support creativity and social/emotional learning. A child may pretend the cotton balls are snow, the pasta is dinosaur food, or the water bin is a car wash! When children play alongside siblings, friends, or adults, they can practice sharing tools, describing what they notice, asking questions, and taking turns.

Benefits for Neurodivergent Children and Children with Sensory Differences

For neurodivergent children or children with sensory processing differences, sensory bins can offer a predictable and low-pressure way to explore materials. Some children are sensitive to textures, sounds, or smells, while others seek more sensory input through digging, squeezing, pouring, or heavy scooping.  A child who seeks more input might enjoy kinetic sand, water pouring, or large pasta shapes. A child who avoids sticky textures might begin to explore by using a spoon, then touching the material with one finger, and when ready, using a whole hand.

Sensory bins can also offer a calming routine, especially when they are predictable and used during transitions. For example, “After lunch, we can play quietly with the rice bin for ten minutes” might help your child move from one part of the day to another while giving their body and brain time to settle. For these types of calming experiences, pay attention to the materials your child finds soothing. Do they prefer soft, quiet materials like fabric scraps, dry oatmeal, or cotton balls, or do they prefer scooping, pouring, or digging with kinetic sand, dry pasta, or larger washable objects? Some sensory bins even incorporate scented materials, such as lavender-scented rice. If your child is sensitive to smells or has skin allergies; unscented materials are often the safest starting point. 

Though sensory bins can support play and self-regulation, if your child’s sensory reactions cause frequent distress or interfere with dressing, bathing, eating, sleeping, preschool, or family routines, talk with your pediatrician or an occupational therapist for guidance.

Build It…And they will Play!

A sensory bin can be as simple and inexpensive as a tub, a scoop, and one safe material to explore! 

Here’s some basic building guidelines: start with a plastic storage tub, dishpan, baking tray, or cardboard box. Fill the tub, box, tray, or pan with one of these materials: uncooked oats, shredded paper, cotton balls, fabric scraps, large pasta shapes, ice cubes, water, leaves, or washable pom-poms. Add in one or more household tools such as measuring cups, spoons, child safe tongs, funnels, muffin tins, or empty containers. Finally, add a few toy cars, toy figurines, blocks, or other items of differing shapes, colors, and sizes for your child to discover.

Some Safety Considerations. 

For children who still put objects in their mouths, it’s best to avoid small, round, hard items that could be choking hazards. Supervise closely, keep materials out of mouths, and avoid water beads, which can expand if swallowed and cause serious injury. 

It’s a Good Mess

Yes, there will be some mess. Think of it as evidence of your child’s exploration and learning! Keeping bins on a washable surface can help with clean up, and simple rules such as “materials stay in the bin,” can help with mess control. A start and a stop time for sensory play can also help you supervise closely and reinforce rules. When play is done, store the materials in a resealable bag for another time. Ready to get started? Grab that empty bin, gather some materials and tools and enjoy connecting with your child as they explore! 

Sources:

National Association for the Education of Young Children: sensory activities and hands-on learning

Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center: messy play and infant/toddler exploration

American Academy of Pediatrics/HealthyChildren.org: choking prevention, occupational therapy, and water bead safety

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: choking hazards for young children

Child Mind Institute: sensory processing issues and treatment considerations