Young toddlers are constantly learning. There whole world is so new to them. Sensory experiences are essential to development. These can be created in a sensory table or a low storage bin. Young toddlers can learn so many different skills using a sensory table (bin). They can work on fine motor skills by scooping, grasping and moving. They are learning the way different things feel. Young toddlers are going to get the most out of a sensory table (bin) when they are allowed to explore it on their own, with supervision of course.
When you are deciding what to include in your sensory table you need to take into consideration the Young Toddlers that will be using the sensory table (bin). Our young toddler does not usually put things in her mouth, we are lucky there. However, she loves to dump out the bin! I take that into consideration when creating our sensory table (bin), so right now she does not get super small pieces like rice. She does not get them because I do not want to clean it up constantly.
Harvest sensory ideas for the bin:
Colored Rice/Beans
Corn Kernels
Clay Cornucopia
Plastic Fruits and Vegetables
Rake
Baskets
Hay/Straw
Gourds
Pumpkins
Cranberries (can be very small)
Bowls
Thanksgiving additional sensory items:
Feathers
Turkeys
“Indian” corn
You may have these items around your home that you can use. You may be able to collect things outdoors like leaves, acorns and pine cones. The local dollar store usually has seasonal items that will help you create great sensory bins without the expense.
Colors to include:
Brown
Orange
Yellow/Gold
Red
Green
Keep in mind that sensory bins do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Start looking at what you might have around your home for the sensory table/bin. Then see if you can collect things for free. Do you know a farmer? They might be able to give you some field corn or hay. Have you visited a pumpkin farm or are you planning on it? You can usually pick up mini gourds and pumpkins for less than $1 each. If you do need to purchase items give yourself a budget and head out to see what you can find. Don’t forget to stop at your local dollar store. It might surprise you. Also, go to them on different sides of town. They might have different items.