Sensory Bin Challenge: Corn!

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This is a super easy, amazingly engaging, inexpensive, fall-themed sensory bin that your preschoolers will love!


If you have not taken the plunge into sensory bins, this is a fantastic place to start.  Corn is easy to get and the kids love the texture!  When I put out the bin full of corn, the first thing our preschoolers did was run their fingers through the corn...over and over!


They seriously loved the texture and the way it fell through their fingers.  Then, of course, they had to see how it fell on their arms and feet too:


Pretty soon, though, they wanted to get "tools."  Our preschoolers took to the kitchen and pulled out spoons, ladles, spatulas, and several other kitchen tools to make their sensory bin a regular kitchen work box!


Even the one-year olds pulled out little buckets to put handfuls of corn in!


I had to laugh when my daughter wanted to use a spoon to see if she could catapult the corn through the air!



Sensory bins can have a calming effect on children and can help ease difficult transitions.  Research also shows that sensory activities can actually build synapses between neurons in the brain, help kiddos develop cognitively, and strengthen problem solving skills,  I have found sensory activities particularly engaging for children with sensory processing and attention issues.  I have seen these kiddos spend more time in a sensory bin than in almost any other activity.

The monthly Sensory Bin Challenge is organized by the wonderful Little Bins for Little Hands.  It is easy to do, and has such rich rewards.  Simply set out a bucket with the monthly filler (this month is corn) and let your kiddos do the rest.  Sometimes the kids add toys, tools, or other props.  Sometimes they don't.  Either way is fine--this is their chance to explore.  


I love how you can use it as an afternoon activity, a transition, a "busy box" while you fix dinner, or anything in between!  

So what do you think?  Will you join us for the monthly sensory bin challenge?  Do you use sensory bins?  Do you have any questions about them?  

Be sure to check out these other bloggers who are sharing their experiences with the Corn Sensory Bin Challenge! 





I may share at any of these parties!



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