Providing a variety of ways to learn, sensory tubs allow preschoolers to discover new ideas and concepts by using one, some, or all of their senses. Seeing, touching, smelling, hearing, and sometimes even, tasting can all be done through hands-on activities using sensory bins or tables. Educating play with sensory tubs can be wet, dry, or mixture of both. Sensory play can get messy and that is okay. Here are some sensory tub ideas that boys might like to explore.
Sensory Tub Ideas for Boys
Swamp Water Sensory Bin
These gooey, green, and slimy experiences will have children laughing and learning while they investigate this makeshift swamp. For this bin idea you will need a sensory tub, lime gelatin, some swamp creatures like snakes, turtles, gators and frogs, and a few lily pads and plastic plants. Prepare the lime gelatin and pour into the bin to congeal. Objects and toys can be added into the gelatin before it sets, after it sets, or both for multiple sensory activities. Once the tub is filled with all the materials, preschoolers can go to town exploring murky waters by squishing, squeezing and pretend playing.
Construction Site Sensory Bin
Building, scooping and dumping are a few of the skills children will learn while playing with a construction site themed sensory table. Gather items such as sand, rocks, grains like dry rice and beans, cars, trucks, and even building blocks to stock the tub with. Offer a few toy tools and a hard hat to wear and toddlers can discover and investigate through sorting, tracing, and stacking in this construction site bin.
Bugs in the Grass Sensory Bin
Searching, sorting, and playing in the grass with all kinds of bugs make this sensory tub idea a hit! Line the bin with artificial grass (such as Easter grass), and then fill it with a bunch of bugs and butterflies. Provide a magnifying glass, a pair of tongs, and maybe a bug box for children to catch a variety of different insects to be studied.
Pirate’s Life Sensory Bin
Toddlers can explore the life of a pirate by searching for treasure and steering pirate ships. This sensory bin idea can be both dry and wet, if you want. Divide the tub in two sections and fill one part with sand and the other with water. If actual water is not an appealing or a doable option, an alternative would be to use water beads instead. In the sand, bury bead necklaces, gold coins and other items for preschoolers to collect as they search for hidden treasures. In the water, add ocean animals and pirate ships that can be sailed around for exploration. Facilitate additional pretend play by providing a treasure map and list of materials to find including items like rocks, jewels, and marbles.
Outer Space Sensory Bin
With this outer space sensory bin, early learners can take a trip to the moon and beyond. Using black beans or rocks, plastic or foam planets, glow in the dark stars, rocket ships, and Playfoam, toddlers will have blast discovering the depths of outer space.
What are some of your favorite sensory bin ideas for boys? Share them with us below!