Engaging the senses in a variety of ways helps preschoolers to learn and retain information better. Sensory tubs provide different methods of experiencing sight, touch, sound, smell, and sometimes, taste. By experiencing and examining a wide range of materials children will build cognitive skills, improve social development, and increase creativeness. These sensory bin ideas for girls (and boys!) are sure to please!
Sensory Bin Ideas for Girls
Fairy Garden
Fairies and flowers will have girls enchanted in this sensory bin idea. Fill the bin with dried rice dyed any color of choice (pink seems to be a favorite). Add a handful of colorful sequins, glitter, and beads to make it sparkle and give it that whimsical feel. Mix in some fabric flower petals, artificial leaves, and twigs. Of course, let’s not forget the fairies! As children engage in this fairy garden, imaginations will run wild with adventures in the land of the pixies.
Rainbow Clouds
Girls will have fun making colorful fluffy clouds while learning a little about art and science. To create a foamy cloud, simply put a bar (or half a bar) of Ivory soap in the microwave for about a minute. Be sure to have it on a microwavable or paper plate. Stop the microwave when the soap no longer expands and, behold, a big bubbly cloud! Gently remove it from the microwave and slide it off the plate and into the sensory bin. Let it cool before children begin to explore and imagine. Offer an array of watercolor paints or just water mixed with food coloring to paint the clouds. Toddlers can use their hands, paintbrushes, or pipettes to administer the different colors and watch them disperse through the clouds. After playing awhile in the fluffy clouds, they will begin to turn into a mushy liquid for additional sensory experiences.
Noodle Cart
Sticky, stringy, slimy noodles and pastas create endless fun while exploring kitchen cuisines. Adding cooked spaghetti, ziti, and other noodles to the bin can easily produce this sensory tub idea. Make the noodles colorful by dying the pasta beforehand or after with food coloring. Add in a variety of food shaped pieces to encourage imaginative play and discovery. Squeezing, stretching, and sorting will have girls squealing with laughter.
Princess Play
Almost every girl dreams of being a princess at one time or another. Whether it’s Cinderella at the ball or Elsa from Frozen, the princess theme will always be a hit for little girls. To design a princess sensory tub, all you need is some Epsom salt mixed with a handful of play diamonds, jewels, and sequins. Add a crown, a boa, and a princess dress to wear and girls will enjoy playing, imagining and dreaming in this princess inspired sensory tub.
Tea Party
This sensory tub helps children to discover and learn by using a range of senses. By hosting a tea party, seeing, smelling, and tasting can be experienced. Begin by gathering the necessities, such as a teapot, cups, and saucers and set them in the bin. Pour the contents of different flavored tea bags in separate cups and fill the teapot with lukewarm water. Help children pour the water into some of the cups. Encourage them to get messy as they feel the dried tea and then the tea mixed with water. Let them smell it, and even taste it, if they want. Don’t let the girls play alone. Invite some of their animal friends and dollies to enjoy the tea party, too.
What type of sensory bin play do your girls enjoy? Share with us below!