If your child is showing signs for picky or selective eating and shows dislike for getting their hands messy, I recommend sensory bin activities! Tactile and oral input are related sensory systems. If your child is able to get their hands messy during play, they are much more likely to taste a variety of textures.
What Is a Sensory Bin?
A sensory bin is a container that contains wet and/or dry ingredients with at least one new texture your child can explore. Working with dry textures is easier than working with wet textures.
Where to Start?
Your kitchen is your best resource! You don’t have to run out and buy special materials. Your kitchen contains plenty of textures and smells your child can explore. This is also a great way to use any expired foods in your pantry. In addition, your bathroom and yard are also great resources for materials.
How to Contain the Mess:
Lying the sensory bin on a collecting blanket, sheet, shower curtain etc. will help with easy clean-up. Doing these activities outside is also a great choice!
Additional Benefits to Sensory Bins:
Your child can also simultaneously work on their fine motor skills by scooping and pouring ingredients with different kinds of utensils.
Pro-Tip:
WIth both wet and dry sensory bins, hide your child’s favorite toys inside so they can search and collect them. Bubble tongs, sand tools, ice trays, shovels, rake toys, squeeze bottles, spray bottles, and kid tongs are all very useful. Give them a task and include something they love!
Warning:
Sensory bins are only safe when the child is provided constant supervision, since they can contain choking hazards.
Dry Sensory Bin Ideas:
- Dried Pasta (I love to use fun shapes and colored pasta from natural additives, such as spinach and tomatoes) or food-dyed pasta
- Oats with ground or whole spices
- Rice with sprinkles or food-dyed rice
- Dried beans (such as pinto beans, black beans, lentils, etc.)
- Coffee beans
- Cacao powder with cornstarch
- Whole or crushed cereals
- Corn kernals
- Any kind of flour
- Cotton balls
- Sand or kinetic sand
- Dirt with rocks, leaves, pinecones, seashells, flowers, etc.
- Crinkle-strip paper used for wrapping
- Pom poms
- Feathers
Wet Sensory Bin Ideas:
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Chia seeds soaked in water
- Flour wand oil
- Cornstarch and shaving cream
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Boba pearls
- Fruit/veggie stamps (such as cut apples or celery) with condiment sauces or paints
- Cacao powder and water
- Bubble water
- Ice cubes in water
- Whole veggies and fruits (such as pumpkins) with paints