The weather is getting colder and I am in the mood for some Autumn fun. I started with this Corn Sensory Bin for Fall. This sensory bin idea was so easy to set up and my kids loved it. It’s perfect if you’re doing a Fall theme in your preschool classroom.
Or you can add in some farm animals and feed corn to them during a farm theme instead. Either way, your toddlers and preschoolers will have so much fun once they get their little hands on this sensory tub.
If you want to make your Fall themed lessons a breeze, then check out the Fall Activity Pack. It’s filled with math and literacy centers, fine motor activities and arts and crafts templates. All of which are aligned with preschool learning standards. Check it out today.
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Fall Sensory Bins
Fall is here and it’s time for some amazing Autumn themed sensory play ideas. Delight a small group of young children in your classroom with these fun ideas on your sensory tables.
- Counting Pumpkin Seeds Sensory Bin
- Rainbow Oats Sensory Bin
- Apple tree sensory bin
- Pumpkin Boats Sensory Bin
- Fall Sensory Bag
For more ideas, visit 25 Fall Sensory Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
Materials Needed
1. Dried corn kernels
2. Craft Leaves
3. A plastic tub
4. Sensory tools (like spoons, bowls and jugs)
How to set up a corn sensory bin for fall.
Step 1: Place the corn and dried leaves into the plastic tub.
The corn kernels will be the base material for your Fall sensory bin. While they may be considered taste safe, they do pose a choking hazard. Please make certain that there is adult supervision of your children at all times while playing with this sensory activity.
I used craft leaves and toilet roll trees to decorate the corn kernel sensory bin, but you can add whatever you like. Some more great options that I particularly like include pine cones, dry pasta, glass gems, or corn husks. Or better yet, get your kids to design their own sensory bins by letting them choose what sensory materials they want to play with that day.
To make toilet roll trees I just cut the top half of the cardboard tube into 8 sections, then bent them outwards to make branches.
2. Give your kids the spoons, bowls, and jugs and let them scoop, pour and play as they wish.
While the small items around the sensory bin are fun to explore, they’re not what hold your child’s attention for long. I often find that after 5 minutes of exploring all of the fun materials, they inevitably end up on the side.
In reality, the best part of any sensory bin is getting in there and doing lots of scooping. I love to include measuring cups or small jars, an ice cube tray and various scoops. My small children have a great time exploring the different ways the sensory bin base falls and flows from one container to another.
This is one of the many benefits of sensory bins, they provide a perfect opportunity for younger children to strengthen fine motor skills, practice essential life skills and do a bit of measuring and math.
3. Enjoy learning.
FAQ’s
What kind of corn is used for sensory bins?
Dried popcorn kernels from your local grocery store are the easiest way to get corn for sensory play. However, you can also get bags of corn from your local farm supply store. This type of corn can be stored in an airtight container to be used again and again.
If you prefer, you can use fresh or cooked corn. However this kind of corn can only be used once and may be an issue if you are conscious of wasting food.
What makes a good sensory bin?
A good sensory bin is one that is safe to play with while exposing your children to different textures, sounds and smells. Engaging more than once sense (eg, touch and smell) is particularly beneficial to small children when trying a new sensory experience.
What items go in a sensory bin?
Essentially, anything you like. As long as the item is safe to play with and age appropriate. Young children, such as babies and toddlers, are best starting with taste-safe sensory bins or sensory bags and bottles. These are perfect for little ones who still love to put everything in their mouths.
What age do you start sensory bins?
You can start sensory play from the time babies are about 4 months old. Placing sensory toys in front of your baby while they are involved in tummy time is a great way to distract them while they develop their core muscles.
How do you make sensory bins mess-free?
A lot of people avoid sensory bins because they don’t like the mess. However, there are a few things you can do to make this activity (almost) mess-free.
My number 1 tip for sensory bin play is to put a blanket down first. And then put your sensory bin on top of it.
The blanket helps in two major ways:
1. It catches all of the corn and leaves.
When your kids are finished playing, all you need to do is to lift up the corners of the blanket and pour the sensory bin filler back into its tub. No need to sweep everything up off the floor by hand.
2. The blanket acts as a visual barrier.
Telling my kids to not spill anything out of the tub never worked for me. However, telling them to “Keep it on the blanket” has.
This means that my kids are still able to fulfill that need to dump everything. But it doesn’t compromise my need to have everything be easy to clean up. It’s a win-win for all of us.
Are you going to try this corn sensory bin for fall with your kids?
Don’t forget to Pin the idea for later.
87 Pages of Fall themed play based learning activities. Perfect for preschool and kindergarteners.
