Easy Seashell Sensory Bin for Kids
This Seashell Sensory Bin is a simple activity that toddlers and preschoolers will love. Perfect for a Summer or ocean theme in your classroom or as a fun surprise for kids at home. Either way, this simple idea is the perfect way to keep little hands busy and get kids learning through play.
Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times.
The Summer break can be tough on parents who aren’t used to having their kids home every day. If you’re trying to get ready for this Summer, then start with these Summer activities for kids. Or invest in the Summer Activity Pack, which is filled with educational ideas for young kids.
Table of Contents
Materials Needed
- A large tub
- Blue water beads
- Sea Shells
- Sensory bin tools (cups, spoons, bowl, etc)
How to Make a Seashell Sensory Bin
1. Fill the tub with water beads.
Place your blue water beads in your tub. I had 2 bottles of water beads in this tub, which was plenty. You can always use 1 bottle of water beads and a smaller tub for this sensory activity instead, if you don’t want to buy 2 bottles of the same color.
I find that water beads are great sensory bin fillers. Not only do they feel amazing but you can wash them and keep them for another day and another sensory experience. However, they are not taste-safe. So if you are starting to do sensory play with babies or younger toddlers, I recommend starting off with any of these taste-safe sensory activities instead.
2. Add in your seashells.
I used the same collection of seashells and starfish that I used for my taste-safe beach theme sensory bin. Even though my kids have played with them before, they still loved taking a closer look at these shells and doing a little bit of math with them.
3. Enjoy playing.
Now you can grab your sensory bin tools and just enjoy exploring all of the different textures and items in this simple sensory bin.
Different Ways To Play
1. Sort by size.
I love how you can do a lot of math with sensory table ideas. For example, you can arrange the different shells from biggest to smallest. A simple math concept that young kids will need to learn for school.
2. Sort by type.
Group the shells by type. In this case we classified them into their different shapes, the “cone” shape or “clam” shape, but you can also sort by color. This is a great way for kids to practice visual discrimination which is essential for early literacy skills.
3. Add some water
When your kids are tired of exploring all the wonderful textures, add in a little bit of water. I find that adding in water at the end of some sensory bins extends how long my kids play for. Water play is an easy way to get an extra 5 minutes of peace in the middle of a hectic day, and this trick works for kids of all ages.
More Fun Sensory Bin Ideas for Summer
If you want more summer themed sensory bin ideas then check these out. These educational activities are a fun way to get young kids playing at learning.
- Ocean Sensory Bin
- Sea Foam Sensory Bin
- Ice Sensory Bin
- Ocean Sensory Bottles
- Beach Sand Cloud Dough
For more ideas, take a look at these 25 Summer sensory activities.
Summer Activity Pack
Educational printables for preschoolers and kindergarteners for this Summer.
Are you going to make this Seashell Sensory Bin for your kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.
