Inside: Sand sensory bin for toddlers and preschoolers.

Looking to change up your sensory bin? I’ve got you.

We played with sand, …and all is calm to tell you about it.

Now, I know. The majority of us believe sand should stay where it belongs.

THE BEACH. Amiright?!

But here is the difference when you bring sand into your home and use it for sensory play. It does not mix with water. Keeping your sand dry makes it a lot easier to vacuum and carry on to cooking dinner post-clean-up.

The bonus perk with a sand sensory bin?

You don’t even need to sneak home a bag of sand from your next trip to Mexico. (insert me dreaming about my next beach trip) In fact, sand can be found at most craft stores along with Amazon. Because, duh, what doesn’t Amazon carry? Straight to your door in 48 hours. Yes, please.

RELATED: Curious what to do with your toddler and preschooler all day? These activity cards will help.

Exploring Texture. The real sensory bin win.

Exploring different textures is the way children navigate themselves through the world around them.

From very early on they discover sensory textures such as:

• cold

• hot

• smooth

• rough

• slimy

• bumpy

• silky

• wet

• dry

Every touch is stimulating the brain sending new information to connect with what has already been learned.

Touch and textures are one of the most valuable tools you can share with your toddler and preschooler.

And look!

Here’s my 18-month-old ready for play. You can use a sand sensory bin with your one-year-old, along with asking your three-year-old to join. Multi-age play win!

RELATED: 40+ BEST ACTIVITIES FOR ONE-YEAR-OLDS

Sand sensory bins are simple to make!

You don’t need much to make sand sensory play inviting. In fact, I took a quick look around my home and viola! A sand sensory bin was born.

Materials:

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The sand timer seals tight but does come loose with pressure. You want to keep this close to your plastic bin.

If you want to use sand that molds together and is less grainy, try kinetic sand.

 

 

 

Remember, your one-year-old is in sensory play ‘training”.

Do I allow my one-year-old to climb into the sand sensory bin?

Yes. Feeling texture on little feet is a wonderful experience.

Do I allow my one-year-old to fill up his measuring cup and walk it around the kitchen?

I do NOT.

Keep in mind you are helping your one-year-old understand boundaries.

In this case, I reinforce using key phrases:

“Let’s put the sane INTO the bin. Can you come to POUR it in here?” – point to the bin

“We keep the sand in the bin. Let’s see if you can DUMP it right here??” – point to where you want the sand to go.

If these do not work, and sand gets thrown, keep in mind that your one-year-old is learning. Remain calm and remove them from the play area. You can say, “We do not throw the sand.” as you walk them away.

Then try again later in the afternoon or another day. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Training for sensory play now will pay off later.

RELATED: Want a step by step? You will be ready after reading here how to introduce sensory bins to toddlers.

Ready to dive into Sand Sensory Play?

Remember, don’t overthink your supplies.

Once you have the sand, the rest will fall into place. Measuring cups and muffin tins may be all you need.

Now sit back, and watch the magic of sensory play.

RELATED: 50+ Play Ideas will have you set year-round!