Ocean Sensory Bin

Ocean Sensory Bin

Sensory bins are a wonderful way to introduce new tactile experiences and food play to your child helping them to become more comfortable with new foods and snacks! 

Supplies: 

-Dyed rice

-Goldfish snacks or any other ocean or pond themed snacks

-Ocean animals

-Scoopers

-Large bin for storage

To dye your rice: 

Add a few drops of food coloring of your choice to a gallon Ziplock bag and mix with 1 table spoon of rubbing alcohol. Add in 1 cup of rice and shake in bag until the rice is colored to your liking. Allow to dry on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. 

Examples of play schemes to try with goldfish snacks: 

-Fishing or "catch the fish" game with scoopers

-Ask your child to scoop up as many goldfish in the scoopers as they can and have them count them out. pour the rice back in and try again! 

-Baby shark/mommy shark

-Engage in imaginary play by acting out pretending to be a shark family catching and eating fish for dinner. Act out eating the goldfish with dramatic play and see if your child will copy. Will your child let the goldfish "tickle" their arms? "kiss their cheeks"? Will they give a kiss to the goldfish? This game can help your child to become comfortable playing with food and to take steps towards eating a new snack!