bead sensory bin

We have been playing with beads.


You know that jar of beads at the back of the cupboard.  Someone probably gave them to you a couple of years ago.  You said, "yes, please - there are so many things we can do with beads".  And they have sat there collecting dust ever since.

That's what happened to me.  Until I pulled them out of the cupboard and introduced them to some new lovely round chocolate (white, milk and dark) coloured balls and some other cool shaped beads I found at Michaels.

I added some thrift shop finds:  wooden salad bowls, wooden salad tongs, a wooden candlestick, wooden napkin rings, and a small basket.  The beautiful wooden spoon was carved for us by a local First Nations elder.

I love all the natural colours mixed together.  I love the feel of the beads. We had to talk about how I loved the quiet sound that they made connecting with each other (but not the sound when they crashed into each other.)   And I love the creativity and stories the kidlets brought to the bin.


After a few days, I added some pipe cleaners.  Excellent concentration on fine motor skills.  Patterning.  Bracelets. Designs.  An extra dimension of planning. 


The bead bin has moved on to another classroom for other kidlets to enjoy.  It felt kind of sad to see it go.  But, it's good to know that children are playing, talking, creating, sorting, patterning, touching, and adding new life to the bead bin.  


And we will always have our memories ...






10 comments

  1. I have been loving the idea of sensory bins. I just haven't figured out to make them second gradish.
    ~Heather
    The Meek Moose

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh very cool. I actually have a bunch of beads. Hmm...

    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a beautiful bin. I love the simple colors and earth tones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you. I love it too. I was a bit concerned that the kids would not find it captivating enough. But they loved it too.

      Delete
  4. love the colors and materials in this. am pinning and featuring at my site for the weekly kid's co-op. http://www.crayonfreckles.com/2013/05/weekly-kids-co-op-sensory-bin-galore.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for including the bead bin in your Weekly Co-op. Looking forward to seeing other sensory bins.

      Delete
  5. Okay, love the bead bin. The smoothness of the beads, different shapes, colours and textures. I think I will definitely add this to my wish list. Maybe my next visit to the recycling depot will net me some wooden beads. Thanks for sharing, Liz

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for stopping by to add your post to the bead sensory bin linky :) I like how pretty it looks with the wooden bowls & spoons.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sandi, I've already told you how much I love this idea but hadn't left a comment before. Still on the hunt for more beads for my own bin :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am sharing this wonderful post on bead binning on The Sunday Showcase today!

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top