dinosaur sensory bin

The kidlets have been enjoying a dinosaur dig sensory bin.



The base is a combination of sand, beans lentils, seeds, abalone shell pieces and some amber necklace beads.  Lots of different colours and textures.  I added a dinosaur skull (an aquarium accessory), dinosaur skeletons (found at a dollar store) and at dinosaur skull and fossil toob.  A couple of magifying  glasses and some small paintbrushes finished off the bin.

Each time I put a bin out for the kidlets to explore, they add their experiences, ideas and learning needs.  

Some kids make a story directly connected to the bin.  
My little paleontologists, buried, excavated, and carefully brushed the sand away from their finds. 

Sometimes a story is made with the bin materials that is loosely connected to the bin.
These boys used the dino skull to make a volcano that would erupt and kill all the dinosaurs.  All observed by a 21st century scientist who entered the era through a portal.  

Other times, the story that evolves has nothing to do with the bin.  And that's okay.
When I asked what story she was making, I was told that this was a birthday cake. "Cause it's my little brother's birthday soon".  

Other times the sensory aspect of the bin is most important. 
My friend spent a few minutes enjoying the sensation of the and and beans running through his fingers.  

I love the learning opportunities that sensory bins bring to my classroom.  

I love the environment being the third teacher.  And the kids supporting each other's experience and learning.





            

20 comments

  1. I think you should either write a book about sensory bins or do a Month long blog seminar about them or something. I always love seeing what you do, but I never seem to be able to do my own. I need everything...how you collect things, what the bins look like, how often you change them, etc.

    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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    Replies
    1. I think we should meet in the middle of the continent, have a wonderful meal together, and then make some sensory bins together.

      I will think about doing a DIY sensory bin series during the summer.

      sandi

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  2. I concur. Teach me.

    ~Heather
    http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com
    http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Meek-Moose

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    Replies
    1. Wouldn't it be fun if we could all beam to each other's classrooms and learn from each other.

      sandi

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  3. Love your sensory bins Sandi! Where do you keep all the stuff for them each time you change them out!?

    Renee
    The Reading Corner

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    Replies
    1. I keep all my sensory bin contents in 5 gallon zip loc baggies when they are not in use. They are kept in an over flowing rubbermaid container.

      sandi

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  4. Awesome idea and material for a dino dig. Can't wait to a dino week here!

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  5. I should start doing the sensory bins. They look like fun!

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    Replies
    1. They are a lot of fun - to play in and to put together.

      sandi

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  6. Oh wow! This must be their favourite!
    I agree with Kimberley.

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    Replies
    1. The kids really like the hats and vests. i am thinking of adding dress up accessories to other bins. Need to find 3 pirate hats for the pirate bin.

      sandi

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  8. In addition to Monday Kid Corner Weekly Linky Party, this week's theme is WATER. Brush off those archives and link them up at http://thejennyevolution.com/category/linky-parties/monday-kid-corner/ See you there! Jennifer

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  9. What a fab idea love it my little one would have hours of fun. found you on we made that.com

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  10. We will be featuring your post on a HUGE list of Rainy Day Summer Play activities on Share It Saturday this weekend! We will be sharing with all of our followers on our social media sites (including group boards and communities!!) Thanks for sharing with us at Share It Saturday!

    Colleen at http://www.sugaraunts.com

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  11. Oh, how fun!! We did something similar with a sand box that we keep changing. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

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  12. Thanks for linking up Monday Kid Corner Weekly Linky Party. The next party goes live tomorrow and this week’s theme is SIDEWALK CHALK. Be sure to brush off those archives as well and link them up at http://thejennyevolution.com/category/linky-parties/monday-kid-corner/ See you there! Jennifer

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  13. What a fun idea! I love this! I can't wait for my girls to get older to do these types of sensory bins. Right now they still put everything in their mouths. I think my 2 year old is getting close though. :-)

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  14. This is awesome! Thanks so much for linking up with Montessori Monday. I featured your post at the Living Montessori Now Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LivingMontessoriNow (and pinned it to my Dinosaur Unit Study board).

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