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Fall Sensory Bins for Preschoolers

Do you have preschoolers? Then you probably already know how keeping them interested and focused is key to having a few minutes to homeschool the older kiddos and sensory bins are all the rage right now. I’ve created some fall sensory bins for preschoolers to give you some ideas that you can easily re-create!

Sensory bins are a great way for kids to learn about the world around them through exploring the way things feel, smell and look. In my opinion, every household needs to try making and using a fall-themed sensory tub at some point. Several of the materials in these bins are probably already in your home, making it all the easier to put them together.  Keep reading to get some ideas for fall sensory bins for preschoolers, toddlers, and older children, too!

Fall Sensory Bins for preschoolers

Fall Sensory Bins for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are such little sponges, aren’t they?! They want to learn and explore the world. They are hungry for making sense of things, and they enjoy their experiences of discovery and investigation. Sensory bins are a perfect outlet for that. Many families create different sensory bins for their preschool-aged children on a regular basis.

In making sensory bins for preschoolers, why not take inspiration from the seasons? Toddlers and preschoolers love to learn about different holidays and celebrations through sensory play. We have made some fall sensory bins every year because it is our favorite season, and it has always been so much fun!

In making a fall sensory bin for preschoolers, consider hiding some small pumpkins or gourds in a large container filled with dry rice, lentils and beans.  You can even use several different types and colors of rice and beans so that little ones can sort by color and shape! Below, you can see a simple sensory bin with white rice that we made with preschoolers in mind (there are several additional links to fall sensory bin ideas at the bottom of this post!)

Fall Sensory Bins for Preschoolers

Adjusting for Toddlers

If you want to create an autumn sensory bin for toddlers, you’ll obviously want to make sure that you avoid any choking hazards (so no dried rice, beans, etc).

For a toddler-safe fall sensory bin, here are some items you may want to use instead:

  • Cut-up flowers (mums or daisies)
  • Giants marshmallows (they have different fall colors)
  • Pieces of crinkled paper in fall colors
  • Cheerios
  • Cane sugar

Fall Sensory Bins for Preschoolers

How to Play with a Fall Sensory Bin

Sensory bins for preschoolers can be as simple or as complex  as you want them to be. I do suggest having a designated place for the sensory bin that’s easy to sweep (and keeping a trash can nearby.)  If the sensory bin involves paint or other wet materials, I suggest considering doing it outside.

The sensory bin can go on a small table or on the floor (on a tablecloth), and the children can sit or stand during play. Once everything’s set up, the fun can begin!

Personally, I like to invite my children not come over and take a look. I let them explore while I sit back and observe. While they investigate, I pay attention to their conversations to see how much they know. I listen to their vocabulary to find out if they know the names of all the objects in the sensory bin. What do they pay attention to most?  What is completely ignored?

Then I step in. I introduce new vocabulary and review the words they already know. I give equal attention to all materials and talk about them and let the children join in the conversation. We have fun digging in, burying objects, playing with different props, and then continuing with the fun.

Fall Sensory Bins for Preschool

Do you make sensory bins for your children? What are your favorite materials to use when making fall sensory bins? Please share your ideas in the comments!

More Awesome Fall Sensory Bins Ideas

Fall Sensory Preschool Activities

All-in-One Fall Sensory Bin

Fall Sensory Bin with Practical Life and Math Activites

Fall Cornmeal Sensory Box for Toddlers

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