So, before I give a more detailed listing of all the potential possibilities for fillers, tools and extras, you might be asking yourself, "What is the purpose of a Sensory Bin?" This article from PBS, Sensory Play: Early Exploration Through the Senses, is the best explanation I have found so far. The only thing I would like to add is that these bins are not only for toddlers and preschoolers. With small accommodations, all ages and abilities can benefit from their usage.
The beauty of the use of the Sensory Bin is there is no right or wrong way to put them together or use them. The endless "ingredients" and combinations make them great as bridging activities to reinforce learning new concepts or an impromptu time filler.
When I start to piece together a bin I usually use a shoe box sized plastic container. This allows for small hands to play, but not too much of a mess should their creativity get out of hand. When the weather is nice outside I also setup a larger bin, that was designed for Christmas wreath storage, that everyone can sit around.
Fillers:
water
ice
pasta, uncooked
rice, uncooked
beans, uncooked
sand
kinetic sand
water beads
shredded paper
popcorn, unpopped
ribbon
fabric
leaves
petals
oats
fake snow
rock salt
beads
buttons
pom poms
pebbles
bird seed
Tools:
spoon, table or serving
slotted spoon
tongs
chopsticks
measuring cups or spoons
funnels
dropper
tweezers
sieve
watering can
Extras:
small animals
cars
letters
numbers
shapes
glitter
sequins
*whatever you can think of*
