When we think of St. Patrick’s day, we think of surprises, green, exploration, and fun. This is a chance to get creative with supplies you may have around the house (or at your local dollar tree), and make a fun activity for you and your child to do together. Looking for a few ideas to get you started? Look no further because we have you covered!
This is one of our personal favorites, because it is a great way to explore different textures, receive input through the tactile system, improve fine motor skills and support language development all at once in a controlled environment. Drum roll please……sensory bins! Below we have outlined ways to create and utilize a sensory bin at home with your child.
The beautiful thing about sensory bins: they can be created with every-day items. You don’t have to go far for most things- even consider creating a sensory bin with things you already have in your home! For example, items that have been sitting in your cupboard for forever (hello old bagged rice and dried beans on the back shelf) are perfect additions. Add your child’s favorite toy mixed with cups, spoons, and funnels for play and you’re on your way to a perfectly engaging sensory bin. The possibilities are endless with a little creativity and an open mind for using everyday items as an outlet for sensory exploration.
Here at Building Blocks, we will be using items mentioned below for our kids to explore with their senses, improve fine motor skills, and promote cognitive and language development. They will also work to improve self regulation and provide calming strategies for each child’s neurological system.
At-home St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin Ideas:
Sensory Bin 1 (arguably the messier of the two examples)
- Green liquid soap OR green jello
- Gold coins
- Buttons or beads
- Sparkles
- Various green items (i.e. cactus, alligator, grapes, turtle, green car, etc.
- Ziplock bag (optional if sensitive to touch)
Sensory Bin 2
- For the filler: green grass, green pom poms, pipe cleaners, dried rice/beans, etc.
- Lucky charms
- Gold coins
- Different textured items (i.e. felt bow, smooth rock, velcro pieces, poppers)
- Various green items (i.e. cactus, alligator, grapes, turtle, green car, etc.)
Feel free to add or remove things as you’d like! While playing with these bins, take it as an opportunity to talk about what you’re feeling, seeing, smelling, etc. This is all about exploration and learning through our senses.
BONUS IDEA:
When in doubt, grab a book! I get that our days can quickly become hectic with less than enough time or energy to plan activities. When you find yourself having one of these days, it’s nice to have a book on hand to use. Shout out to Amazon overnight shipping for allowing us to be so last-minute in times of need. Even though St. Patrick’s day is right around the corner, if you throw some of these books in your cart, they’ll be here faster than a leprechaun finds its pot of gold.
Books can be used to target just about anything including sequencing, vocabulary, expanding sentences, story comprehension, joint attention, articulation, and so much more. Here are some that I am planning to use in my sessions next week!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
