I like to keep a sensory bin handy each month for the kids to explore, usually corresponding to a theme or a holiday. It provides us with a wonderful opportunity to begin the dialogue for what kinds of activities we will be focusing on. We had the opportunity to review this chicken coop by Schleich Toys and I thought it would be the perfect foundation for our fall sensory bin!
*This post contains affiliate links. For purchases made using these links, this blog receives a small commission. Read more here.
A Perfect Fall Sensory Bin with a Cute Coop Too!
One of my favorite times of the year on the East Coast is fall. The humidity is leaving the air and a nice, cool crispness welcomes you each morning. We go apple and pumpkin picking, decorate for halloween, and brace ourselves for a cold winter ahead! This fall sensory bin is the perfect way to celebrate the coming of a season.
What you need:
- unpopped popcorn
- dried green lentils
- red pom-poms
- fine motor tools
(tweezers, tongs, etc.) - Schleich Chicken Coop (optional, but FUN)
(tweezers, tongs, etc.)
(optional, but FUN)What to do:
- In a small bin (I like to use the ones for scrapbook paper with a hinged lid) add the popcorn, lentils and pom-poms.
- Add fine motor tools, small cups, scoopers, etc. These tools promote fine motor skills while engaging in the sensory play.
- If you are using the chicken coop, nestle it into the materials and allow your children to explore the toy in the bin.
with a hinged lid) add the popcorn, lentils and pom-poms.
Sensory bins are a wonderful learning tool and are a fantastic calming activity. (Read more about my tips for calming an angry child here). As the mom of a spirited child, I am often looking for activities to keep my kids busy, engaged and calm 🙂
We discussed what kinds of things chickens like to eat, what kinds of food chickens produce for us, and made some animal sounds. My daughter (3) had so much fun opening and closing the door of the coop and ‘collecting’ eggs for breakfast. We will keep this sensory bin out for the month, and I know we will get so much use out of it! Engaging in dramatic play is such an integral part of the developmental learning process.
Why I Love This Chicken Coop!
This chicken coop is wonderfully constructed and interactive. The roof comes off and the door is hinged, allowing kids to engage in dramatic play independently. It is easy to put together (no tools necessary) and take apart. One of my son’s (4) favorite aspects was the ability to take it apart and put it back together. It is a great size for small hands and the attention to detail, like in the plastic wire, is incredible. The set comes with a farmer carrying a basket of eggs, a rooster, a chicken and some chicks. My kids have enjoyed playing with this in and out of our fall sensory bin.
Disclaimer: I have received these items for free with the hopes that I would mention the product on my blog. All opinions are my own.
See more fun fall activities for kids:
I love this! All sensory bins are awesome! But I especially love the Fall theme!!
I use cloud dough and other sensory stuff because my son can be SO full throttle. But I hadn’t actually thought of it is calming I just saw it as quiet. You’re right though it’s educational AND claiming. Until seeing your scope, I had never thought of lentils and corn as a sensory bin medium. I know my kids would love this!!!
Thank you for reading 🙂 yes it’s amazing how calming it can be- I know I catch myself playing with it with them, it’s relaxing!
This is so much fun! I will have to try something similar.
This is perfect for my daughter right now. She is all about this type of activity! Thanks for the inspiration!!