Colored Salt and Black Bean Space Sensory Bin

This space sensory bin uses colored salt and beans to create a fun space scene for kids to play in. Play with the PJ Masks and their Mission to the Moon!

This post is sponsored by Entertainment One and Scholastic. Although I received compensation, all opinions expressed are my own.

One of our favorite shows to watch is PJ Masks. My preschoolers love the action and adventure of the show, and all have their favorite characters. We are so excited about their Mission to the Moon adventure! This colored–salt sensory bin provides plenty of space-themed pretend play with our favorite PJ Masks characters.

Space Sensory Bin with the PJ Masks Mission to the Moon

This sensory bin uses colored salt, aluminum foil and black beans to create a space-themed sensory bin for the PJ Masks’ new Mission to the Moon adventure. Sensory play is a really great medium for pretend play, as studies have shown that when the senses are engaged, kids retain and process information better.

By adding characters or a theme that kids are interested in, this further captures their interest in the play and allows their creativity and imagination to flourish.

What you need to create this space sensory bin:

plastic bin or box (we like to use this wooden crate as a sensory bin, but a plastic bin works just as well – and if you have a lid for yours, you can close it up and save the contents to bring the bin out another day!)
dry black beans
table or rock salt
black and white tempera paint
PJ Masks toys
aluminum foil

How to assemble the space sensory bin:

Before assembling the space sensory bin, you need to color the salt. Do this by simply adding some black and white tempera paint to plain salt (rock or table depending on how fine or coarse you want the play to be) and mix.

Allow the salt to dry completely before playing. Spreading the salt on a baking sheet and placing it by the window will speed up the process a bit!

Once your colored salt is dry, you can assemble the bin!

Place the salt in the bin and press it together into a round shape, this will be the Moon. Add some aluminum foil balls to the salt to create moon rocks.

Around the salt moon, add the dry black beans. This will be the night sky!

Once the salt, beans and foil are in the container, it will look like outer space, and the PJ Masks can go on a mission to the Moon! How exciting!

PJ Masks Mission to the Moon

Here you can invite the kids to play however they like. Add some fine motor tools or small spoons and cups for extra fine motor play and practice.

The beauty of sensory bins is that the play becomes completely child-directed. We can provide them with the space to be imaginative and creative by offering a play prompt, and then sit back and observe to see what they do best: play!

Have so much fun creating and playing with this PJ Masks Mission to the Moon space sensory bin!

Mission to the Moon Sweepstakes – Win a Trip to NYC!

How would you like to win a trip to New York City for a family of 4?! Enter to win by heading over to the Scholastic Parents Facebook Page and enter by solving space/themed puzzles and trivia with your children and enter your responses on the Scholastic sweepstakes website. That’s it!

The sweepstakes will take place throughout the month of July (July 1-July 30, 2018). This trip will allow you and your family to visit New York City’s science museums! Runners-up will receive age-appropriate Scholastic books and space-themed toys.

Disclaimer: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 US & DC. 18+ with at least one child who is currently 12 years of age or younger at the time of entry. Void where prohibited. Click through for Official Rules.