Sensory Bins for Spl Edu Classroom: Ideas to Make Them Effective

Hands-On Learning: Transforming Special Education with Sensory Bins

Sensory tables can be a powerful tool for special educators to engage their students and promote various developmental skills.

However, challenges such as students putting items in their mouths or exhibiting disruptive behaviors like throwing might necessitate adjustments to sensory activities.

Here in this post, we will discuss the ideas, suggestions, and experiences of people who have successfully navigated these challenges.

1. Toddler-friendly Sensory Bin Fillers

Use sensory bin fillers specifically designed to address the needs of students who frequently put objects in their mouths.

These fillers, such as non-toxic beads, soft foam shapes, or textured materials, are washable and pose no choking hazard, ensuring safety and ease of maintenance.

Educators can effectively manage and accommodate ongoing mouthing tendencies in the classroom by incorporating such fillers into sensory bins.

2. Diverse and Safe Materials

From Easter grass to potting soil, fabric strips, water bubbles, and cotton balls, these materials offer a range of textures and sensations without causing a mess.

Moreover, they are safe for mouthing and enable engagement in various sensory experiences. This thoughtful mix caters to students with diverse sensory preferences.

3. Task-Embedded Sensory Bins

Embedding tasks within sensory bins can help deter maladaptive behavior.

For instance, water combined with Pom Poms, marked cups, and a lemon squeezer not only captivates students but also targets various developmental objectives, including -

• enhancing small muscle strength,
• fostering motor planning skills,
• and promoting self-management.

4. Controlled Manipulation with Shredded Paper

Engage students with shredded paper, Easter grass, pompoms, and containers paired with tongs for hands-on manipulation tasks.

This interactive method provides a safe option for students prone to mouthing objects while enhancing their fine motor skills.

Educators create an enriching environment that supports hand-eye coordination and dexterity development by encouraging students to grasp, pick up, and transfer items using tongs.

5. Ice Cubes Exploration

Playing with ice cubes as a sensory activity entails managing the water level in small plastic cups, allowing students to interact with the varying temperatures.

This provides a unique and captivating experience for those who enjoy exploring different sensory stimuli.

For instance, students can compare holding an ice cube to touching a warm cup of water, enhancing their sensory awareness.

6. Exploring Playtime Adventures

Encourage active participation in sensory play by introducing an innovative bin idea featuring baby dolls, cars, small towels, and kid-friendly soap.

With controlled water usage, students can actively explore textures and unleash their imaginations while minimizing mess.

7. Gradual Introduction and Visual Supports

When introducing sensory bins, take a proactive approach that focuses on gradual introduction, clear expectations, and the use of visual aids.

For students who may not be ready for direct contact, consider placing items in ziplock bags or selecting safe, mouthing-friendly materials.

This approach ensures a smooth transition and supports the diverse needs of all students.

8. Paper Pet Bedding for Colorful Themes

Make learning exciting. Create colorful paper pet bedding sensory bins.

This activity is visually appealing and encourages exploration and creativity.

Whether diving into a pretend ocean or exploring different seasons, these bins offer students endless fun and learning opportunities.