Top Sensory Bin Fillers for the Classroom


When it comes to sensory bin filler materials, not all are created equal!  This is especially true in the classroom.  Oobleck and pudding mud may offer amazing sensory input, but they can be a challenge to manage in a classroom sensory bin.  Don't get me wrong... I am a huge fan of messy sensory play but I keep those activities separate from my sensory bins.

 I find that my favorite classroom sensory bin fillers have 2 things in common:

1. They are dry - Dry materials last longer than wet materials.  The only exceptions I make in my classroom are water beads and the occasional water table.  Other than that, you will probably only get 1 day of use out of most other wet materials.

2. They are reasonably priced - Let's be real.  I would love to fill my sensory bins with fresh water pearls and Mulberry silk scraps but my budget won't allow it.  I like use items that will fill my bins for just a few dollars.

So do you want to know what filler materials are at the top of my list?  Well here ya go!

1. Rice
2. Colored Rice (use food coloring or liquid watercolor) 
3. Black Beans
4. Kidney Beans
5. Colored Pasta
6. Macaroni Noodles
7. Ditalini Pasta
8. Couscous
9. Dried Chick Peas
10. Cut Up Straws
11. Colored Sand
12. Shredded Paper
13. Colored Salt
14. Aquarium Rocks 
15. Water Beads (not dry... I know!) 
16. Easter Grass
17. Pom-Poms
18. Kinetic Sand
19. Popcorn Kernels 
20. Bird Seed
21. Cotton Balls
22. Oats
23. Lentils
24. Split Peas
25. Poly-Pellets
26. Sensory Pellets (a little pricy but fun!)
27. Pony Beads
28. Fuse Beads

Are there any other fillers that you love to use that didn't make my list?  Please share!  And if you want to learn more tips, tricks and ideas for implementing sensory bins into your classroom make sure you check out my sensory bin blog post round up!
(this post contains Amazon Affiliate links)
Posted by at No comments

3 Tips for Storing Monthly Sensory Bin Materials


Figuring out an efficient system for organizing sensory bin materials can be overwhelming.  But don't worry... I've got ya covered! Below you will find 3 tips for storing the activity cards and pieces from the Monthly Sensory Bin Bundle.  If you want to learn more about how I store all of the filler and goodies, check out this post.

I like to use the square plastic adhesive labels from the Target dollar spot to store the prices for each activity card.  I found a similar set on Amazon.  I attach them to the back of each card to store the pieces.  TIP! - If you want the pages to stack nicely when you store the materials, alternate where you put the adhesive label.  I like to alternate between all 4 corners. 
 

I store each month in these zipper pouches.  I found these at the dollar store, but you can also pick them up at most office supply stores or Amazon.  I recently got another pack from Amazon and they are SO MUCH sturdier than my dollar store set!  They also ended up being less expensive, which is always a win in my book.  They are able to fit 15-20 activity cards and pieces.


I have seen these clear pouches at the Target dollar spot, the dollar store, and Amazon.  This is a great option if you don't want to laminate all of the boards.  You can keep the entire month's worth of board in this pocket and quickly swap out the activity cards as you need them.  The activity pieces can be stored separately in a ziplock bag or envelope.


What about you?  Do you have any tips for storing sensory bin materials?  If so, share them in the comments! And if you want more tips, tricks, and ideas for sensory bins check out my Sensory Bin Round-Up blog post for all things sensory!
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. 

Posted by at No comments

Sensory Bin Round-Up

I don't know about you, but I love sensory bins!  Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some tips, tricks, and ideas for using sensory bins in the classroom.  I will link all of the posts here, so make sure to bookmark this page to keep updated on all things sensory!



Posted by at 1 comment
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)