OT FUN at Home
Today’s activity is a sensory bin! My little guy, Max, is almost 14 months old. Which means I get nothing done ha. Not true, I get things done, just double the time it used to take me😂.
I’ve been waiting for the day that I can introduce sensory bins (he still likes to eat things so I’m waiting for that urge to die down). Sensory bins are a great way to stimulate your child while you do a few things around the kitchen, or fire off a few emails, or sit and play with your child, whatever you’re interested in doing with the time!
For me, this morning, I just wanted to make breakfast and then unload the dishwasher, so I pulled out some kitchen utensils and threw in some ice and Max loved it! He had a great time feeling the cold sensation and using the kitchen tools to play with the ice. It was also great visual motor practice as he was putting the ice into the holes of the cupcake tin.
All in all this bought me five minutes!
My general rule with sensory bins are to start them once your child has stopped putting everything in their mouths, usually between 15 months and 2 years. With every sensory bin I love to include fine motor components, a personal favorite would be empty spice containers, kids love these! But tongs are also a staple and you can get regular tongs (jumbo tweezers) and scissor tongs (handy scoopers) on Amazon:).
Sensory Bin Ideas:
water
water beads
ice
yarn
wine corks
oats
cotton balls
pom poms
beans
rice
rice/beans
dried pasta
Pro-tip: put a towel or a sheet or a blanket underneath the sensory bin to help catch any run aways. Stay safe and healthy and enjoy!