Apple Pie Sensory Bin

My two year old (almost three soon) LOVES sensory bins.

I mean really…what is there not to love? Placing hands in a box, exploring, discovering, lifting, spilling, filling…oh, it’s the best!

Besides being an awesome tool for learning, I use them when I need extra quiet time. Either I’m working with my son (who is 4 and on a different learning level) or cooking, laundry etc. They are SO MUCH BETTER than turning on the TV for that needed time!

Supplies:

• Big tub of oatmeal (any kind!)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Measuring cup
• Bowl
• Apple
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, All Spice (any Fall scented spices will work!)

This is one of my favorites so far. Since we are learning about apples this week, I wanted to create something using them. Not only did she have fun, but the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg reminded me to bake an apple pie too! (So I bought one. Reminder: I don’t bake!)

At first, she could not wait for me to pull out the ingredients to the bin, so I gave it to her as I was preparing!

She loved the scent of all the spices and kept asking for more…

She mixed…

She scooped…

And explored some more.

She went around the house and gathered items to place in her bin too. Like play-doh toys (the little pink scooper in there).

She would look up at me and ask, “Can I touch it? Can I smell it? Can I TASTE it?!”

On a mama note:

I did this project inside and placed a blanket underneath. It was quiet easy to shake off and vacuum for those Mama’s who worry about getting dirty. Please don’t be, these sensory bins are fantastic learning tools!

What’s your childs’ favorite sensory bin?