Homemade Ocean Sensory Play – Bin Idea For Toddlers

I haven’t shared this on the blog before, but my son has a slight speech delay. This is one of the many reasons I’ve been working on busy bag ideas, as well as toddler friendly crafts. Anything I can do to help get those words out – I’m doing.

Besides the busy bag ideas I have shared on the blog, I really want to concentrate on sharing ideas for sensory bin play. I have read & heard that it really helps young kids on their speech. You basically put some items together in a plastic bin {possibly with a theme} and have them search & name the items they find. Not only does it help with speech – it can also help with fine motor skills.

Recently I made an ocean sensory play bin and it was a big hit with Lil Man. I found almost all the items at my local Dollar Tree, so it only cost me a few dollars. {Plus I can reuse several of the items for future bins!}

If this is something you would love to recreate for your child today, keep scrolling for the FULL how-to for this ocean themed sensory bin below!

Happy crafting it up, my friends! Don’t forget – if you recreate our ocean bin idea, come share pictures on our Facebook page to see! I seriously can’t wait to be inspired by YOU! #gluedtomycrafts

MORE TODDLER FRIENDLY IDEAS ON GLUED TO MY CRAFTS: Spaghetti Sensory Bin Idea {Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs} and Deck of Cards Match Game – Busy Bag Idea

Ocean Sensory Bin Craft Supplies:
* Large Plastic Bin {I found a nice dish tub at the Dollar Tree}
* Decorative Rocks {but not for kids who still stick things in their mouth!}
* Shredded Blue Paper {the water}
* Plastic Fish/Sea Life Toys
* Plastic Tongs/Shovels/Spoons

If your child is super young, please keep in mind to not use choking hazards in your sensory play bin. Only YOU can decide what is age appropriate for them.

Directions:
* Place your rocks/sea life/plastic fish down in the empty plastic tub.
* Cover items with blue shredded paper. This is the WATER of the craft.
* Hand over the tongs/shovels to your child and have them search through the bin. Name each thing as they pull them out. Describe/ask questions about what they find.
* That’s it! Let them play until they are bored and then store away!

I’ll be sharing more sensory bin ideas in the near future on Glued To My Crafts – so stay tuned! Till then, be sure to check out the “Busy Bag Ideas” I have shared on the blog already!

Continue the ocean themed craft fun with our —> Cupcake Liner Seahorse – Summer Kid Craft Idea

OUTDOR SENSORY BIN IDEA FOR SPRING:

Updated 6/17/2015 You can easily take this idea and change it up for a outdoor themed sensory bin. Just change up the color of the shredded paper {green} and add plastic bugs, frogs & flowers! Perfect for keeping those exploring toddlers busy!