Hi crafty friends! It’s been awhile since I’ve shared a sensory bin idea on the Glued To My Crafts Blog – but I’m putting an end to that today!

This post is all about the Snowman Sensory Bin I recently put together for my son.

Although we haven’t had much snow in Wyoming this season {knock on wood because it’s VERY unusual} we have been enjoying making our own wintery friends, inside the comfort of our home. Of course, this version is mess-free {for the most part} and no need to bundle up either! I say it’s a win-win!

If you don’t know what a sensory bin is – it’s basically a small plastic bin full of different materials that stimulate the various senses {touch, smell, hear, see and sometimes taste} and allow the child to explore in a small contained area. Sometimes these bins have a theme but they don’t necessarily have to have one. I personally love the ideas of doing themes though so I can center them around books & certain holidays. I like to tie things in so it’s like a full day of learning.

Besides keeping my son occupied for a good 30 minutes – sensory bins are great for developing his fine motor skills, thinking skills, vocab and also giving him a creative outlet, with problem solving as well. Best part is that a lot of times you can find the materials/supplies for the bins for cheap and you can reuse them in several different themes.

So follow my step-by-step tutorial below, so you TOO can pull this EASY Snowman Sensory Bin together in minutes! Stay warm my friends! If you don’t mind, I would love to see your winter sensory bin when you are done pulling it together, so come share pictures on our Facebook page! #gluedtomycrafts

THIS SENSORY BIN IDEA IS INTENDED FOR OLDER CHILDREN, WHO DO NOT PUT THINGS IN THEIR MOUTH. PLEASE ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUNG CHILDREN WHILE THEY ARE PLAYING IN, AROUND AND WITH THEIR SENSORY BIN ITEMS. WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP IT OUT. ITEMS LISTED IN SUPPLY LIST ARE FOR INSPIRATION, NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRED FOR FULL ENJOYMENT.

Snowman Sensory Bin Craft Supplies:

* Large Plastic Bin
* White Shredded Paper {Dollar Tree}
* Plastic Snowflakes {Hobby Lobby}
* Large Jingle Bells {adult supervision please!}
* Small Felt Santa Hats {Hobby Lobby}
* Felt Black Hats {Hobby Lobby}
* Plastic Trees {Michaels}
* Practice Golf Balls
* Black & Orange Sharpies
* Wood Star Cutouts

Directions:

* Using your sharpies, paint on snowman faces to the practice golf balls. Let dry completely.
* Then throw all your materials in the bin. Mix it up and hand it over!
* Kids can explore and name off items have they pull things out. Grab some snowman themed children’s books to tie the theme together!

Be sure to check out these other fun sensory bin ideas on the Glued To My Crafts website right now:
Ocean Sensory Bin
ABC Sensory Search
Dinosaur Dig Sensory Bin
Fall Sensory Bin
Apple Pie Themed Sensory Bin