Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

Dirt Sensory Bin Challenge for Child Led Play

SET UP A SIMPLE DIRT SENSORY BIN

Dirt Sensory Bin Challenge Activity

Join us for child led play and easy sensory bin making ideas!

This dirt sensory bin challenge is for first time sensory bin makers and seasoned creators of fabulous sensory bins! Have you ever made a sensory bin with plain old dirt before?

How do I do my own dirt sensory bin at home?

Find a good-sized bin! I love clear bins from the big box stores. Fill it! That’s it! There’s your sensory bin challenge set up. Leave it out and available. See what your child chooses to do with it. Maybe your child will ignore it for a bit or casually find a truck or shovel.

Let them explore independently if it’s appropriate and safe. He might ask questions, like what can he do with it. Try to answer with your own question rather than give suggestions. Now, if your child needs help, offer simple suggestions or open-ended suggestions and try to step back as long as possible.

We were so excited to be at a good friend’s house to take our challenge!

Her raised dirt bed is half garden / half play. How lucky are we for this awesome opportunity!

Dirt sensory bin challenge set up

Watch the story unfold as two children enjoy sensory play their way!

What I love about this challenge is the story that unfolded and the levels of play that evolved from the simple invitation to play. Check out our afternoon of play and read our story along with all the others to see what  simple child led play looks like in different families! Set out your invitation to play and join us!

dirt sensory bin challenge digging

I think my son especially enjoys the size of this “sensory bin”! It is dig-able, climb-able, and just plain huge. It can be a whole body experience. For a boy who craves gross motor proprioceptive sensory input (heavy work), this huge sensory bin is wonderful and fully engaging!dirt sensory bin challenge water

Water is a must add to any dirt sensory bin. After many trips to the hose, the boys had ponds and moats going everywhere. They chose the toys, the play and the fun! So simple play and two moms stepping out of the way to let them explore and experiment.dirt sensory bin challenge play

Dirt Sensory Bin Challenge Results!

As far as a child-led sensory bin goes in our house, I would say we take the prize for sensory bins. I might be more of a helicopter mom then I would like to be, but I have to with his multiple diagnosis.

I seize every opportunity I can to step back and watch him play (if he allows it)! I have to think quickly and remember to guide instead of instruct whenever possible. The boys had a great time with their masterpiece and played well cooperatively!

dirt sensory bin for social development

It’s A Sensory Bin Challenge Blog Hop!

Please visit these awesome blogs for their stories on child led sensory play

House of Burke, Preschool Powol Packets

Life Over C’s, Squiggles and Bubbles

Life with Moore Babies, Still Playing School

 

 

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Comments

  4. Amber Rae

    So much fun!! My son loves the dirt. I’ve tried filling our plastic pool with potting soil to let him play in but the soil was full of sticks and rocks. Do you what kind of dirt your friend has in there???

  5. Marianela

    This looks like a lot of fun =) It’s great that you let your kids discover their inner creativity through dirt. It teaches them to respect other living things . Mother Dirt knows best =)

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