Dirt Sensory Bin For Child Led Play

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? Put together a simple dirt bin for outdoor fun this spring.

HOW TO SET UP A SIMPLE DIRT SENSORY BIN

CHILD LED PLAY WITH SENSORY BINS

There are so many benefits to sensory bins. For us, the most important part is getting into it and really feeling the materials offered. The sense of touch is powerful, alerting or calming! That’s why sand is so good for sensory play.

Click here to learn more about sensory bins

Let your kids explore independently if it’s appropriate and safe. They might ask questions, like what can they 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.

Stepping back and letting your child take the lead is not always easy or comfortable. I try to 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.

What I found is several levels of play that evolved from the simple invitation to play with dirt. Check out our afternoon of play and read our story below to see what simple child led play looks like in different families! The boys had a great time with their masterpiece and played well cooperatively!

Set out your own invitation to play with a dirt sensory bin and join us!

Check out these other fun sensory bin ideas…

• Green Colored Rice Sensory Bin
• Sand Sensory Bin
• Spring Sensory Bin
• Pond Sensory Bin
• Nature Sensory Bin
• Butterfly Sensory Bin

Click here to get your free nature STEM activities pack!

How do I set up a 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. You can also see how we did this with rice and also with colored craft sand.

Then leave it out and available for your child to play with. 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.

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!

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

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!

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.

You may also like: Water Activities For Preschoolers

 

Simple Dirt Sensory Bin for Play and Learning! 

Click on the image below or on the link for more easy nature activities for kids.