Have you ever heard of the term sensory bins? If this is a new term for you do not worry it is very simple and great fun! Basically, a sensory bin consists of a box/container filled with different toys and objects usually placed in sand or water. Now you might be questioning the purpose of this technique and we are about to tell you.
Here are the benefits to sensory bins:
-Development through sensory exploration.
This tactile game encourages children to feel different textures while also stimulating other senses such as sight and sound. By using many different objects/toys and placing them in a medium which could be water or even dried beans or rice, your children will get an overload of different tactile feelings.
-It improves your kid’s motor skills.
It is very important to start from an early age trying to strengthen those hand muscles especially before children start writing and using utensils to self-feed. These bins allow children to dig, scoop and pour. For an extra bonus try using small buckets, spades, and spoons to enhance tool use while working on basic hand functions such as grasping.
– Improves social skills
Using these sensory bins with your children’s friends or their siblings can aid in socialization. Children will learn to share the objects while talking to their peers about the different objects and the way they feel, which will encourage social skills.
– Enhances language and overall speech
This is also a great time for language skills to be developed as you can discuss the objects with your child, ask them which one is their favorite and why, ask them to describe how they feel different from one another, and so on.
-Calming/independent play
Lastly, this activity isn’t just fun but also very calming for children. It can be used as a winding-down activity a few hours before bedtime and is also great for independent play (if your child is old enough to be left unsupervised and the items in the sensory bin are safe).
Check out our previous blog on toilet training little ones!
https://www.childcaremalta.mt/toilet-training/
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