Canada Sensory Bin with Chickpeas

Hello! We are back with another fun Canada Day activity. This time we have a chickpea sensory bin for Canada Day. Kids will have a blast scooping, exploring, and using their imagination.

Check out these other fun Canada Day Activities:

Easy Canada Day Bracelets Craft

Canada Day Paper Plate Flag Craft

Why You’ll Love this Sensory Bin

This DIY sensory bin is so easy to make. Sensory bins are great for teaching practical skills, play skills, fine motor skills, and for helping children use their imagination. 

 What kind of container to use for sensory bins

I usually use a large storage bin, the type you would use to store clothes under your bed. You can also use a water table or purchase a bin specifically designed for sensory play. I have linked the one that I liked to use below:

Supplies Needed

• Dried chickpeas
• Ziplock bag
• Tempera paint (red and white)
• Parchment Paper or wax paper
• Tray for Drying
• Sensory Bin
• Red maple leaves (artificial)
• Bowls, spoons or scoopers

How to Color Chickpeas (step-by-step guide)

1. Fill a ziplock bag with dried chickpeas. Add several squirts of red tempera paint. Use a generours amount to get a vibrant color.
2. Seal the bag and shake and massage until all the paint has been evenly disturbed.

3. Open the bag and check the colour has been distributed evenly. Add more paint if some chickpeas are not entirely covered in paint.
4. Tear off a sheet of parchment or wax paper and use it to line a baking tray. Spread the colored chickpeas on the tray in a thin layer so that they can dry quicker. Repeat for the white.
5. Let the chickpeas air dry for about 1 hour (it may take more time depending on the amount of paint used). Once they are dry they are ready to play with!

How to Make the Sensory Bin

1. Place the chickpeas in the sensory bin the pattern of the Canadian flag.
2. Add bowls, spoons, scooper and maple leaves.

Tips

Make sure to spread the chickpeas out on the lined baking sheet so that they dry fully before playing with them.

Add tools that you have at home! including tongs to encourage fine motor skills and imaginative play.

How to contain the mess

I like to place a plastic sheet under my sensory bins to help contain the mess. You can also use a towel or blanket. The good thing about chickpeas is that they are very easy to pick up!

Sensory Bin FAQs

Can I use acrylic paint? Yes

How do I store the chickpeas? Store dyed chickpeas in an airtight container to keep them clean snd ready for future use.

What’s the purpose of sensory bins? Sensory bins are designed to engage the senses and provide a rich, hands-on learning experience. They help children explore different textures, colors, and materials, which can enhance their sensory development. Additionally, sensory bins are a great way to keep kids entertained and encourage imaginative play.

What do I put in a sensory bin? You can put a variety of items in a sensory bin, such as rice, beans, pasta, water beads, sand, or chickpeas. Adding small toys, scoops, cups, and other manipulatives can enhance the experience. Just make sure the items are safe and appropriate for the child’s age.

What age can you start sensory bins? Children can start playing with sensory bins as early as 1 to 2 years old. It’s important to supervise young children to ensure they don’t put small items in their mouths. As they grow older, you can introduce more complex materials and activities.

What skills do sensory bins teach? Sensory bins teach a variety of skills, including fine motor skills through the manipulation of small objects. They also promote problem-solving, creativity, and language development as children explore and describe what they are experiencing. Additionally, sensory play can be calming and help children develop better focus and concentration.