INSIDE: Spring Bug Sensory Bin is a fun and easy sensory bin activity for toddlers and preschoolers! Create a beautiful and enticing sensory bin complete with pretend grass and dirt!
Spring is in the Air!
Spring is definitely in the air! And we are already starting to do some fun activities and crafts to celebrate. One of my favourite activities to create for my twins is, of course, sensory bins! And I have recently started to incorporate more cardboard into my bins and the results are simple amazing!
The Best Sensory Bin and STEAM Books
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Also check out my new book coming out in the Summer 2021: Super STEAM Activity Book! Stay tuned for more information!
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How to set up the Bug Spring Garden Sensory Bin
How to Make the Grass
- Use scissors or box cutters to cut cardboard into the shape of blades of grass.
- Paint both sides of the cardboard grass with green tempera paint or use a paint stick. Use different shapes of green, if available.
- Seal the cardboard grass with Mod Podge a water based glue and sealer.
- If you don’t have bug and insect toys your can create them using the cardboard.
NOTE: Because the cloud dough oil based you should remove your cardboard grass from the cloud dough after play so that it does not get stained by the oil.
How to Make the Cloud Dough Dirt
Cloud dough is not edible. Raw flour should not be ingested. Adult supervision is required.
Makes about 8 cups amount (about 1.2 kg) cloud dough
- Large mixing bowl
- 8 cups (1 kg) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (55 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, or more as needed (optional, for brown cloud dough)
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
- In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder (if using) and vegetable oil.
- Mix together until the cloud dough becomes moldable. Add more oil if it’s too dry or more flour if it’s too wet, as needed.
- Cloud dough is ready when you can shape it into a ball with your hands. Add more cocoa if you want to make the color of the cloud dough darker.
Putting the Sensory Bin Together
Add the cloud dough to one side of the bin and the grass to the other side. Include some grass in the cloud dough. Place your bug toys, snakes and other insects including butterflies in the sensory bin. Add bowls and spoons. Add a utensil drawer organizer for sorting.
How to Play with this Sensory Bin
This is a fun sensory bin to let your little one play and explore in. For toddlers, let them explore and play with the bugs, help them to name them and identify their colours and unique features. For preschoolers, have them sort the insects by those with and without wing; by colour; by type: insect or not insect; or by number of legs. Can they think of another way to sort?
Looking for more Fun Spring Crafts & Activities and more? Check out these fun ideas:
Supplies
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- Sensory Bin or Sensory Table
- Cardboard
- Cloud Dough (see recipe above)
- Box cutters or scissors
- Green paint sticks or Tempera Paint for Kids
- Toy Bugs, Toy Insects, Mini Butterflies and Toy Snakes and Toy Lizards
- Utensil Drawer Organizer
- Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue
WILL YOU TRY BUG SPRING GARDEN SENSORY BIN WITH YOUR TODDLER OR PRESCHOOLER? PIN IT FOR LATER!
How long does cloud dough last?
It can last up to 6 months if stored in an air tight container. Keep it dry and it can last longer. Just check for mold before setting up a new sensory bin.