Evidence-based curriculum for ages 2-8

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Alphabet Sensory Bin Activity

Colorful alphabet letters in a bin of beans for sensory exploration.

What is an Alphabet Sensory Bin?

The Benefits of an Alphabet Sensory Bin

A preschool age child looking through a bin of colorful noodles.
  1. Letter Recognition

    As children dig their hands into the sensory bin and explore the different materials, they will naturally come into contact with various letters. This exposure helps develop letter recognition skills.
  1. Sensory Development

    Sensory bins engage multiple senses, including touch, sight, and sometimes even sound. Touching different textures, observing colors, and listening to the sound of materials pouring can enhance sensory development.
  1. Fine Motor Skills

    Scooping, pouring, and manipulating objects in a sensory bin can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  1. Language Development

    As children interact with the letters, they can practice naming the letters, making letter sounds, and even arranging the letters to form simple words or their name. This can help promote language development and early literacy skills.

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ABCmouse holding a colorful letter A.

What You Need to Make an Alphabet Sensory Bin

Step 1:

Find the Right Container. Choose a large container with high sides to contain the materials. A shallow plastic storage bin or a large sensory table works well.

Colorful noodles in rainbow order.

Step 2:

Choose Sensory Materials. Consider using a variety of sensory materials such as colored rice, kinetic sand, or dried oats or lentils. These materials can be mixed together or used separately in different sections of the bin.

Colorful rice in a plastic bin with Easter eggs.

Step 3:

Add Alphabet Letters. Incorporate foam letters, magnetic letters, or even letter-shaped pasta into the sensory materials. Make sure the letters are large enough for easy manipulation.

A child holding colorful letters.

Step 4:

Enhance with Props. To make the sensory bin even more engaging, add props such as small toys or pictures that correspond to the letters. For example, you can add a toy car for the letter “C” or a picture of a tree for the letter “T.”

A pot of black beans with space sensory toys.

Step 5:

Play and Explore. Set the sensory bin on a large mat or tablecloth to catch any spills. Encourage your child to dig their hands into the materials, search for letters, and explore the different textures and sounds.

Step 6:

Extend Learning. As your child plays with the alphabet sensory bin, ask them questions about the letters they find. Encourage them to name the letters, make letter sounds, or even think of words that start with each letter.

A child holding a handful of colorful blue rice.

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