How to Make a Fun and Educational Apple-Themed Rice Sensory Bin for Kids
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Creating a sensory bin is a fantastic way to engage young learners in hands-on, exploratory play that appeals to their senses.
With fall in full swing, an apple-themed rice sensory bin is a seasonal and fun way to bring some educational play into your home.
This activity is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers but can easily be adapted to entertain elementary-aged children as well.
Here’s how you can make your own apple-themed rice sensory bin, plus some ideas for play and learning!
Remember to only use items that your child is old enough or mature enough to use safely.
⭐ Check out these sensory bin supplies! ⭐
Click here for our favorite apple sensory bin supplies! 😍
What You’ll Need for Your Apple Rice Sensory Bin
This DIY apple sensory bin is simple to set up, and you probably already have most of the materials at home.
One-stop shop for all the supplies here!
- Gallon bags
- Food coloring
- Vinegar
- Rice
- Parchment paper
- Fun add-ins!
- Mini dolls
Mini dolls are also a fun addition to any rice sensory bin! Even Miss 14 enjoyed this sensory bin with her doll!
How to Make Your Apple Rice Sensory Bin: Step-by-Step
- Add 3 cups of uncooked rice to a gallon bag
- Pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar into the bag
- Add several (about 5) drops of food coloring
- Seal the bag, removing most of the excess air before sealing
- Squish the rice and food coloring until well mixed
- Pour the rice onto a piece of waxed paper and allow it to dry (the rice dries fairly quickly but you could let it dry overnight if you’d prefer)
For more detailed instructions on how to dye rice, please see our tutorial here.
Optional: Add an Apple Spice Scent: Add the scent to the bag of rice. Shake the bag to distribute the scent, and voila – you’ve got your apple pie-scented rice!
Set Up Your Sensory Bin: Pour the colored rice into a large bin or shallow tray. This is our favorite sensory tray! Add your measuring cups, spoons, bowls, mini apples, and any other fall-themed items like plastic pie tins or cinnamon sticks.
Why Sensory Play Matters: Benefits of an Apple Rice Sensory Bin
Sensory bins offer so many developmental benefits, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Here’s how your child will benefit from this fun fall sensory activity:
- Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, and handling small objects help kids build fine motor skills, which are essential for writing and other hand-related tasks.
- Sensory Exploration: The texture of the rice, combined with the soothing scent of apple pie spice, provides a rich sensory experience, helping children calm down and focus.
- Imaginative Play: Toddlers and preschoolers can use the bin to pretend they’re making apple pies, which encourages creative thinking and role-play.
- Math and Science Concepts: Measuring and pouring rice introduces concepts like volume, capacity, and cause-and-effect in a fun, hands-on way.
- Calming Effects: The repetitive action of scooping and pouring has a calming effect, making this a great sensory play activity for stress relief.
Extension Ideas: Make Your Sensory Play Last Longer
If your little ones are loving their apple pie sensory bin, here are some fun ways to keep the activity going:
- Apple Hunt: Hide our apple match game cards in the rice and have your child find them. This is great for practicing picture recognition.
- Counting Apples : Add mini apples and practice counting them as they scoop them into pie tins.
- Pretend Pie Shop: Set up a pretend play scenario where your child can make apple pies and have a cafe, practicing social skills and basic math concepts like counting and currency.
Sensory Bin Cleanup Tips
Sensory play can get a bit messy, but here’s a pro tip: Lay a large sheet or plastic tablecloth underneath the bin to catch any stray rice. Once playtime is over, pour the leftover apple-scented rice into a sealed container and store it for future play.
Read Apple Themed Books
Add in some apple-themed books for even more fun! Check out these apple books!
Rice sensory bin ideas
- Dinosaur rice sensory bin
- Fall rice sensory bin
- Pumpkin pie rice sensory bin
- More coming soon!
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