Pumpkin Pie Rice Sensory Bin: A Fun Fall Sensory Activity for Kids
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Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the season than with a Pumpkin Pie Rice Sensory Bin? This easy-to-create fall sensory activity is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Not only does this autumn sensory bin smell deliciously like pumpkin spice, but it also helps develop important fine motor skills, encourages creative play, and provides a fantastic opportunity for learning through sensory exploration.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make your own pumpkin pie sensory bin, explore the benefits of sensory play for toddlers, and offer ideas to extend the fun.
Remember to only use items that your child is old enough or mature enough to use safely.
⭐ Check out these sensory bin supplies! ⭐
What You’ll Need for Your Pumpkin Pie Rice Sensory Bin
This DIY fall 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 Pumpkin Pie 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 the Pumpkin Spice Scent: Once the rice is dry, open the bag and add the pumpkin pie spice. Shake the bag to distribute the scent, and voila – you’ve got your pumpkin spice-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 pumpkins, and any other fall-themed items like plastic pie tins or small acorns.
Why Sensory Play Matters: Benefits of a Pumpkin Pie 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 pumpkin 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 pumpkin 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.
You may also enjoy these activities for kids:
Extension Ideas: Make Your Sensory Play Last Longer
If your little ones are loving their pumpkin pie sensory bin, here are some fun ways to keep the activity going:
- Letter Hunt: Hide small letters in the rice and have your child find them. This is great for practicing letter recognition.
- Counting Pumpkins: Add mini pumpkins and practice counting them as they scoop them into pie tins.
- Pretend Pie Shop: Set up a pretend play scenario where your child can “sell” pumpkin pies, 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 pumpkin-scented rice into a sealed container and store it for future play.
Celebrate Fall with Sensory Play
The Pumpkin Pie Rice Sensory Bin is a fun, seasonal activity that engages toddlers and preschoolers in hands-on learning. From fine motor skill development to sensory exploration, your little ones will benefit from this simple yet engaging autumn sensory activity. Whether you’re homeschooling, planning a rainy-day project, or just looking for a fun fall-themed activity, this DIY sensory bin is sure to be a hit!
Rice sensory bin ideas
- Dinosaur rice sensory bin
- Fall rice sensory bin
- Pumpkin pie rice sensory bin
- More coming soon!
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