Science Behind The Fun

Sensory Bins: Why do they matter?

Sensory bins are common in many settings: schools, homes, daycare facilities, after-school learning, and anywhere else imaginable! Sensory bins provide functional play, tactile exploration, fine and gross motor strengthening, spelling, handwriting, and so much more. Check out the SENSE-ational Spaces blog, Sensory Bins 101, to learn about customizing a sensory bin for your child. 

As much fun as making sensory bins can be, this blog will dive deep into what makes these sensory tools truly beneficial for your child. We will be answering the questions: What do sensory bins do? Why do sensory bins help?

Cognitive Development

A sensory bin is a tool that provides individuals with the input of many different textures, smells, shapes, and colors through play (SENSE-ational Spaces, 2019; Dahl, 2017). Not only do they provide sensory stimulation for our children who need it, but they can also help to increase their attention spans (Benson et al., 2019). Sensory bins help support cognitive development by encouraging children to sort objects of varying colors, manipulate different sizes, learn shapes and colors, and practice counting (Occupational Therapy Institute, 2021).

Children can also learn visual skills while playing with sensory bins. Identifying details on objects, understanding the movements of objects, training your eyes to work together, and proprioceptive skills (awareness of one’s body’s position, location, and movement in space) are some basic abilities a child can learn (Koshatka, 2022a)

Socialization

Sensory bins allow for independent and social play with peers. A sensory bin can help stimulate social interactions and play among children. Additionally, sensory bins promote teamwork skills. Children can practice taking turns with different materials. They can learn cooperation and compromising skills when playing with one another (Occupational Therapy Institute, 2021). Lastly, children can practice problem-solving skills while in conflict with a peer (Goyette, n.d.). Just by engaging with others, children learn essential verbal and non-verbal communication. 

Fine Motor and Manipulation Powers

Sensory bins create a calming effect when children feel different textures on their skin, especially for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder (Dahl, 2017). Sensory bins provide children with a tactile response as they manipulate the objects in the bin. When doing so, children can activate their tactile systems, which helps increase body awareness, motor planning, visual discrimination, language, academic learning, emotional security, and social skills (Koshatka, 2022b). Check out the Sensory System Series: The Tactile System blog to learn more about under and over-responses to tactile stimulation! A child’s fine motor skills may also improve with sensory bins as they manipulate objects, scoop or dig with tools, and squeeze different utensils (Occupational Therapy Institute, 2021). Items like tweezers, spoons, funnels, and measuring cups are great ways to encourage fine motor skill engagement.

But… It is Not For Everyone!

Sensory bins can benefit your child’s development, help with disruptive behaviors, and provide play opportunities. However, not all sensory bins work for every child. Some children may find sensory bins overstimulating (Lee, 2013). Sensory overstimulation, or sensory overload, can produce a variety of behaviors. Some signs to look out for with sensory bins include throwing the items outside of the bin, trouble staying engaged or focused, or emptying the bin altogether (Lee, 2013). Try other textures or forms of sensory input if your child seems displeased with their sensory bin. Many different sensory tools suit the needs of a variety of individuals. Check out other Senseational Spaces blogs about a variety sensory tools and techniques.

Autumn Sensory Bin

Interested in making a sensory bin this season? Check out our Instagram page for posts about creating an autumn-themed sensory bin.

Are you curious to know what we do? Scroll to the references below.

References

Benson, J. D., Breisinger, E., & Roach, M. (2019). Sensory-based intervention in the schools: a survey of occupational therapy

practitioners. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 12(1). 115-128.https://doi-org.ezp2.lib.umn.edu/10.1080/19411243.2018.1496872

Dahl, M. J. (2017). Meeting the sensory needs of students with autism 

in the classroom. https://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/handle/1793/81462/2017dahlm.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Goyette, D. (n.d). Supporting social play: Helping children learn social skills from play.

https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/supporting-social-play-helping-children-learn-social-skills-from-play.aspx#:~:text=This%20is%20an%20especially%20valuable,school%20and%20in%20life%2C%20too.

​​Lee, M. (2013). Sensory integration: Helping students with autism incorporate sensory integration techniques.

Koshatka, B. (2022a, May 18). Sensory system series: Visual system. SENSE-ational Spaces.

https://www.senseationalspaces.com/blog-1/sensory-system-series-visual-system

Koshatka, B. (2022b, March 30). Sensory systems series: The tactile system. SENSE-ational Spaces.

https://www.senseationalspaces.com/blog-1/sensory-system-series-the-tactile-system

Occupational Therapy Institute. (2021, March 3). Six developmental benefits of sensory bins. Salus University Health.

https://www.salusuhealth.com/Occupational-Therapy-Institute/Resources/News-Events/News-Stories/Six-Developmental-Benefits-of-Sensory-Bins.aspx

SENSE-ationalSpaces. (2019, June 19). Sensory bins 101. https://www.senseationalspaces.com/blog-1/blog-post-title-one-aahcs