Creating a Covered Sensory Bin: A Step-by-Step Guide

Luckily for you, we have the perfect step-by-step guide on how you can make your very own covered sensory bin your little one is going to love.

Related article: What Is a Montessori Sensory Bin?

Covered sensory bins are perfect for parents and caregivers. They offer a whole host of benefits that make playtime easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Let’s go over a few reasons why you'll love them:

We all know that toddlers and mess go hand-in-hand. But with a covered sensory bin, you can say goodbye to those dreaded rice explosions and sandstorms that seem to appear magically across your living room floor.

The lid keeps the mess contained and makes clean-up a breeze. Of course, some mess will still spill out, but it will be much more manageable.

Let's face it, playtime can be unpredictable. Sometimes, your kiddo is fully engrossed in their sensory bin, and other times, they're off exploring new adventures. With a covered bin, you can simply pop the lid on and tuck it away until they're ready to get back in.

And if you want to take your sensory bin on the go, it's easy-peasy. The lid is there to save the day and keep things nice and contained while transporting your bin.

Sensory bin fillers can be an investment, and you want them to last. A cover will help protect whatever materials you choose to use, such as rice, beans, or water beads, from dust, spills, and those curious pets who just can't resist a good sniff.

This means you can reuse your materials again and again, saving you time and money.

Creating your own covered sensory bin is easier than you might think. All you have to do is follow a couple of steps, and soon enough, your kiddo will have a new favorite toy.

Look for a sturdy container that's the right size for your child and the amount of filler you plan to use. Think plastic storage bins, under-bed storage containers, or even large mixing bowls with covers.

Also, make sure the lid fits securely to prevent any sneaky spills.

There are absolutely no rules for what kind of fillers should go into a sensory bin, so you can let your imagination run wild. Rice, beans, sand, water beads, and even dry pasta can all make fantastic sensory bin fillers.

Just make sure to choose materials that are safe, non-toxic, and easy to clean up.

Check out our guide on how to create rice and water sensory bins.

You can make this bin even more exciting for your little one with themed toys or objects. Animal figurines for a zoo theme, letters for an alphabet adventure, or colorful pom-poms for sorting and counting.

Get creative and let your child's interests guide you.

For some suggestions, check out some of our ideas on building an ocean sensory bin or how to create a dinosaur sensory bin.

Always remember, safety first! Make sure all materials are non-toxic and age-appropriate and that the bin is easy for your child to access but can be securely closed when not in use.

Don’t make cleaning look like a chore; make it part of the fun. After all, cleaning helps your child develop important skills. It allows them to practice gross and fine motor skills and learn responsibility.

So make sure to encourage your child to help close the bin and put it away after playtime.

Sometimes, it’s all about good organization, so when you’re making your sensory bin, you need to have these things on hand:

• Zip lock bags: Perfect for storing smaller items or keeping different fillers separate.

• Smaller containers: Use them to create compartments within your bin or to store scoops and tools.

• Jars: Great for storing colorful liquids or showcasing interesting objects.

• Craft Organizer Boxes: These multi-compartment boxes are ideal for keeping all your sensory bin supplies in one place.

Let’s go through some insights we found in Montessori education to help you make the most of your covered sensory bins:

Sensory bins play a huge role in Montessori education by focusing on sensorial development. It's all about letting those little hands and minds explore different textures, shapes, and colors to build a strong foundation for learning.

Children need adequate sensory stimulation to support their neurological development. But that doesn't mean the stimulation needs to come with a big mess.

By containing the materials with a cover, you can ensure the play remains controlled and focused, which also helps maintain a calm and peaceful environment.

Covered sensory bins are kind of like a mini-playground with boundaries. They allow children to explore with their senses while keeping the mess contained and manageable.

This is especially helpful for indoor activities since the cover makes it easy to store the bin between play sessions and keeps those materials fresh and inviting for future use.

Montessori is all about purposeful play. Every item you put in the bin should have a specific learning objective, whether it's developing fine motor skills, sorting, or simply engaging the senses.

Covered bins make it easy to organize themed activities and preserve those materials for repeated use. This aligns perfectly with the Montessori principle of repetition and mastery, allowing your child to practice and perfect their skills.

Covered sensory bins can be a lifesaver for indoor play. They encourage independent exploration, allowing your child to return to an activity whenever they're ready, without constant adult supervision.

Using a cover helps set gentle boundaries while allowing children to explore freely. It's like a cozy little world they can dive into, knowing that everything is contained and safe.

This also helps them understand that playtime has a beginning and an end and that cleaning up is part of the fun.