Fall is such a wonderful time of year, and a good autumn sensory bin is always welcomed by my preschoolers. Today I’ve gathered twenty of my favorite sensory bins that will make a valuable addition to any autumn preschool theme.
Sensory play is so important for young, learning minds. Though sensory play children are allowed to safely explore new materials and reinforce concepts through their five senses. As a child plays in a sensory bin, their sense of touch is awakened, as is the sense of sound, sight and even scent. (Some sensory bins are even taste safe or edible, too)!
Autumn sensory bins can serve as a means to not only meet the sensory needs of preschoolers, but also they can be a place for preschoolers to explore math, reading and science. That is why I have taken the time to gather up twenty of the best sensory bins all in one post!
FAQs about Fall Sensory Bins
Fall sensory bins often include natural items found in the fall such as leaves, nuts and seeds, pumpkins, apples and fall spices such as cinnamon. In addition to the usual items (scoops, grabbers and containers) found in sensory bins you can also include little scarecrows, jack-o-lanterns, gourds and small animal toys.
Sensory bin provide preschoolers with a lot of sensory input through the five senses- sight, touch, smell, hearing and sometimes tasting. Although we usually discourage preschoolers from tasting the sensory materials.
Sensory bins are also a great way for preschoolers to practice fine motor skills such as grabbing, scooping and pouring. Additionally sensory bin are awesome learning activities for preschoolers to playfully learn literacy and math skills as well as language development in a hands-on way.
Sensory bins are generally for kids ages 3 and up. It is really important for young children to be past the stage where they put things in their mouths as sensory bins often contain items that could be choking hazards. But you could put together simple sensory bins for toddlers, making sure they do not contain small items that pose a hazard.
20+ Fall Sensory Bins
These 20 Fall sensory bins will inspire you to get creative when planning your preschool lessons for this season. Below are some amazing hands-on learning activities that the children in your home or classroom will love!
Fall Sensory Bin Inspired by Fall Colors
This rice sensory bin is inspired by the colors of fall. Dye some rice red, orange and yellow. Then add some items often found in the fall such as corn, pumpkins and other natural elements.
Fall Scented Sensory Bin
This super simple sensory bin has all the scents that remind us of Fall. Combined with amazing textures and other natural elements this sensory bin sure is inviting!
Sunflower Seed Fall Sensory Table
What do you do with your water table once the heat of summer is gone? Use it as a sensory table! This simple Fall sensory table is so much fun with seeds, scoops and other items that remind us of Fall.
Laminated Leaves Sensory Bin
Preschoolers can learn a lot with a simple sensory bin filled with leaves. They will playfully match and sort the leaves and have fun scooping and pouring the rice.
Apple Cinnamon Sensory Bin
Nothing quite says Fall better than apples and cinnamon. This simple sensory bin smells just like apple pie and the oatmeal base is such a lovely texture for kids to play with!
Autumn Math Sensory Bin
This fun Fall sensory bin will have preschoolers learning to recognize numbers and counting in no time! And the colors and textures are just exquisite.
Fall Textures Sensory Bin
Creating a Fall sensory bin is as easy as checking the pantry and collecting elements of nature from the backyard. Preschoolers will love helping to find the items and exploring all the different textures.
Autumn Sensory Bin with Dried Apricot Pits
This Fall sensory bin is so fun and unique with a dried apricot filler. Preschoolers will love playing, counting and lining them up as they play with this simple sensory bin.
Colors of Fall Sensory Bin for Preschoolers
This sensory bin for preschoolers explores the colors of Fall. Kids will have fun playing and learning with a wide array of reds, oranges, yellows and browns.
Fine Motor Fall Sensory Bin with Fall Leaves
Sensory bins are a great way for preschoolers to work on fine motor skills. This sensory bin is filled with fall leaves, acorns and other small items for preschoolers to practice picking up with their hands or tongs.
Four Colored Autumn Sensory Bin
This Autumn sensory bin features four seasonal colors and lots of little bits and bobs for the preschoolers in your classroom to explore. It's a great way for kids to explore different textures and work on fine motor skills.
Pumpkin Sensory Bin with Rice
Here is a simple pumpkin sensory bin that is perfect for Fall. Preschoolers will learn about different textures such as smooth and rough, hard and soft.
Fall Sensory Bin with Wood Pellets
If you've ever let wood pellets run through your hands while filling a pellet wood stove then you know how amazing they can feel! This Fall Sensory Bin uses cool, smooth wood pellets as a filler along with other natural items.
Fall Sensory Box with Corn Kernel Filler
Sensory bins do not have to be in a large bin, they can be just as fun in a small box. This Fall Sensory Box is filled with dried corn kernels and includes a variety of scoops and containers for preschooler to practice fine motor skills with.
Fall Sensory Bin with Free Matching Picture Cards
Preschoolers will have fun digging in the colorful Fall sensory bin looking for matching fall themed picture cards. It's a great way for younger preschoolers and toddlers to learn new vocabulary.
Autumn Sensory Bin
This Autumn Sensory Bin is filled with so many different items to look at, touch and smell. It truly is a Fall feast for the senses!
Autumn Sensory Play
This little Autumn sensory play basket is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers alike. It is filled with corn kernels and other fall themed items to explore.
Fall Rice Sensory Bin
The colors of this Fall Rice Sensory Bin are so vibrate it is sure to help the senses comes alive! Preschoolers will love scooping and pouring this brightly colored rice.
Easy Fall Sensory Bin
Sensory bins do not need to be complicated. Sometimes the simpler the better is what preschoolers gravitate towards. This Easy Fall Sensory Bin with some Fall gems and little animals is perfect for kids with a big imagination.
Fall Harvest Sensory Bin
This Fall Harvest Sensory Bin is filled with natural colored beads and textured mini gourds. Not only is this fun bin full of sensory input but is also great for fine motor skills.
Enjoy these autumn sensory bins!
These 20 Fall themed sensory bins are perfect for the season’s lesson plans. They will provide your toddlers and preschoolers with lots of sensory input and fun, hands-on learning opportunities.
I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
Thank you for featuring our Autumn sensory bowl! 🙂 This is a beautiful collection of sensory play for fall!