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Friends Art Lab / Blog / Bean Sensory Bin Preschool Activity

Bean Sensory Bin Preschool Activity

Author: Kristian Klebofski    Published: 10/26/2024     Updated: 11/15/2024

A bean sensory bin is an engaging, colorful, and budget-friendly activity perfect for preschool fun. Get ready to explore textures, colors, and sounds as you dive into this sensory experience.

A colorful setup of various dried beans, from black to pinto, arranged in a sensory bin activity ideal for preschoolers.
Table of Contents:
  1. Let’s make a bean sensory bin for preschoolers
  2. Why a bean sensory bin is perfect for preschoolers
  3. Materials
  4. How to make a bean sensory bin for preschoolers
  5. Storing your bean sensory bin for long-term use
  6. More fun ways to use dried beans in play
  7. Choosing beans for sensory play Tips for grownups
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s make a bean sensory bin for preschoolers

Looking for a sensory activity that’s fun, inexpensive, and oh-so-simple to set up? A bean sensory bin checks all those boxes (and more).

And by simple, I mean super, ridiculously, couldn’t-be-simpler kind of simple.

I grabbed a bunch of beans (every variety available for my Target pickup), and invited these beauties to simply dump everything into a bucket.

Happy preschoolers joyfully engaging with a bean sensory bin, exploring textures, colors, and sounds together.

Why a bean sensory bin is perfect for preschoolers

Sensory bins are a hands-on way for kids to explore new textures, develop fine motor skills, and practice imaginative play.

Dried beans offer a unique sensory experience, with their smooth textures and satisfying sounds as they pour and scoop.

Back in our in-person preschool, we had a collection of probably 25-30 pounds of dried beans that we had for YEARS. I’m talking, over 10 years.

It’s the perfect sensory material for an *instant* sensory bin that kids love.

You’ll love these sensory bins, too:

  • Corn Sensory Bin
  • Apple Pie Sensory Bin with Oats
  • Apple Sensory Bin with Garbanzo Beans
  • Oobleck and Leaves Fall Sensory Bin

Materials

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  • Variety of dried beans – black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, etc.
  • Large plastic bin or tray
  • Scoops, spoons, and cups – your kitchen tools work great
  • Small toys or objects – optional
  • Airtight storage container – ex: Tupperware or Ziploc bag

How to make a bean sensory bin for preschoolers

  1. Pour your dried beans into the bin to create a base layer.
  2. Add scoops, spoons, and cups to encourage pouring, scooping, and mixing.
  3. Optional: sprinkle in some small toys or objects to add an element of surprise for your kids to find.
  4. Let the kids explore! Encourage them to feel, pour, sort, and count the beans.

💡 Teacher Tip: Adding a tablecloth under your play area is the best trick ever. When the beans spill, it’s not a big deal because they’re caught on the tablecloth. At the end of the play session, lift the tablecloth and empty it over the bin so nothing goes to waste.

Beans mid-air as preschoolers playfully drop them into a bin, creating a fun visual in this bean sensory bin activity.

Storing your bean sensory bin for long-term use

If you’re looking to keep your bean sensory bin fresh and ready for play over the long haul, an airtight container or bag is a must.

Beans last for years, as long as they’re kept dry and stored properly.

This means your bean bin can be pulled out whenever you need a quick activity – no prep required.

Two children actively using a muffin tin to sort dried beans by color and type, enhancing fine motor skills in this bean sensory bin activity.

More fun ways to use dried beans in play

There are tons of fun ways to use dried beans.

  • Play “I Spy”: Hide small objects in the beans for a scavenger hunt.
  • Sort by size: Practice counting and sorting beans by size or color.
  • Bean soup: Let kids “cook” with the beans in pretend pots and pans.
  • Explore with magnifying glasses: Encourage them to examine the beans up close.
  • Count and scoop: Add measuring spoons and practice counting skills.
  • Create a rainbow: Sort beans by color for a colorful display.
  • Add seasonal items: Create a holiday or seasonal-themed sensory bin by adding themed items (like a witch craft for kids during Halloween).
Two children actively using a muffin tin to sort dried beans by color and type, enhancing fine motor skills in this bean sensory bin activity.

Choosing beans for sensory play: Tips for grownups

When choosing beans for a sensory bin, variety is the spice of life!

Opt for an assortment of colors and sizes – the more variety, the more visually appealing and engaging the bin will be.

Consider incorporating black beans, white beans, red kidney beans, and even lentils for a range of textures and colors.

Close-up of preschoolers scooping a variety of colorful dried beans from a plastic bin into a muffin tin, focusing on fine motor skills in a bean sensory bin activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of beans?

Yes, feel free to use any dried beans, from black beans to lentils!

Can I add water to the bean bin?

It’s best to keep the bin dry to extend the life of the beans.

How long will the beans last?

Dried beans can last for years when stored properly.

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Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I have spent over 15 years in the preschool classroom, I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I was a college professor of education for eight years. My passion is sharing creative learning activities for children and I'm so happy you're here.

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