RAINY DAYS + SENSORY PLAY = BRAIN BOOSTS
Last month, we explored how multi-sensory experiences strengthen learning by firing more neurons — and as the saying goes, “neurons
that fire together wire together!” But when April showers keep us indoors, what’s a great go-to activity for growth and fun?
SENSORY BINS
These simple, hands-on activities are packed with developmental power and perfect for indoor play. Whether your child plays solo, with
you, or a sibling, sensory bins offer endless opportunities for creativity and connection.
Why OTs Love Sensory Bins:
Multi-sensory exploration: Engages touch, sound, sight, and sometimes even smel and taste for deeper learning.
Cognitive development: Promotes problem-solving, imaginative play, and language skils.
Fine motor growth: Scooping, pinching, and pouring build strength and coordination in little hands.
Self-regulation: Calming and organizing for the nervous system—great for transitions or downtime.
Play + social skills: Encourages turn-taking, cooperation, and pretend play with others.
Let’s play with purpose — rain or shine!
MAKE YOUR OWN SENSORY BINS!
Rainbow Bin
Base: Dyed rice or rainbow-colored pom-poms
Add-ins: Tongs, color cups or trays, rainbow printables
Activity: Sort by color, match items to rainbow mats, or build patterns.
OT Skill Focus: Visual discrimination, color recognition, grasp strength, and bilateral coordination.
Ocean Bin:
Base: Blue water beads, aquarium gravel, or dyed rice
Add-ins: Toy sea animals, scoops, shells, small container boats
Activity: Create an underwater world. Make up stories, practice scooping and transferring water beads with tools.
OT Skill Focus: Imaginative play, hand-eye coordination, bilateral integration, and
storytelling/language development.
Construction Bin:
Base: Kinetic sand, dry corn, or crushed cereal
Add-ins: Mini trucks, scoops, blocks, pebbles
Activity: Scoop and dump like a dump truck, build a mini road, or create a pretend construction site.
OT Skill Focus: Fine motor coordination, heavy work for proprioception, and planning/problem-solving
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” -MARY POPPINS