What is a rice sensory bin? And how does it support kids in their learning and motor skill development? This post explains how to harness the power of this incredibly simple sensory bin that provides kids with anything but simple skills. Learn what a rice bin is, what kids learn when playing with one, and how to keep a sensory bin tidy.
Why is a rice sensory bin the best?
Please listen to the lady on the Internet.
If you only ever muster the gumption to try a single activity with your kids, have it be a rice sensory bin. It might just be the best decision you make today…. but you have to trust me on it.
No other activity teaches children more, spans a broader age group, is taste safe, inexpensive to create, and holds their attention span for long. Bottom line: this is the Ultimate Kids Activity, no matter what age is playing.
It’s engaging.
Adults can’t see the allure of rice in a container, but trust me, kids can. Remember, these are the same people who can play for hours in a cardboard box. They have flawless taste.
It’s ageless.
From 12 months old to 12 years old, a rice sensory bin holds attention spans. It is the great equalizer of play: if you have siblings to entertain with a toddler, this activity gives them a level playing field.
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How do you keep a rice bin tidy?
You’re probably thinking to yourself: my kids could never keep that clean. There would be rice everywhere.
Here’s the trick: You have to teach them to keep it in the bin.
That means setting up rules (no dumping, no pouring).
That means enforcing the rules (and taking the bin away).
That means teaching your child to do better (by giving them a second chance).
RELATED: Get more step by step guidance in my post “Introducing Toddlers to Sensory Bins.”
What do kids learn from a rice sensory bin?
Kids learn much more than we could ever imagine from a few bags of rice in a storage container:
- Life skills: pouring, scooping, transferring
- Imagination / dramatic play: creating world’s of play and play story lines
- Math skills: discovering capacity and quantity
- Fine motor skills: working with their hands
- Self-control: it’s a big skill to ask as kids learn to not throw the rice
RELATED: Learn more about why sensory play important here. It’s amazing what sensory play can do.
How do you set up a rice bin?
You don’t need much to get this bin going and enjoy the magical powers of sensory. I’ve seen my kids play for an hour with rice… it is magical and they keep coming back.
Here’s what I used for this bin:
- 4 lbs of dry rice: I store mine in a plastic resealable bag
- 28 qt storage container: I get a Sterilite one from Target
- Towel for messes
- Various kitchen utensils: I typically buy these at the Dollar Store
Cue Porky Pig: That’s all folks!
RELATED: Wondering about the best sensory bin supplies? Check out my sensory bin basics post with all the links and information.
When should you try a sensory bin?
This is about to become the best tool in your parenting tool box. You can use this to reset all sorts of situations at home.
Grumpy child? Sensory bin.
Sick child? Sensory bin.
Clingy child? Sensory bin.
Fighting siblings? Sensory bin.
Struggling with play? Sensory bin.
The rice sensory bin is the answer for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not need to let your child make a mess in order for them to have fun and learn with a sensory bin. Part of sensory bins is learning rules. As they learn these rules, stay close. If they start to dump, remind them of the rules and offer a chance for greater success. If they dump again, take the bin away. Remind them of the rules and let them know they’ll get have another chance another time.
**Give them another chance. 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days… let them try again.
There are lots of options for what goes in a sensory bin. These are often called “bases.” I have a list of “sensory bin bases” that I keep on hand to make a variety of sensory bins.
You don’t have to do a sensory bin. If you can’t get past the possible mess with a sensory bin, I support your decision to skip. I don’t do all sensory bin activities (you won’t find play dough or slime in my home). I would encourage you to see if you can find one time of sensory bin that does work for you (like a bubble foam bin in the bath or a water station outside).
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2.3 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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Grace says
Hi Susie! Thank you for this, I was able to try this with my 22 mo old and surprisingly went better than expected. I had a few questions: 1. How long can we expect to play in it for?
2. How do you recommend storing the rice afterwards?
Thank you!
Jennifer D says
I can’t believe I am just finding! We live sensory bins in our house. I started one when my now 18 yo was just a toddler and it is still pulled out for our youngest, 2 yo! I can’t imagine the play it has gotten. Left over beans, end of the bag of rice, someone passes on a funnel into the bean bin it goes!
This has given me so many new fresh ideas and the courage to bring it back inside for the too hot to be outside days of summer. Hoping it can be used so much more!
Laura says
Sorry, meant to post here: Not sure what to say here-I tried it with my 21-month-old, it went really badly. After a couple minutes she just kept wanting to pour the rice on the floor, so eventually I had to take it away and then we were both upset as I tried to clean up.
busytoddler says
Hi Laura, that happens! Sounds like you set up some great boundaries and you were smart to put it away. It’s hard to see kids upset. I talk about this a lot in posts like this: https://busytoddler.com/2018/03/first-sensory-bin/ that we use sensory bins as a way to practice firm, clear, and consistent boundaries with kids. I give my kids 3 rules: no dumping, no throwing, no eating. In the beginning of learning bins, I stay close by to help monitor and help their success. I give ONE warning: “Remember the rules: no dumping, no throwing, no eating.” If they cannot stay within the boundaries, I calmly remove the bin. They often get upset by this natural consequence. It’s hard. “We will try again later.” And later we do. We have a chance for “greater success.” We restate the rules. This is about sensory bins, and it is about play, but it’s also about a bigger conversation on learning to play within the rules and the boundaries of life. I hope you’ll try again (think of dinner: we didn’t give up on meals just because spaghetti got on the floor).