If you only ever do ONE activity, let it be a rice sensory bin
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 gotta trust me on it.
RELATED: Oh my sensory! Learn everything you need to know about a sensory bin here.
What is the best toddler activity?
It’s a rice sensory bin plain and simple.
No other activity teaches children more, spans a broader age group, is taste safe, AND holds their attention span for long. Bottom line: this is the Ultimate Kids Activity, no matter what age is playing.
Why is a rice sensory bin the best?
It’s engaging.
We can’t see the allure of rice in a container, but trust me, our 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, this activity gives them a level playing field.
How do you keep it 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).
LEARN MORE ABOUT SENSORY BIN RULES HERE.
OR WATCH MY IGTV ON SENSORY PLAY.
Are they learning from sensory bins?
Oh my goodness, YES. So much more than we could ever imagine:
- Life skills
- Imagination / dramatic play
- Math skills
- Fine motor skills
- Self-control (a big skill to ask as kids learn to not throw the rice).
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY SENSORY PLAY IS IMPORTANT HERE.
Best part: a rice sensory bin is NOT HARD to set up!
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 kept in a ziplock back
- 28 qt storage container (I get a Sterilite one from Target)
- Towel for messes
- Various kitchen utensils
THAT’S IT!
RELATED: Check out my Sensory Bin Basics post with links!
If there’s one activity to try…
…a rice sensory bin is it. I promise. This activity is going to be the best tool you’ve ever used for parenting.
Grumpy child? Sensory bin.
Sick child? Sensory bin.
Clingy child? Sensory bin.
Fighting siblings? Sensory bin.
Struggling with play? Sensory bin.
It is the answer for everything.
Try a sensory bin today!
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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).