Halloween is imminent and I couldn’t be more excited to decorate my house and have lots of creepy crafty fun! This spooky sensory bin was super easy to create and nearly everything in it was bought at my local dollar store. When I first made this sensory bin, my then two-year-old loved this sensory bin so much. She had the best time trying on the spider rings and making noises as if she were a talking spider. The little finger dragons are also a hit with her curious, growing little brain. Encourage your little to touch all of the toys by assembling an easy-to-create invitation to play sensory bin.
To make this Popcorn Sensory Bin, you’ll need a storage bin or box, popcorn kernels, and any variety of Halloween toys, handy scoopers, jumbo tweezers, or bowls/cups. Although all the Halloween toys are optional, you can get creative as you like! I used Halloween pumpkin cookie cutters, large plastic eyeballs, finger dragons, googly eyes, skeleton serving spoons, spider rings, spider springs, jumbo tweezers, plastic toy skulls, and toy spiders.
This is the perfect easy kid’s craft and activity at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, even older kids love it! It’s so easy to make which is why this is one of my favorite (not to mention EASIEST) DIY sensory bins to make! If your toddler or preschooler loves Halloween (and we all know toddlers LOVE all holidays!), then they’ll love my Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin and Vampire Paper Plate Craft!
Tips
If you don’t have jumbo scoopers or tweezers, toss in a bowl, cup and or large spoon and watch your toddler have a blast exploring as they listen to the sounds of the popcorn falling from the cups, touch all the kernels, and enjoy tapping into their five senses. This isn’t fancy and kids don’t care about fancy so it really doesn’t need to be complicated. I tossed in a bunch of Halloween-themed toys but it’s not necessary.
Everything you see was purchased at my local dollar store with the exception of the storage bin, popcorn kernels, toy skulls, and toy spiders. Those items were bought at Walmart. I live in a very kid-friendly state (Utah) so my Dollar Tree runs out numerous, popular holiday items very quickly. I bought the last pair of skeleton serving “spoons.”
If you have older kids, have them help assemble the sensory bin for the smaller children – it’ll give you a break and it will keep them busy and entertained – what all parents want, right?!
Benefits of sensory play
Sensory play is beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, even older kids! Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time – including touch, sight, smell, and sound. They also improve fine motor skills as kids dig, pinch, scoop, squeeze, and grasp objects in the sensory bins. Sensory bins promote social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, cooperation with their peers, and communication among their friends, family, and parents.
According to Salus University Health’s article, they also support cognitive development as kids can sort hidden items by size and color. Sensory bins are calming activities and provide a quite environment for children to play independently and calmly.
Benefits of Fine Motor Activities
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids exercise their fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Items needed to create a Popcorn Sensory Bin
Storage bin. A storage bin or box is needed to make this sensory bin.
Popcorn kernels. Buy popcorn kernels for this craft.
Plastic eyeballs. Plastic eyeballs in the shape of ping pong balls make this one fun sensory activity.
Finger dragons. Dragon rings that make nose are so much fun!
Googly eyes. Googly eyes keep the Halloween themed sensory bin so exciting!
Pumpkin cookie cutters. I added pumpkin cookie cutters to make this sensory bin more enticing.
Skeleton serving spoons. Skeleton serving spoons were an added feature.
Spider rings. Spider rings add to the spooky factor.
Spider springs. Spiders on springs are fun for toddlers.
Jumbo scoopers and tweezers. We love these jumbo scoopers and tweezers best.
Plastic toy skulls. Plastic toy skulls are another added Halloween feature that all kids love (just ask mine!).
Toy spiders. Toy spiders were another fun added bonus to this sensory bin.
How to make the best Popcorn Sensory Bin
STEP 1: Pour the popcorn kernels into a storage bin.
STEP 2: Place the toys, bowls, cups, jumbo scoopers, or tweezers in the bin.
STEP 3: Arrange the toys and items in the sensory bin and present your invitation to play to your kids and watch them light up with excitement!
STEP 4: If you make this sensory bin, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment to help other readers!
Recommended items to make this craft
- Storage bin. This is the storage bin I use for all my sensory bins.
- Popcorn kernels. These make the best sensory base.
- Halloween toys. These are a great addition to this sensory bin craft.
More Halloween crafts and spooky recipes!
Coffee Filter Tootsie Pop Ghosts
Halloween Bloody Finger Hot Dogs
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Popcorn Sensory Bin, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this sensory bin, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Materials
- storage bin
- popcorn kernels
- plastic eyeballs optional
- finger dragons optional
- plastic googly eyes optional
- pumpkin cookie cutters optional
- skeleton serving spoons optional
- spider rings optional
- spider springs optional
- jumbo scoopers or tweezers optional
- toy skeletons optional
- toy spiders optional
Instructions
- Pour the popcorn kernels into a storage bin.
- Place the toys, bowls, cups, jumbo scoopers, or tweezers in the bin.
- Arrange the toys and items in the sensory bin and present your invitation to play to your kids and watch them light up with excitement!
- If you make this sensory bin, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment to help other readers!
Notes
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