Ready to get your kid's sensory play on?! When I initially made this sensory bin, my then two-year-old loved it as she loves popcorn and all things Thanksgiving! This is one easy, cheap, and educational fall fine motor and sensory activity for toddlers, preschoolers, even older children! You can help your kids hone their fine motor skills by allowing them to engage in sensory play like this fun invitation to play DIY Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin!
Fine motor skills are not fully developed until a kid reaches 8 or 9 years old and is able to tie their shoe and write neatly. You can help your kid hone their fine motor skills by allowing them to engage in sensory play like this fun invitation to play DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin! To make my easy DIY sensory bin, you’ll need a storage bin, popcorn kernels, plastic pumpkins, craft feathers, silicone baking cups, jumbo scoopers and tweezers, pumpkin cookie cutters, and optional play items such as plastic apples and corn. Optional play items could include anything from jumbo scoopers and tweezers to pumpkin cookie cutters to plastic apples and corn. I like to keep each holiday sensory bin themed so I wouldn’t stray too far from the fall Thanksgiving theme although you are certainly welcome to if you wish.
Sensory play is integral for toddlers and engages their senses. Their curious, quickly developing brains, enjoy hearing the sounds of the popcorn kernels as they fall as well as feeling the numerous popcorn kernels and using scoopers, bowls, or cups. This invitation to play is perfect for children in preschool, daycare, kindergarten, and even older kids in grade school or elementary school. Sensory play is calming and provides a nurturing environment in which little kids can play with a themed activity in a small area such as a bin or box.
If you like this cheap and easy kid’s activity, then you’ll love my Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin, Turkey Headshot, Fall Leaf Paintings, Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree, Popcorn Sensory Bin, and Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin crafts!
Does this have to be a Thanksgiving-themed sensory bin?
This is a versatile toddler and kid’s activity as it can also transform into an autumn sensory bin with fake (or real) leaves, acorns, etc.
Items needed to create your Popcorn Sensory Bin
Storage bin. You’ll need a storage bin or box to make this easy kid’s activity.
Popcorn. Dry popcorn kernels form the sensory base.
Feathers. Craft feathers add a soft sensory experience.
Silicone baking cups. Silicone baking cups are fun as the children can fill them with rice and then dump them out for the ultimate sensory experience.
Jumbo scoopers and tweezers. Jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers are the best way for kids to develop fine motor skills.
Pumpkin cookie cutters. Toss in some pumpkin cookie cutters.
Plastic pumpkins. Plastic pumpkins or any other fall or Thanksgiving-like toys, make a wonderful addition to this kid’s activity.
Play food. Toss in a plastic apple and ear of corn for the ultimate Thanksgiving themed sensory bin.
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, 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.
Turn it into an educational activity
I first made this sensory bin when my daughter was two years old. I like the use of feathers as turkey plumage because my two-year-old learned a new word (feather) and got to feel feathers which reinforces what a feather is to a developing little brain. I also explained to her that birds, including turkeys, are made of feathers. She seemed fascinated by all this and loved the soft texture of the feathers.
She really took my snow idea to a new level as she used the handy scoopers to make the popcorn “snow” all over our outdoor deck. I let her make a mess because it’s so beneficial for her growing brain to not only be outdoors, but to make a mess. She is just a kid after all! Kids make messes and as they do so, their brains are exploring and discovering numerous things. We made this mess outside so I didn’t care as much as a huge mess inside. After the rice “snowed” all over our deck, she got her broom and swept it all down the stairs. Another fine motor skill was used to clean the mess – sweeping!
Why are motor skills so important?
Motor skills are needed to perform many tasks in life. Fine motor skills involve tying your shoes, drawing, and writing. Gross motor skills involve walking, running, climbing, jumping, and engage your larger limbs and trunk.
Fine motor skills include smaller muscle groups such as the hand and wrist. Gross motor skills involve larger muscles needed for movement in the legs, arms, and torso.
If you like fall preschool and kindergarten fine motor crafts, then you’ll love my easy Fall Leaf Painting Craft, Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree, Vampire Paper Plate Craft, and my Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin!
My Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and older kids at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and homeschool!
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 have good 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. This activity is the perfect fine motor activity as kids use their fingers and hands to grasp, pinch, and pour as they play.
How to make the best Popcorn Sensory Bin
STEP 1: Pour the popcorn kernels into a storage bin, making sure to cover the bottom with at least one inch.
STEP 2: Add the silicone baking cups to the bin and pour popcorn into them. Spread the feathers around. Add jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers. Place pumpkin cookie cutters, toy plastic pumpkins, and plastic apples and corn inside.
STEP 3: Present your Thanksgiving invitation to play to the kids and watch them light up with excitement!
STEP 4: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Recommended items to make this craft
- Storage bin. This is my favorite storage bin for all sensory bin activities.
- Craft feathers. These work great.
- Jumbo scoopers and tweezers. These are perfect for scooping and grabbing items.
More fall and Thanksgiving crafts you’ll love!
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft
Fall Leaf Painting Craft – Easy Kid’s Craft
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
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 craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Easy DIY Fall Popcorn Sensory Bin (Thanksgiving)
Materials
Instructions
- Pour the popcorn kernels into a storage bin, making sure to cover the bottom with at least one inch.
- Add the silicone baking cups to the bin and pour popcorn into them. Spread the feathers around. Add jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers. Place pumpkin cookie cutters, toy plastic pumpkins, pumpkin cookie cutters, and play apples and corn inside.
- Present your Thanksgiving invitation to play to the kids and watch them light up with excitement!
- If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
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