Toddlers are busy little explorers who set out daily to learn and discover the huge, interesting world around them. Their growing brains need to explore and with this holiday sensory bin, they have the ability to see, touch, smell, and pour the hot cocoa.
Sensory play is critical in the development of a young growing brain as it encourages the development of language skills, motor skills, and problem solving. While a child plays in a sensory bin, they have the opportunity to experience different tastes, smells, sounds, sights, and textures—granting them a chance to learn through exploration.
This Christmas Hot Cocoa Sensory bin made my two year old’s heart melt. She is a huge fan of marshmallows so when she learned that I made her a hot cocoa bin with marshmallows, she was elated! Although tasting the sensory bin ingredients is likely fine, as this is considered a taste safe—or edible—sensory bin, it’s not a good idea to eat these ingredients as flour is among them and should not be consumed raw. A small amount of flour will not cause much, if any harm so I was not worried about my toddler taste testing it. To be fair, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s article states that you can become sick after consuming raw flour. In my opinion, it would have to be a substantial amount of flour. I grew up eating raw flour in cookie dough and not once was I ever sick.
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I must admit, this was fun to make and I enjoyed the wonderful aroma of hot cocoa numerous times a day for about a week! Remember that it is food so it doesn’t last very long.
If you like this, then you’ll love these easy toddler and preschool crafts!
Clothespin DIY Reindeer Ornaments
Salt Dough Handprint and Footprint Ornaments
Kid Friendly Christmas Recipes you’ll adore!
Items needed to make a Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin
Flour. I used all-purpose flour but any kind of flour will work.
Cocoa powder. Cocoa poweder gives this sensory bin it’s hot cocoa color.
Miniature marshmallows. Pour in as many mini marshmallows as you like and let the sensory fun begin.
Santa and gingerbread man containers. I found cheap Christmas containers at my Dollar Tree store. Any kind of container will work as it will give the kids a chance to practice their fine motor skills as they scoop up the hot cocoa and marshmallows.
How to Make the Best Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin
Pour as much flour and cocoa powder in a bin as you desire. Top with marshmallows. Add the containers (I bought these at my local dollar store but you can use cups and bowls as those will work equally as well).
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Finally, if you make this Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this activity a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this sensory bin and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this DIY sensory bin, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Taste Safe Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin
Equipment
- 1 bin with a lid
- Santa and gingerbread man containers
Materials
- all-purpose flour
- cocoa powder
- miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Pour as much flour and cocoa powder in a bin as you desire. Top with marshmallows. Add festive Christmas containers or cups and bowls for the kids to pour with.
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