bead sensory bin

We have been playing with beads.

You know that jar of beads at the back of the cupboard.  Someone probably gave them to you a couple of years ago.  You said, "yes, please - there are so many things we can do with beads".  And they have sat there collecting dust ever since.

That's what happened to me.  Until I pulled them out of the cupboard and introduced them to some new lovely round chocolate (white, milk and dark) coloured balls and some other cool shaped beads I found at Michaels.

I added some thrift shop finds:  wooden salad bowls, wooden salad tongs, a wooden candlestick, wooden napkin rings, and a small basket.  The beautiful wooden spoon was carved for us by a local First Nations elder.

I love all the natural colours mixed together.  I love the feel of the beads. We had to talk about how I loved the quiet sound that they made connecting with each other (but not the sound when they crashed into each other.)   And I love the creativity and stories the kidlets brought to the bin.

After a few days, I added some pipe cleaners.  Excellent concentration on fine motor skills.  Patterning.  Bracelets. Designs.  An extra dimension of planning. 

The bead bin has moved on to another classroom for other kidlets to enjoy.  It felt kind of sad to see it go.  But, it's good to know that children are playing, talking, creating, sorting, patterning, touching, and adding new life to the bead bin.  

And we will always have our memories ...