dinosaur sensory bin

The kidlets have been enjoying a dinosaur dig sensory bin.

The base is a combination of sand, beans lentils, seeds, abalone shell pieces and some amber necklace beads.  Lots of different colours and textures.  I added a dinosaur skull (an aquarium accessory), dinosaur skeletons (found at a dollar store) and at dinosaur skull and fossil toob.  A couple of magifying  glasses and some small paintbrushes finished off the bin.

Each time I put a bin out for the kidlets to explore, they add their experiences, ideas and learning needs.  

Some kids make a story directly connected to the bin.  

My little paleontologists, buried, excavated, and carefully brushed the sand away from their finds. 

Sometimes a story is made with the bin materials that is loosely connected to the bin.

These boys used the dino skull to make a volcano that would erupt and kill all the dinosaurs.  All observed by a 21st century scientist who entered the era through a portal.  

Other times, the story that evolves has nothing to do with the bin.  And that's okay.

When I asked what story she was making, I was told that this was a birthday cake. "Cause it's my little brother's birthday soon".  

Other times the sensory aspect of the bin is most important. 

My friend spent a few minutes enjoying the sensation of the and and beans running through his fingers.  

I love the learning opportunities that sensory bins bring to my classroom.  

I love the environment being the third teacher.  And the kids supporting each other's experience and learning.