Welcome to the Hands-On Play Party! Each week my co-hosts and I will share our ideas for a fun, hands-on activity! This is also a linky party for any hands-on learning activities for kids of all ages! So be sure to check out all the great links shared at the end of this post! If you are a blogger I invite you to share any ideas you have for sensory play, early learning play, gross and fine motor skills play, and indoor/outdoor play that is presented in a hands-on way!
This past week we explored and learned about seeds, specifically birdseed. You often don’t think of birdseed when planning a unit about seeds, but it is a really easy and cheap way for kids to get their hands on lots of seeds! One way we explored seeds was to experiment with sprouting birdseed. The other way was to explore birdseed with our senses through a birdseed sensory bin!
I set up this really simple birdseed sensory bin and Caden has played with it (and making messes) ever since! To create your own you will need:
- a bag of mixed birdseed
- any sized bin
- containers, scoops and a funnel
I set up the birdseed sensory bin on his small table in the dining area of our kitchen. He has really enjoyed using the scoop to funnel the birdseed into the clear pitcher. He also added a spoon to the bin and I have caught him spooning birdseed into the toilet paper roll and using the spoon to “draw” circles in the shallow birdseed. Caden also likes to grab handfuls of birdseed and let it fall through his hands into the bin or all over the floor… which lead to this bit of sensory input…
Caden, all too willingly, vacuuming up all the birdseed he through on the floor, as long as he gets to wear his “headcovers”.
Looking for more Hands-On Play ideas? Link up and check out some great ideas below!
From my co-hosts!
Story Stones from P is for Preschooler
7 Simple Sensory Play Ideas with Ice from Lemon Lime Adventures
And now for the Linky Party!
Disclaimer: By linking up you are granting me permission to feature your post using a photo with proper link back.
© 2014, Stir The Wonder. All rights reserved.
I love birdseed as a sensory material – though I admit we usually do it outside (not brave enough to do it inside!). I love that he helps to vacuum too!
We LOVE Sensory Bins! This is perfect for rainy summer days!
Great sensory bin. This would go great with a bird unit!
Thanks for sharing at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop!