Snack and Play Edible Rainbow Sensory Bin

As we headed into week two of social distancing, my kids were bored, lonely, and snacking non-stop. I am so thankful that we have books, streaming services, and FaceTime, but this situation that we're facing is scary and uncertain, and it just plain sucks! My older kids can usually find something to do, but my youngest two needed something to capture their attention - enter the "Snack 'n Play" Edible Rainbow Sensory Bin!

Sensory play is a big part of our lives. I believe my kids should be given opportunities to explore, so I'm always coming up with new ideas for them. They love sensory bins, so I always try to create 1-2 new sensory bins each month for them. Now that we're stuck at home, I'm changing them up weekly. We have done edible sensory bins before, but it has been a while. Last week was the PERFECT time to set one up and introduce Coen to edible sensory bin fillers!

Needless to say, it was an instant hit! The kids had fun playing, snacking, scooping, and color sorting. Sensory Bins do not have to be complex. It really can be as simple as throwing in dry cereal and marshmallows, and giving them tools so they can play. Just doing something out of the ordinary can make it extra fun! 

The Snack and Play Sensory Bin is really easy and inexpensive to set up, and will provide hours of entertainment! This sensory bin was inspired by St. Patrick's Day, a big box of Froot Loops that my kids never opened, and their incessant snacking. Somehow, just presenting the cereal in a new way made it seem much more appealing, and guess what? They stopped asking for snacks all day! 

These days, we are using our IKEA FLISAT table with the storage bin inserts for sensory play. I said it before, and I'll say it again: that table is one of the most used items in our home! Not only do our younger kids use it daily as a sensory table, but it's also used for arts and crafts, and for homework. We love it so much that it got moved into our living room!

When working with a sensory bin with edible fillers, safety and personal hygiene count! Before filling the bin(s), thoroughly wash and dry the container(s), along with any sensory play tools or cups. I probably don't have to say this, but before playing and snacking, make sure the kids thoroughly wash their hands, and always supervise sensory play since some fillers can be a choking hazard for younger children.

SNACK AND PLAY EDIBLE RAINBOW SENSORY BIN

Items Needed:

• Large Box of Froot Loops Cereal
• 1 Bag of Mini Marshmallows
• Spoons, Sand Shovel, Tongs, Scoops
• Rainbow Cups
• (Gold Coins optional)

Set It Up:

1. Once everything is properly sanitized, pour the cereal into the bin(s), then mix in the marshmallows.
2. Place the sensory play tools in the bins, and set up the rainbow cups along the edge of the table.
3. Have your kids wash their hands, then dig in!

Storage:

If you will just be using the sensory bin for one day, simply cover it up tightly after use, then open it back up if the kids want to play again. If, however, you plan on using this sensory bin for a few days, place the edible contents of the sensory bin in plastic storage bags, seal tightly, then store in the bin until the next use. 

Play Ideas:

1. Using the tongs, transfer the cereal and marshmallows from the bin to a cup. (Excellent for building fine motor skills!)
2. Using a small sand shovel, dig up the cereal and pour it into a bowl, or transfer to the other bin.
3. Work on receptive and expressive language skills while helping your child learn their colors. Ask for a Froot Loop by color, and have your child place it in the corresponding colored cup. You can also quiz them by picking up a Froot Loop and asking them to say the color. 
4. Use the rainbow cups for independent color sorting.
5. Place a number by each colored cup, and have your child count out that amount of Froot Loops into the cup.
6. Stack the marshmallows! See how many they can stack before they fall.
7. Build a "wall" with Froot Loops and marshmallows along the outside of the sensory bin.
8. And, of course, just have fun exploring, playing, and snacking!

Read It!

Continue learning about colors and rainbows with a few fun books!

How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney

Mix It Up by Herve Tullet (This interactive book is the BEST!)

Dr. Seuss's Book of Colors

The Mixed Up Chameleon by Eric Carle

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

What Makes a Rainbow? by Betty Ann Schwartz (A Magic Ribbon Book)

This fun sensory bin kept my younger kids busy for several days! They had so much fun playing - and snacking! I don't think they were too thrilled when I emptied out the bin, and replaced it with something new, probably because it wasn't edible. It's still fun, though...stay tuned!

Have you ever tried an edible sensory bin for your child(ren)?

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