Scensory Tubs/ Activity Tubs

[momofsix]

Last year I did acorns, and BUGS were in the bin the next day Does anyone know what to do to avoid this! I had already washed them on the outside, the bugs came from inside. I don't want to take the chance again! It was so disgusting!!!

[erinalexmom]

I know this sounds weird, but I used kitty litter boxes. New ones of course.
I find they are less messy as they can only be used one at a time and they are hard to tip over.

Im glad their new otherwise that would be a whole different kind of sensory experience!::

[MsMe]

i actually put a little orange food coloring in it and they made "pumpkins"!

I just made the flour oil mix and I would love to add food color to it....does it leave color oh the kids hands or cloths?

[nannyde]

Last year I did acorns, and BUGS were in the bin the next day Does anyone know what to do to avoid this! I had already washed them on the outside, the bugs came from inside. I don't want to take the chance again! It was so disgusting!!!

Can you put them in the deep freeze for a week or so before you give them to the kids? Would that work?

[melskids]

I just made the flour oil mix and I would love to add food color to it....does it leave color oh the kids hands or cloths?

it didn't with us. i made sure to mix it in fairly well first. and i didnt use a whole lot, so it was more a pale orange then a bright orange.

[MyAngels]

I just thought I'd share - I made my first ever sensory bin last night and it has been the biggest hit.

I've got five kids today and they have been playing and playing with it. Taking turns. Sharing. Staying neat. Endlessly fascinated with the items I put in it.

I don't think I would have ever thought of doing one of these without this forum, so thanks everyone for the ideas .

[MsMe]

it didn't with us. i made sure to mix it in fairly well first. and i didnt use a whole lot, so it was more a pale orange then a bright orange.


[ATTACH]654[/ATTACH]

thanks! I went ahead and gave it to them white.....maybe next time we use it I willl add color and they will think it is all new!!!

[momofsix]

Can you put them in the deep freeze for a week or so before you give them to the kids? Would that work?

I was wondering about that. Guess it can't hurt to try!

[Springdaze]

How do you keep it off the floor? I dont use mine hardly at all because for instance with rice, once it is on the floor, its done! and it aint cheap!!!!!
and water, yea right!

[SilverSabre25]

How do you keep it off the floor? I dont use mine hardly at all because for instance with rice, once it is on the floor, its done! and it aint cheap!!!!!
and water, yea right!

Keeping it off the floor starts with strict rules about usage and a firm "One and you're done" policy--if it gets dropped out on purpose, they're done. It also takes reminding them of the rules each time I get the box out, before they see the box (so the attention is on my words not the box). It also takes being aware of each kid's abilities--I do have to sit RIGHT THERE with the youngest ones, perpetually reminding them to keep things in/over the box. Even with the older ones, when something bounces out accidentally (which is inevitable) I have them immediately retrieve it and put it back in. It's a process, but very worth it.

Water tub--I have several old bath towels I put under the box--it helps also that half my playroom is hard floor, not carpet. Drips are inevitable.

Rice...isn't very expensive? Get it in a 20 lb bag from Sam's and it's only about $10. Rice is cheap! Also, why wouldn't you put it back in the box after it gets dropped? We do that with little bits that bounce out, and the rare times a large amount gets spilled, I just sweep it up and toss it back in the box.

[hoopinglady]

I use

a cement tub too. Plenty of ideas have been listed already.

For toddlers I use stuff like cotton balls, fabric scraps, feathers and ball pit balls (chunky type things)

We just did the flour and baby oil thing too. It's one of my favorites. I make it goopy though and less "doughy" haha.

I change it out every week or two depending on their interest level.

Plain water is always, always good.

I haven't decided for this week yet...I"ll just pull something out of the cabinet.

I think seasonal tubs are really clever and cute but I've only ever done that once. I'm not all that crafty.

I have a designated messy room so don't worry too much about little spills but throwing or dumping is not allowed.