Making a sensory bin inspired by things found at the beach

What is our theme? Beach

What is the lesson: Making a sensory bin inspired by things found at the beach

MA Guidelines/Standards:

1. CD66. The younger toddler explores with sensory art materials and uses them to create visual effects.
2. CD69. The older toddler creatively explores and experiments using a variety of sensory materials and art mediums.
3. PW52. The young toddler will show increased integration of sensory stimulation.

Learning Outcomes:
Recognizing items commonly found at the beach in your own home

Songs,Books,Video(Motivational Techniques)
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcBhiDqyibo
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg0cQtVisLw
Interactive song we use in school: Baby shark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqZsoesa55w
Book: Happy Snappy Crab (Video uploaded)


Materials-

• Container/Bucket
• Sand
• Sea shells
• Sand Toys (Optional)
• Rocks or gems

Activity (Procedure):

1. Fill bucket/container with all materials
2. Allow toddler to play with and manipulate the items

Activity Wrap Up:
    Ask follow up questions such as “What is in here that we can find at the beach? Do we find shells at the beach? Do we find rocks at the beach?”

How do I know what my child is learning? 
(Assessment)
Can they identify different items in the sensory bin? Can they identify the shells or the rocks?

How can you extend this activity? (Modifications)
If you don’t have sand, you can use rice, oats, white beans, or any other dump and pourable material you have in the house

Helpful Hints: (Pitfalls & Solutions)
If using sand, adding a small amount of water will help making sand castles and prints in the sand