Easy and Cheap Birdseed Sensory Bin for Toddlers

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Need a fun and budget-friendly activity for your kids? Then, let’s make this simple birdseed sensory bin that provides the perfect opportunity for your kids to explore multiple textures, build developmental skills, and have fun. In addition to offering multiple benefits for your kids, it is also the perfect introduction to sensory bins. The colors are earthy and muted. So, while it is a sensory bin, it is not too overstimulating. This sensory bin contains mostly natural elements and is filled with bird seed. If done outdoors, there is little to no cleanup. Just sweep the birdseed off the porch and provide the birds with a yummy treat.

First, Explore. Then, Collect.

Firstly, we need to explore our backyard or park for interesting treasures to add to the sensory box. My girls quickly found some fussy moss, a pointy pine cone, rough and smooth rocks, pieces of broken tree bark, and a short, fat stick. We added all of these elements to our bin. I temporarily emptied a plastic bin to make our sensory bin. But, don’t overthink this part. A shoebox works perfectly, too.

My favorite part about this sensory bin is that it’s simple and budget-friendly. The only item I bought was the birdseed and we have many plans for the birdseed such as making a pine cone bird feeder, more sensory bins, and filling our bird feeder. And, there is no indoor mess. The kids get to spend time outdoors, exploring and learning through a hands-on tactile activity and I get to supervise and drink my coffee while getting fresh air. When finished, I just sweep off the porch and let the birds enjoy the scattered birdseed in my yard.

So, what is a sensory bin?

A sensory bin is typically filled with a filler material and objects of various sizes, shapes, and textures. Types of popular fillers include beans, rice, and sand. Some sensory bins are themed and some are filled with random “child-safe” items around the home.

What are the benefits of a sensory bin?

So, this is where the pediatric therapist in me just wants to grab a cup of coffee and chat about the amazing benefits of a sensory bin. But, in short form, I will provide a list first.

10 Benefits of a Sensory Bin

• Sensory Exploration
• Language Development
• Social Skills
• Self-Regulation
• Cognitive Skills
• Brain development
• Fine motor development
• Body Awareness
• Independent Play
• Life Skills

Why are sensory bins important?

Because I have so much to say, I’m going to make this into a separate blog post. When it is complete, I will come back and link it here. I think you will need a cup of coffee or tea! 🙂

What are some sensory bin activities?

So, you made a fun sensory bin and now you feel like you need a plan. If this is your child’s first time playing with a sensory bin, you might need to model how to play with the bin. Maybe you want to have some rules like, “We don’t throw. We don’t eat.” Or, maybe you want to make this the most enriching activity possible. Here is the neat thing: Your child is learning by playing. However, I do love to add activities to a sensory bin after my kids have played with the bin and its objects for a few minutes.

Activities for the Sensory Bin

• Seek and Find. Have your child perform a mini-scavenger hunt and find all the items in the box. You could ask him/her to describe the objects. This is beneficial because it allows the child to explore the bin, practice visual scanning, and improve their language by describing the items.
• Sorting. Have your child sort things into different groups such as grouping items with similar features. Sorting is a cognitive skill. Sorting is comparing and categorizing objects by their similarities and differences like the life skill of sorting laundry.
• Missions. Dig for the worms. Feed the birds. Place the eggs safely in the nest. Stack the rocks. Build a bird’s nest. You can provide one-step commands or more challenging commands with multiple steps.
• Storytelling. Challenge your child’s imagination by asking him/her to tell a story using the items in the box. Imaginative play and storytelling provide opportunities for a child to process and understand the world emotionally. It supports the development of empathy, creativity, and flexibility while improving communication skills. But, be prepared to model this skill!
• Counting. Have your child count the various items. This activity promotes mathematics skills.
• Scoop and Pour. Practice scooping and pouring by adding a cup and a spoon. Scooping and pouring are both life skills and are prerequisites to skills such as cooking and baking.
• Hand-writing. Draw letters and numbers in the birdseed using a finger or a stick. This promotes written communication and strengthening of the hand.
• Fine Motor Practice. Have your child fill a cup by pinching the birdseed with his/her fingers. This is called pincer grasp. Practicing the pincer grasp is important because it promotes life skills such as holding a pencil, self-feeding, buttoning, and zipping.

Disclaimer: All activities on this website require adult supervision. Some materials used in crafts or play-based activities pose a choking hazard. Nobody knows your child better than you. Please modify all activities appropriate for your child. 

DIY Easy and Cheap Birdseed Sensory Bin for all Ages

Materials:

• 1 Plastic Bin or Shoebox (I used a 6-quart plastic storage bin)
• 2 Cups of Birdseed for filler
• Collection of natural elements and other themed elements (plastic worms, plastic eggs etc.)

Step by Step Instructions for DIY Budget-Friendly Sensory Bin Filled with Birdseed

1. First, gather all supplies including natural elements that you want to include and other items such as plastic worms, plastic eggs, paper sack bird’s nests, etc. You could also include letters or numbers to promote letter and number recognization.
2. Next, pour two cups of birdseed into the bin.
3. Then, add and arrange the natural elements and other objects that you have chosen to put in the bin. In addition, you could hide the worms, letters, or numbers in the birdseed to encourage your child to dig.

That’s it. Now, you have a budget-friendly birdseed sensory bin. I hope your child enjoys this sensory bin; and, you now have an excitement for just how important and beneficial a sensory bin can be both for the child and caregiver. May you enjoy that cup of coffee while your child plays and learns!

Brief Video Tutorial of making a Birdseed Sensory Bin

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Finally, I want to thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and tell me why you love sensory bins.

– With Great Joy, Katie

Easy Craft using birdseed:

Simple Pine Cone Bird Feeder