It may still be 9,000 degrees outside, but that is not stopping me from dreaming of Fall. This fun apple cinnamon oatmeal sensory bin presents kids with an open invitation to play with Fall inspired items.
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Sensory bins are great for their educational benefits. But do you know why I really love them? They are usually very quick to set up (as a mom, you need that right?). The bins can usually be made with things you have on hand or with just a couple of small purchases. And the absolute best part is that they entertain! It will keep your little one busy while you do something on your long To Do List.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Sensory Bin Contents
I found most of these things at home or at the Dollar Tree. Sensory bins are also great because you don’t have to have exactly what I used. Just use this as a guide and get creative with what you have at home.
In our apple cinnamon oatmeal sensory bin you will find:
Container – I use a dish bucket from the Dollar Tree for most of my sensory activities.
Oatmeal
Various measuring cups / funnels
Play spoon, bowl, skillet (From my daughter’s Play kitchen)
Shovel/Strainer/Rake (These were Dollar Tree sand toys that I threw in)
Apple Cutting board (from Dollar Tree)
Sprinkle of Cinnamon & Allspice
Plastic Tablecloth
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Sensory Bin Set Up
Setting up this sensory bin is as easy as (apple) pie. Forgive me, I hang out with a 4 year old and an 8 month old all day! It really is simple and will give you time to do some work or maybe relax for a few minutes. Of course, with all sensory bins, you should gauge your child’s maturity and provide proper supervision.
Spread out a big plastic tablecloth or towel if you are doing this inside. I love using plastic tablecloths for all types of messy play activities. Grab your bucket and dump some oatmeal in. If this is killing your OCD perfectionist self, I understand. I would rather someone tell me to add 57.2 ounces than to tell me to “dump” something. I promise, it will be fine. Just dump some in. It doesn’t need to be precise. We are going for quick and easy with this sensory bin.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon and allspice in with your oats. Just enough so that you can smell the spices which will add to the sensory experience for your kids. Mix the oats and spices together. Remember to have them smell and describe it while playing!
Stick the apples, measuring utensils, and other items in with the oatmeal and present it to your kids. My girl made apple pies, dug around in the mixture, and let the oatmeal fall through the funnel.
I also wrote out the word “apple” on a piece of paper. She then matched the magnet letters to the letters that I had written for some alphabet recognition practice.
I hope your toddler or preschooler will enjoy this fall inspired apple cinnamon oatmeal sensory play activity! If you have a baby, check out this 10 second setup baby sensory activity. Do your kids love sensory bins?
More Fun Apple Items:
swapna says
Will definitely try.. hope my girl will like it.. Thanks for sharing
aisasami says
Ooooh, I always see sand sensory bins on Pinterest but not oatmeal. I have to try this in my class someday.
Stacy Craft says
Hi! I hope you try it! I love the oatmeal as the filler because it is so inexpensive and technically taste safe (even though it might not taste good!).