Want a fun and colorful sensory activity for your classroom?! This rainbow-dyed oats sensory bin is easy to make and so much fun to play with! Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage young learners in hands-on exploration while stimulating their senses.
Materials Needed:
- Plain oats
- Water
- Food coloring (different colors)
- Large zip-lock bags
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoons
Instructions:
- Pour the Oats: Pour some plain oats into a large zip-lock bag. You can use as many oats as you want, depending on your sensory bin size.
- Add Color: Choose a food coloring of your choice. Measure out a tablespoon of water. Put a few drops of the food coloring into the water and then pour into the bag with the oats. You can choose different colors for a variety of rainbow oats!
- Shake It Up: Close the bag tightly, ensuring it is sealed properly. Now, shake the bag. Keep shaking until all the oats are evenly coated with the food coloring.
- Spread and Dry: Open the bag and pour the colored oats onto a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. Let them dry for a few hours until the colors are set.
- Mix and Play: Once the colored oats are dry, mix them in your sensory bin. Use measuring cups, spoons, and small containers to explore and play!
Tips for a Successful Sensory Experience:
- Supervise: Always supervise your students during sensory play to ensure a safe and fun experience.
- Explore Texture: Encourage children to feel the different textures of the colored oats and describe how they feel.
- Language Development: Use descriptive words like “soft,” “crunchy,” or “smooth” to expand their vocabulary.
- Clean-Up: Have a designated area for sensory play and teach students how to clean up afterward.
Benefits of Sensory Play:
- Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, and feeling the oats help develop fine motor skills.
- Sensory Stimulation: Engaging multiple senses can help with sensory processing and cognitive development.
- Creativity and Imagination: Encourages creative thinking and imaginative play.
Get ready to watch your students explore, create, and learn through this colorful sensory activity!
