3 Valentine Sensory Bins to Spark Love and Learning in Your Preschool Classroom
Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage preschoolers in hands-on exploration while reinforcing Valentine’s Day themes. These three Valentine sensory bins are easy to set up, promote fine motor skills, and encourage imaginative play.
1. Heart Sensory Bin
Materials Needed:
- Heart-shaped items like foam hearts, heart beads, and heart confetti.
- Filler material (pink rice, shredded paper, or colored pom-poms).
- Small tongs or scoops for sorting.
Activity Ideas:
- Sort items by size or color.
- Hide small hearts in the filler for a fun search-and-find activity.
- Use the tongs to transfer hearts into a small container to build fine motor skills.
2. Friendship Sensory Bin
Materials Needed:
- Plastic people figurines in a variety of colors and styles.
- Filler material (flower petals, dry beans, or cotton balls).
- Small toy houses or blocks to create “friendship neighborhoods.”
Activity Ideas:
- Role-play friendship scenarios, like sharing or helping each other.
- Build houses or meeting places with blocks.
- Use the figurines to practice counting or grouping by characteristics like color or size.
3. Love Jar Sensory Bin
Materials Needed:
- Assorted jars with screw-on and snap-on lids (safe for little hands).
- Filler material (red and pink beads, glitter, or heart erasers).
- Small items to place inside jars, like pom-poms or gems.
Activity Ideas:
- Practice opening and closing the jars to strengthen hand muscles.
- Challenge students to match lids to the correct jars.
- Fill jars with small items and count them together.
Tips for Valentine Sensory Bins Success
- Provide clear rules for handling materials to keep the activity organized.
- Use trays or mats under the bins to catch spills.
- Rotate sensory bins throughout the week to keep students engaged.
Hugs and Kisses Valentine’s Day Monthly Theme
Valentine’s Day Activities include a whole month of lesson plans, activities, craft printables, and ideas to teach a super-fun Valentine’s Day theme. Everything is written out in these Valentine’s Day activities to make your job easier. The resources found in these lesson plans are designed to meet Early Learning Developmental Standards.
Valentine’s Day for Preschoolers
Head back to the main Valentine Theme for more heart fun ideas for your classroom and families.