So if there was any activity that instantly brought a smile to my kids’ faces, it’s this one.
In a nutshell, it’s Fruit Loops in a box.
Add a couple spoons and bowls, and now we can call it breakfast.
Just kidding. I never give my kids sugar for breakfast. (Ha.)
The Easiest Sensory Bin Ever
If you’re looking to ease the mom-guilt of expending so little energy in entertaining your kids, then here’s the long version.
Playing with fruity cereal in a sensory bin engages so many of the senses. And we all know kids learn a lot through their senses, especially in the first few years.
As my toddlers (My littlest is no longer a baby! *cue tears and emotional sobs*) play with this sensory bin, they are engaging all five senses: sight, touch, sound, smell, and, of course, taste.
They are also working on
- fine motor skills (pincer grasp, using spoons to scoop cereal into bowls and into their mouths),
- language skills (describing smells, colors, and tastes),
- social skills (taking turns, asking for help, negotiating when little sister grabs handfuls of cereal out of big sister’s bowl)
- dramatic play (pretending to make breakfast)
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!
Make Your Own Cereal Sensory Bin
I’m sure you’re dying for more details on this activity.
First, I used one of those giant bags of generic store brand Fruit Loops. Ours were called “Fruity Rings.” Any cereal will do. Old, stale cereal you discover hiding in the cupboards are fine to use in a sensory bin.
Second, kids will eat this stuff. You can ask them not to if you want to give yourself an aneurysm. I decided I wanted to be a fun mom today, and let them just dive in.
Mine stopped eating the cereal and started playing after about five minutes. Quietest and most relaxing five minutes of my life.
Also, I honestly did not notice any kind of negative sugar-high/sugar-crash effects. Maybe cereals just have less sugar these days, or maybe my kids are just always so crazy, I didn’t notice a little extra crazy. Who knows. Every kid will be different, so enter at your own risk.
Third, the cereal sensory bin is meant to be a free exploration, independent play activity. This means you do not need to tell kids what to do. You just provide the tools (spoons, bowls, scoops, measuring cups, lacing string or pipe cleaners, etc.) and let them play however they want. Do not try to force them to play with it how you want them to. Even if you’re trying to get some awesome pictures for your website.
That being said, you can provide certain tools that will encourage certain types of play with the sensory bin.
For example, I put bowls and spoons in mine so my girls would work on using spoons to fill their bowls (and tummies) as well as for dramatic play.
You could add pipe cleaners or craft lace for making cereal necklaces and bracelets. (See why craft lace is superior to string for this activity here.)
Or colored bowls for sorting the cereal by color.
I would introduce one type of tool or play at a time so it’s not too overwhelming. For them, and for you.
And last, put a giant blanket down on the floor as your cereal sensory bin play area. You can thank me later.
Your Turn to Make a Cereal Sensory Bin
Making a cereal sensory bin is as easy as pouring cereal into a large bin. Kids love them and they will learn so much by playing with them.
Plus, cereal sensory bins are taste-safe for those toddlers who put everything in their mouths.
Remember that you can encourage different types of play by carefully choosing the tools you provide kids to play with.
And do not forget that blanket to put under everything.
What are you waiting for? Go play with your kids!
And if you sneak a handful of Fruit Loops, know that there is no judgement here.
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!