How To Make A Color Sorting Sensory Bin For Spring
A caterpillar color sorting sensory bin transforms spring learning into hands-on play as preschoolers sort pom-poms and strengthen fine motor skills.
- Total Time25 minutes depending on play time
- Yield1 spring color sorting sensory bin 1x
Materials
- Plastic sensory bin or shallow storage container
- Dried green split peas (enough to cover the bottom of the bin)
- Colored silicone or paper cupcake liners
- Pom-poms in matching colors
- Sensory tweezers, kid-safe tongs, or large craft tweezers
- Permanent marker (optional for adding a caterpillar face)
Instructions
1. Fill the Sensory Bin
Pour dried green split peas into the container until the bottom is fully covered. The peas form a surface that mimics a grassy garden environment.
2. Arrange the Caterpillar Body
Place several cupcake liners across the center of the caterpillar color sorting sensory bin in a curved or straight line. Each liner represents a segment of the caterpillar. Use different colors such as pink, purple, yellow, green, or blue.
3. Create the Caterpillar Head
Choose one liner to represent the head. Draw a simple smiling face with a permanent marker if desired.
4. Scatter the Pom-Poms
Spread pom-poms across the split pea base. Select colors that match the cupcake liners so that each liner has a corresponding group of pom-poms.
5. Add Sorting Tools
Place sensory tweezers or small tongs in the bin. Children can use fingers or tools to pick up pom-poms during the color sorting activity.
The result resembles a colorful caterpillar resting on a green garden bed.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Activities, DIY, Spring
- Method: Setup