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Insect Activity For Preschool: Sensory Bin

Inside: This bug sensory bin is is a fun insect activity for the preschool classroom or at home.

Soon springtime will be in the air and all around us!

In preparation for all the life and activity of spring, we’re sharing some fun bug unit study activities.

If you missed our intro activity, this cute and easy recycled bee craft for kids, be sure to check it out too!

Today we’re sharing a simple bug sensory bin that kids will love to explore!

Read on below to see how to make one for your kids or students.

Bug Sensory Bin For Kids

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bug sensory bin

Like any sensory bin, there are a ton of different ways you can approach this activity.

You can make it strictly sensory and let your child free play with it any way they want or you can add an educational aspect as well.

If you want to add a bit of science to the mix, you can talk to your kids all about the toy bugs.

Start wherever they are and discuss things like life cycles, parts of the body, and each insects role in the environment.

Any way you choose, your child will love this sensory activity!

closeup of magnifying glass and grasshopper in bug sensory bin

Insect Activity Supplies

child holding bugs above insect sensory bin

Directions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the packaging. Drain and rinse well.
  2. Once the spaghetti noodles are cool, place them in a gallon zip loc bag and add the green food dye and white vinegar. For more vibrant colors, add several drops of the dye. Shake until the dye is mixed throughout the entire bag.
  3. Cut the noodles into small pieces to resemble grass.
  4. Add the gravel/rocks and the green noodles to the sensory tray.
  5. Place the bugs on top or hidden throughout for your kids to explore.

magnifying glass in an insect sensory bin

That’s all there is to it!

This insect activity is perfect for using at home or in the classroom.

magnifying glass in bug sensory bin

If you want to reuse the noodle grass for later, make sure you place it back in the ziplock bag and refrigerate. In our experience it will keep for a week or two before it needs to be thrown out or replaced.

insect sensory bin

Try this simple bug sensory bin out and see how much fun your kids have with it!

More Sensory Play Ideas

Enhance Your Bug Unit Studies

Nature Bound Bug Catcher wi...Shop on Amazon Learning Resources Prepared...Shop on Amazon Nature Explorer Kit for Kid...Shop on Amazon

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Monique

Thursday 28th of February 2019

Sensory bins are terrific and I love your suggestions for the grass. My library uses shredded paper or Easter grass when we use sensory bins. Great website!

Sam T

Thursday 28th of February 2019

Thanks so much!! I love the shredded paper idea; it's perfect for recycling!

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