Bugs Sensory Bin & Free Insect Extension Activities

Going on a bug hunt is a great way for curious kids to learn about different types of bugs. This Bugs and Grass sensory bin idea extends the learning experience by providing a hands-on, interactive platform where children can explore, create, and engage their senses, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the fascinating world of insects. 

Through a combination of tactile activities, imaginative play, and themed extension activities, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an engaging insect sensory bin for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten-aged children. 

• Table Of Contents
  • How To Create An Insect Sensory Bin
  • Materials Needed
  • Extension Activities
  • Variation Ideas
  • Benefits of this Bugs Sensory Bin
  • Final Thoughts

How To Create An Insect Sensory Bin

Step 1)

Add a small bag of dried black beans to half of your empty sensory bin.

Step 2)

Add shredded green paper or Easter grass to the other side of the sensory bin.

Step 3)

Add green and black pom poms to the sensory bin.

Step 4)

Add plastic insects and flowers to your sensory bin. 

Step 5)

Add sensory tools, and fine motor tools like scoops and bowls to your bin. You could also add a bug net and magnifying glass if you have them, or other bug-themed items.

Materials Needed

• Shredded green paper
• Dried black beans
• Plastic insects
• Fake flowers
• Spoons
• Bowls
• Sensory tub, plastic bin, tray or sensory table
• Optional Fine Motor Skill Tools:
  • Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set
  • (or child-safe tongs and tweezers)

Extension Activities

Activity 1) Song with Dance

Sing the insect body part song I’ve included in the printable extension activity guide to the tune of Head Shoulders Knees and Toes. We’ve included actions to go along with the words to make the song interactive. 

Ask children to stand with you, and do the actions while you slowly sing the song one time. Next time you sing ask the kids to repeat the words with you so they can practice saying the insect body parts. 

Once your children have learned the words and actions it’s time to get silly. You can sing it faster and faster or super duper slow; you can sing it in squeaky high pitched bug voices or low booming beetle voices. Have fun with it.

Activity 2) Playdough Insects

Make an example of an insect from playdough and then let kids make their own with the tools and loose parts you have. 

If you’re learning about different types of insects, see if your child wants to try making different types like butterflies, ladybugs, bees, or ants.

Variation Ideas

Texture Exploration:

Introduce additional textured items like rice or chickpeas that are dyed black or green, scraps of fabric or other things you have at home as a sensory bin filler. Discuss how each texture feels compared to the other items in the bin. 

Dirt Bin:

Ready to make mud? Take your sensory bin outside and use soil for some messy play. If it’s warm outside, you can plan this sensory exploration for a time when you can hose off after playing is done.

Chia Seed Bin:

If you add water to chia seeds, you’ll end up with a taste-safe dark and goopy material that resembles dirt.

Benefits of this Bugs Sensory Bin

Sensory Development:

The combination of dried black beans, shredded green paper, and various textures in the sensory bin provides a diverse sensory activity for little learners. Children can explore different tactile sensations, enhancing their sensory development.

Fine Motor Skills:

Activities involving scooping, picking up pom poms, and manipulating plastic insects with tools like tongs or tweezers contribute to the development of fine motor skills. These actions help improve hand-eye coordination and precision in finger movements in your child’s little hands.

Creativity and Imagination:

Plastic insects, fake flowers, and other materials in the bin encourage imaginative play. Children can role-play, creating stories and scenarios, as well as fostering creativity and expanding their imaginative capabilities.

Language Development:

Extension activities, such as singing an insect body parts song, promote language development. The incorporation of actions and repetition supports vocabulary expansion, as children actively participate in a fun and engaging learning experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope the extra insect activities and this fun sensory bin idea give you some great opportunities for hands-on learning. You’re not only making education enjoyable but also fostering a love for exploration and discovery in the young minds around you. 

You might also like this bee-themed sensory bin or this bird nest sensory bin activity for spring! Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more learning activities, and fun crafts for kids of all ages.