I absolutely LOVE sensory bins! There are so many amazing ways to make them. We’re using a black-eyed pea sensory bin while we explore measuring tools. This is a great way to learn measurement at home or in school. It’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten! Check out our bin full of measuring cups, spoons, shovels, pumpkins and more!
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I can’t count how many times people have told me how much they hate math. I don’t want to pass that thinking on to little learners. They are so impressionable at that age. I want to make sure to foster a love of math and all things learning. The way I do that, and the best way research shows, is by making learning fun and hands-on. Thus the black-eyed pea sensory bin!
Here’s what you need for exploring measuring tools:
- Plastic Sensory Bin
- Black-Eyed Peas
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Toy shovel and funnel are optional
This sensory bin was a huge hit! The children loved running their fingers through the beans and feeling their smooth texture. There were loads of giggles as they poured the peas through the funnel and watched them stream out of the bottom. Learning and laughter is a success in my book!
As the children explored the sensory bin, we were able to talk more about the measuring tools we were using. We learned about 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup. We talked a little bit about the measuring spoons, but mostly focused on the measuring cups. This is definitely a great activity for exploring measuring tools.
We focused on basic concepts, like which cup holds the most and which one is the smallest. How many 1/2 cups can you pour into the 1 cup, etc. We also just used it to play and have fun. Always a must with sensory bins!
Let us know when you try this sensory bin and what your learners think of it! What other activities do you use when exploring measuring?