My kids love sensory bins and all kinds of sensory play experiences. So with the approach of the 4th of July holiday, I knew I wanted to create a 4th of July sensory bin for my kids to enjoy. Of course I wanted it to be patriotic. I also wanted it to be fairly simple to prepare. Ultimately I came up with a patriotic sensory bin that was a bit hit with my kids!
Note: For more 4th of July activities and printables, see my 4th of July activities page.
I created a red, white clear, and blue bin using colored water beads
.)
The clear water beads are difficult to see because they take on the color of whatever is around them.
After helping me lay a large sheet on the floor (to help with clean up), the kids dove right in to the bin using the materials I set out for them. I explained that this was our 4th of July sensory bin, which is why the water beads were red, white clear, and blue. We also talked about how these were the same colors as the colors on the American flag.
Their favorite material was this three compartment plastic tray I recently added to our collection.
They cooperated so well to fill it with “food” for me to “eat.”
Once the tray was full, some beads began to spill on to the floor.
And then more spilled.
Before the water beads had spilled the kids had been using the scoops and spoons and such to pick them up, but once the beads were on the floor QBoy and XGirl began to use their hands to enjoy the wonderful sensory experience.
And then they went back to making more “food.”
I stepped out for a minute to take care of something, and when I came back, QBoy had put a lot of our sensory bin supplies in the bin, and he was busy using a pair of tongs to try to pick the water beads up.
Much to my surprise, he actually managed to snag a water bead in them!
And that is how we had fun with our 4th of July sensory bin.
If you decide to do some water bead sensory play, you might enjoy following it up with some water bead science. 🙂
I invite you to check out other sensory play ideas on my Sensory Play page and my Sensory Play Pinterest board.
More 4th of July resources
More 4th of July posts from Gift of Curiosity:
- Books about the American flag
- 4th of July Montessori activities
- Fireworks in a jar
- Sticky paper American flag craft
- 4th of July Printables Pack
- 4th of July do-a-dot printables
- 4th of July Bingo
- 4th of July Sudoku
- American flag printables
For more 4th of July activities, see me 4th of July Activities page and my 4th of July Pinterest board.
Follow Gift of Curiosity’s board 4th of July on Pinterest.
Products mentioned in this post:
Tess says
June 26, 2013 at 11:40 amI think my preschool class would love this!
Capri + 3--Theresa says
June 27, 2013 at 2:49 pmThat is a cute and festive sensory bin. Please stop by and link this to Artsy Play Wednesday (now live).
Nicole Copeland says
June 28, 2013 at 10:59 amI need to get some of these water beads My daughter would love them
Growing Up Madison says
June 29, 2013 at 2:24 pmI’ve actually never played with water beads but I’m assuming they’re safe for congestion because my 17 month old still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth. If they are then I’ll definitely invest in some of these for her. Thanks for sharing. You always have the greatest ideas for kids. 🙂
Katie says
June 29, 2013 at 2:56 pmThey aren’t toxic, but I would not recommend them for kids who still put things in their mouth. Best to wait a few more months until she’s ready to play with them safely. 🙂
Ashley says
June 30, 2013 at 6:18 amMine love water beads! My little guy likes to throw them and watch them bounce! The colors in this bin are lovely; thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
jaime@FSPDT says
July 2, 2013 at 6:31 pmfeatured you this week on moms library!
Ashley says
July 3, 2013 at 5:20 amFeatured you this week on Mom’s Library!!
Carrie says
July 3, 2013 at 8:48 amLooks like a lot of fun!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Clare says
June 30, 2014 at 12:00 pmThat looks like so much fun! Stupid question of the day though – where do you get water beads from?
Katie SG says
June 30, 2014 at 12:12 pmHi Clare, I buy my water beads on Amazon. Here is a link to the product I purchased.
Rebecca M says
November 1, 2016 at 6:12 pmA question about dying the water beads…I have water beads that are tiny and you add water so they expand. I’m not sure if there are other beads, perhaps. To dye the beads, are you dying them after they have expanded? Also, does any of the dye come off on your hands?
I’d love to try this with my kids.
Katie SG says
November 1, 2016 at 7:26 pmI add the dye to the water, so as the beads take in the liquid they are getting dyed at the same time.