How To Make A Rice Sensory Bin

Written by Rebecca in 4-6 Years,Nursery,Preschoolers,Reception,Sensory,Toddlers,Year 1,Year 2

Rice sensory bins are so easy to make. Follow these simple instructions to make your own bin perfect for children 18 months+. With three different methods, each process is mess-free and perfect for a quick set up.

You’ve probably seen those beautiful Instagram worthy set-ups of rice in a rainbow colour all beautifully laid out waiting for children to play with it. I have to break it to you – it doesn’t last long like that!

BUT it is a lot of fun for kids AND it is super easy to make (just requires a bit of drying time though!)

Why use rice in a sensory bin?

Sensory activities are great for kids. It opens their world up to the feel, sight and smell of different textures. Dried rice is one of them. It is great for scooping, pinching, pouring and doesn’t make the child wet or dirty. It just takes a quick vac to tidy up and then it’s all away.

Rice can be dyed a multitude of colours and can be so therapeutic to mix with your hands. Have a go when you’ve made it for your kids!

Why should I do sensory play with my child?

The UK’s Early Years and Foundation Stage Framework mentions sensory exploration developing a child’s strength, the use of small tools to develop confidence and control and fine motor control activities will help with hand-eye co-ordination which is needed for early literacy.

You don’t have to do any sensory play with your child, however, when children in private nurseries and with childminders will be doing these kinds of activities to embed confidence and improve the child’s fine motor skills, I feel that they are a necessary activity to set them up well for the future.

For example, fine motor skills means strengthening the muscles in the fingers ready for writing. Without that strength, children find it harder to hold a pencil for a sustained amount of time and this will hinder them in a school setting when compared to their peers. Have a read here: Why are Fine Motor Skills so Important for Toddlers and Preschoolers? – Fun Family Home

Take a look at my letter formation sheets which celebrate practising fine motor skills.

Is rice a taste-safe sensory bin filler?

Rice is not a taste-safe sensory bin filler. The reasons behind this are that uncooked, raw rice can harbour bacteria which can make people very poorly. If you know your child is likely to mouth or try to eat the rice, save this until they are older and out of this phase.

There are different ways of colouring rice to play with. Some people add paint – this obviously is not safe to eat. Others add hand sanitiser to allow the colour to spread more evenly over the rice – this, again, is not taste safe.

Are Rice Sensory Bins Just For Toddlers?

Rice sensory bins are not just for toddlers. I’d suggest introducing them at about 18 months but only you will know what will work for your child in terms of mouthing or trying to eat the rice. Mess doesn’t matter as it can be easily swept or vacuumed up.

My daughter is currently 6.5 years old and still enjoys playing with rice.

What sensory bins can I make with coloured rice?

I love picking a theme and choosing the rice colour from that.

Here’s a spring-themed sensory rice bin. I chose grass green coloured food colouring. I hid some photos of spring animals in the rice and my daughter picked them out and matched them up.

Here’s a Hallowe’en themed sensory bin.

Here’s a space themed sensory bin using rice.

Do I need a theme for a sensory bin?

You do not need a theme for a sensory bin. Sometimes the best sensory bins are ones without themes. My daughters love simply having some rice, some containers, pots, jugs, yogurt pots, spoons, scoops, tweezers and whisks and pouring and scooping.

Where would be the best place to have a rice sensory bin?

You can have this either inside or outside. Inside may be easier to clean up with using a vacuum. If you have fake grass, you could vacuum that too as well. If you do go outside, the rice does get everywhere and is a bit harder to clean up.

Can I Separate Different Colours of Rice After They’ve Mixed Together?

You cannot separate the different colours of rice after they have been mixed together. Not unless you want to spend hours picking them out one at a time. We have to learn to embrace the chaos. The rice can be pretty for a photo but after and while the children are playing with it, it will never go back to looking as good if you have used more than one colour of rice.

What Other Equipment Do I Need for a Sensory Bin?

You need something to try to contain the mess. I use this fantastic green play tray which also comes with a stand. We have used this so often inside and outside and we store it in our garage when it’s not in use.

There are also smaller versions available with and without a stand.

I would suggest getting a wipeable mat to put underneath your tray.

If you don’t want a tray, then a bowl or several used ice cream tubs, or a pyrex dish work well too. It doesn’t have to be expensive or look instagrammable. It just has to serve a purpose of having something for your little one to scoop and pour in.

Mess is inevitable so go into this fully aware that you will have to sweep and vacuum up afterwards.

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Bins – Method #1 (white vinegar)

Resources

Method

  1. Pour your rice into a zip-lock food bag held open by the sandwich bag stand holder.
  2. Add a couple of drops of food colouring to the bag along with the white vinegar.
  3. Push any air out and close the bag.
  4. Smoosh around the rice and make sure it is all coated in the mixture. If there is not enough coverage, open the bag up and add some more food colouring. Make sure the coverage is even.
  5. Line an oven tray with greaseproof paper and pour the contents of the food bag onto it.
  6. Using a fork, spread the coloured rice evenly around the tray.
  7. Leave out to dry outside or on a worktop.
  8. Once the rice is dry, use a fork to separate it.

Tip: The rice can be kept for months in an airtight container in a cupboard. It can be played with multiple times. Just pop it back in the container after use.

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Bins – Method #2 (paint)

Resources

Method

  1. Pour your rice into a zip-lock food bag held open by the sandwich bag stand holder.
  2. Add a couple of squirts of paint to the bag along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  3. Push any air out and close the bag.
  4. Smoosh around the rice and make sure it is all coated in the mixture. If there is not enough coverage, open the bag up and add some more paint. Make sure the coverage is even.
  5. Line an oven tray with greaseproof paper and pour the contents of the food bag onto it.
  6. Using a fork, spread the coloured rice evenly around the tray.
  7. Leave out to dry outside or on a worktop.
  8. Once the rice is dry, use a fork to separate it.

This can be kept in an airtight container for months.

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Bins – Method #3 (hand sanitiser)

Resources

Method

  1. Pour your rice into a zip-lock food bag held open by the sandwich bag stand holder.
  2. Add a couple of drops of food colouring to the bag along with a squirt of hand sanitiser.
  3. Push any air out and close the bag.
  4. Smoosh around the rice and make sure it is all coated in the mixture. If there is not enough coverage, open the bag up and add some more food colouring. Make sure the coverage is even.
  5. Line an oven tray with greaseproof paper and pour the contents of the food bag onto it.
  6. Using a fork, spread the coloured rice evenly around the tray.
  7. Leave out to dry outside or on a worktop.
  8. Once the rice is dry, use a fork to separate it.

This can be kept in an airtight container for months.

Doesn’t the rice look amazing – no matter which method you use!

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