Hey educator,

I know you’ve got a running list of 1000 things to do, so let me help you EASILY set up 10 sensory bins that are engaging, inclusive to students with diverse abilities, and are LOW PREP! Keep scrolling.

I know the struggle of finding engaging activities that don't require hours of prep work. So, I've got a game-changer for you: sensory bins!

By combining these hands-on play experiences with low prep invitation to play printables, you can easily set up an engaging activity you and your students will both love! PLUS, you can try them out for FREE with this dinosaur dig activity.

So, let’s dive into sensory play, discover its incredible benefits, and find out how core boards can take learning to the next level, especially for students who are in need of communication and social skills support!

And guess what? At the end, I have an amazing resource that will make setting up 10 sensory bin invitations a breeze!

Picture this: your students enter your classroom and immediately notice the new sensory bin. The day starts with your students happily engaged! The energy is positive, and this carries into the rest of the day.

That's the power of invitation to play printables! By simply placing these posters near your sensory play area, you invite your students to engage with the activity. It’s so simple (for you) but so captivating to them!

With a variety of themes that children love, like construction vehicles, sandcastles, seashells, making mud pie, going on a letter hunt, treasure hunt, and more … these printables transport your students to a whole new level of fun.

No need for complicated setups or elaborate materials – just print, laminate if you're feeling fancy, place related props into a bin with some sand, and let the magic happen!

Yes - I did say props. You will need to gather a few materials, but they are probably things you already have around the classroom, can gather from your nearby park, or can grab for a really low price at the dollar or thrift store. If you want to see a list of some of the recommended props for each setup, you can click here.

Now, let's talk about why sensory play is so special! Imagine your students digging their little hands into a bin filled with soft sand. The giggles, the "oohs" and "ahhs" – it's a total sensory explosion! But it's not just about the fun; it's about the all-around development that comes with it.

As they scoop, pour, and mold sandcastles, their fine motor skills are getting a workout. Plus, sensory play engages so many of their senses! It's like a one-stop-shop for learning and play, boosting their creativity, problem-solving skills, and scientific exploration.

Now, let's kick things up a notch with some core boards! These are the secret sauce to fostering communication and social skills for students needing a little extra support. Think sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation – all essential life skills bundled into playful activities.

Use these core boards to model these skills and the language you want your students to develop. The feeling when a student says their first words, or a new sentence while pointing to a core board that you’ve been modelling, is simply the best, more rewarding feeling!

You’ll notice that these core boards have similarities. In all 10 core boards, the main picture symbols (words like I, you, want, like, yes, no, help, etc.) are all in the same spots, and only the last two columns are activity specific. This helps students become familiar with the layout, and makes it easier for everyone to remember where the picture symbols are located.

So whether you’re using the core board to model how to ask for a turn with the shovel, or your student is pointing to “help” as they pass you the treasure box to open for them, you’ll be able to quickly find the symbols you need to communicate.

Core boards are also fantastic for expanding their vocabulary, teaching action words, and talking about prepositions. Language development just got a whole lot more exciting!

Inclusivity and play go hand in hand, and by setting up an experience where there are visuals to help our students understand how they can play, and visual aids to help them communicate as they play, we create a space where every child feels engaged and included.

So here they are, the printables that will make your teaching heart flutter. Say hello to 10 irresistible invitation to play printables, complete with core boards, some props, and bin labels. It's the ultimate dream come true for tired teachers who crave engaging resources without the headache. I've taken care of all the hard work, so you can focus on what matters most – making learning a joyous adventure for your students.

So teachers, let's take it up a level in our classrooms with the wonders of sensory play! Say goodbye to endless prep and hello to exciting, low-prep activities that captivate your students' hearts and minds. With my easy-peasy invitation to play printables and core boards, you'll create a learning environment where curiosity thrives and imaginations soar. Let's bring the joy back into our classrooms together and ensure that play is inclusive to children of all abilities. Let's make learning an adventure for every child!

Note: Don't forget to check out my exclusive printable resource – it's your ticket to effortless sensory play! Happy teaching and happy playing!