Rhody Girl Resources

  • Rhody Girl Resources
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Teaching Resources
      • Phonics
      • Math
      • Writing
      • Science
      • Social Studies
      • Holidays
        • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Fine Motor & Sensory
      • Dramatic Play
      • Classroom Fun & Community Building
    • Book Reviews
    • Words From the Heart
  • Free Resource Library
    • Sign Up for Freebies
    • Member Library
  • Shop
    • ELA Resources
    • Math Resources
    • Science Resources
    • Social Studies Resources
    • Writing Resources
    • Seasonal Resources
    • Technology Resources
    • Fine Motor Activities
    • Dramatic Play
    • Classroom Fun & Community Building
    • TPT Store
  • Contact

Quick and Easy Tips for Using Sensory in the Classroom

When you first think about starting sensory in the classroom, it can be overwhelming. I am sure many questions instantly run through your mind about where to begin and what to use. Let’s break it down so you can see how simple using sensory in the classroom can be and the benefits it will have.

Quick and easy tips for using sensory in the classroom

Why is Sensory Play Important?

Every person has senses. The ones we often teach our students and focus on are touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. When students use these senses during an activity or lesson, it is a sensory activity.

Sensory activities are important because they benefit children in many ways. When students participate in sensory activities, it helps to stimulate the brain. Sensory in the classroom also encourages exploration and invokes curiosity. While participating in sensory activities, students also focus on social skills, problem-solving, and coordination.

Setting up Sensory in the Classroom

There are many different ways to integrate sensory in the classroom. To begin using sensory in the classroom, you need to choose some type of container, a filler, and the purpose of the sensory activity.

Kids enjoying sensory in the classroom.

What to Use for Sensory in the Classroom?

Sensory bins, tubs, and tables are all different container options. First, ask yourself a few questions to help determine what will work best for you.

  • How much space do I have or want to use for sensory activities?
  • How many students do I want to use a sensory activity at once?
  • Do I need to be able to store the sensory activity when it is not in use?

With limited space, a sensory bin or sensory tub is a better option. Plus, if you are like me, you definitely have a variety of containers already within your classroom. Any medium to large size container will work for creating a sensory bin. I prefer Sterilite Large Clip Boxes because they have a lid and are easy to store. On the other hand, if you have an area you want to use for sensory centers consistently, a sensory table may be what you are looking for. My favorite sensory table is the Ikea Flisat. This table is affordable, a decent size, can hold two sensory bins, and also serve as a regular table when not in use.

What to Use in Sensory Bins for Kindergarten?

Once you have determined what will hold the sensory materials, you are ready for sensory bin filler ideas! There are many different options for sensory fillers. Best of all, many of these sensory bin materials may already be lying around your home or classroom. Here are a few of my favorite sensory bin fillers:

  1. Rice
  2. Beans
  3. Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans
  4. Aquarium Rocks
  5. Pom Poms
  6. Sand/Salt
  7. Shredded Paper
  8. Corn Kernels
  9. Water Beads
  10. Pasta
Sensory bin filler ideas for sensory in the classroom.

Mix and match to change things up. Choose a base such as rice, and then add pom poms and feathers for different textures. You could also throw in some classroom manipulatives, small toys, etc. Even better is with liquid watercolor or acrylic paint, you can change the color of many sensory bin fillers, making them easy to reuse.

Sensory in the Classroom Activities

Sensory activities are also a great way to integrate play and learning for students. I like to use themed sensory bins in my classroom. During center time, I just want students to play and explore the bin. In sensory center activities, I place items that would encourage conversation, build vocabulary, and fuse with what we may be learning in science or social studies.

I also love to integrate sensory activities for kindergarten into our kindergarten literacy centers and kindergarten math centers. Each week one of my academic centers is always a sensory bin activity. First, create a sensory bin with the sensory filler of your choice. Then mix in cards focusing on skills you are learning and want your students to practice to create math sensory bins or literacy sensory bins.

Monthly math and literacy sensory bins for kindergarten.

If you want to start with sensory in the classroom immediately but don’t want to take the time to create sensory center activities, I have done the work for you. Check out these monthly sensory bins activities focusing on kindergarten and first grade standards. Choose your sensory filler, add the printed cards, and your students are ready to play and learn!

«
»

Filed Under: Teaching Resources, Uncategorized Tagged With: sensory

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

GET FREEBIES!!

Search

Categories

Latest on Instagram

Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th da Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
What’s one of your favorite places in your class What’s one of your favorite places in your classroom?

Mine is my small group table, which also serves as my desk. So much happens in this little space. I feel like you can learn so much about your students working with them one on one or in small groups, and the connections are made even stronger here. 

#secondgrade #secondgradeclassroom #secondgradeteacher #smallgroupteaching #classroompic #classroomspace #iteachsecond
A few little snippets from our day in second grade A few little snippets from our day in second grade!

Comment to let me know what you’d like to see more of or know more about. 

#secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #teachersofinstagram #classroomroutines #teacherlife #teacherday #lifeintheclassroom
This was the perfect way to transition back after This was the perfect way to transition back after winter break. It got my students up and moving and allowed us review classroom expectations. 

#teachingideas #brainbreak #movementbreak #classroomexpectations #classroomrules #iteachtoo #teachersofinstagram
What are your classroom must haves? Let’s help What are your classroom must haves?

Let’s help each other out and share things that make your classrooms run smoother.

My top 3:
⭐️ Doorbell
⭐️ Electric Pencil Sharpener 
⭐️ Water Bottle Holders 

#teacherhacks #teachermusthave #classroommanagement #teachersofig #iteachsecond #secondgradeteacher
Let’s get to know each other! Comment with wha Let’s get to know each other! 

Comment with what else you’d like to know about me and what we have in common both inside and outside the classroom. 

#teachergram #teacherig #teacherinstagram #teacherinsta #secondgradeteacher #secondgradeteachers #secondgraderocks
This student gift for families checks all the boxe This student gift for families checks all the boxes. It’s affordable, easy, meaningful, and cute!

They’re personalized but also winter themed instead of just Christmas. 

I grabbed all the supplies from @michaelsstores during their Black Friday sale. I’ve also seen the ornaments on Amazon and in other craft stores. 

Are you team family gifts? If so, what’s your favorite one to make?

#secondgrade #secondgradeteacher #studentgifts #studentchristmasgifts #secondgradecrafts #decemberintheclassroom
Come along as I get my second grade classroom read Come along as I get my second grade classroom ready for the week ahead. 

Report cards  went home today and we have two nights of conferences this week, on top of the typical December hustle and bustle. 

Trying to stay organized and ahead.  Who am I kidding? 🤣🤣🤣 Hope you all have an amazing week!

#secondgradeteacher #secondgradeclassroom #secondgrade #secondgraderocks #secondgradeteachers
Halloween was exhausting but so much fun!! It’s Halloween was exhausting but so much fun!!

It’s my first year in second grade so it was exciting to try some new things but also see how some favorites work with a different age. 

Time to recharge with some candy for tomorrow. Do  you have school tomorrow?

#halloweenintheclassroom #halloweenfun #secondgrade #secondgradefun #secondgradeteacher #secondgradeteachers

Latest on Facebook

Rhody Girl Resources

1 years ago

Rhody Girl Resources
Let’s keep these dollar deals going into the new year!! Search #2024deals on Teachers Pay Teachers January 1-2 to check out my Winter Would You Rather Brain Breaks, CVC Secret Code Worksheets, and hundreds of other resources marked down to $1.#cvcwordsactivities #cvcwords #wouldyouratherquestions #wouldyourather #teacherresources #teacherdeals #tptsales #elementaryteacher #phonicsactivity #kindergarten #firstgrade ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rhody Girl Resources

1 years ago

Rhody Girl Resources
Let’s ring in the New Year with some dollar deals!!! Search #toast23 on Teachers Pay Teachers to find hundreds of resources marked down to a dollar. Ive included my Minute to Win It Games and Word Mapping Worksheets. Minute to Win It Games are perfect for a classroom reward, for classroom parties, or as a community building activity. Word Mapping supports the science of reading and works great in small groups, as a follow up to a phonics lesson, or as a literacy center. #kindergartenteachers #firstgradeteachers #teacherdeals #teacherresources #phonicsactivity #minutetowinitgames ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rhody Girl Resources

1 years ago

Rhody Girl Resources
Looking for a last minute Veterans activity or a fun way to practice beginning sounds and CVC words? I’ve got you covered! Grab these two resources plus hundreds more for only $1 by searching #turkey23 on Teacher Pay Teachers November 8 & 9. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rhody Girl Resources

2 years ago

Rhody Girl Resources
Do you love a sale?Today September 4 and tomorrow September 5 search #laboroflove on Teachers Pay Teachers for thousands of resources marked down to $1. #teacherspayteachers #teacherspayteacherssale #stemresources #stemactivities #stemactivitiesforkids #minutetowinitgames #classroomrewards ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rhody Girl Resources

2 years ago

Rhody Girl Resources
Get Ready for the TPT sale with this awesome prize!To enter just:🤍Like and save this photo.🤍Follow @weekendteachergiveaways🤍Follow everyone @weekendteachergiveaways is following.🤍Comment on @weekendteachergiveaways post and tell us what you want to grab during the sale in the comments below🤍Tag a friend!! Each comment with a different tag counts as an extra gi.ve.aw.ay entry!Bonus entries:🤍 Share the @weekendteachergiveaways main post in your stories for 3 extra entries🤍This gi.ve.aw.ay closes Tues, August 1st at 10 pm EST. The winner will be contacted via DM and must respond within 12 hours or a new winner will be chosen. We will NEVER ask for CC info or for you to click any links- please report and block anyone who does.🤍This giv.eaw.ay is not sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Instagram, or TPT. This giveaway is open worldwide.#WTGP2001 #teachersofthegram #teachersofig #teachersareawesome #teachersrock #teachergram #teachersofinsta ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Latest on Pinterest

  • Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
  • Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
  • Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
  • Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
  • Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
  • Happy 100th Day!! Have you celebrated the 100th day already?

We spent the day:
⭐️ Sharing what we would buy with $100
⭐️ Getting out our wiggles with 100th Day Would You Rather questions
⭐️ Reading books about 100
⭐️ Making Crowns
⭐️ Brainstorming 100 ways to make 100
⭐️ STEM building with 100 objects

And more!

What’s your favorite activity to do on the 100th day?

#100thdayofschool #100thdaycelebration #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgraderocks
  • What’s one of your favorite places in your classroom?

Mine is my small group table, which also serves as my desk. So much happens in this little space. I feel like you can learn so much about your students working with them one on one or in small groups, and the connections are made even stronger here. 

#secondgrade #secondgradeclassroom #secondgradeteacher #smallgroupteaching #classroompic #classroomspace #iteachsecond
  • A few little snippets from our day in second grade!

Comment to let me know what you’d like to see more of or know more about. 

#secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #teachersofinstagram #classroomroutines #teacherlife #teacherday #lifeintheclassroom
  • This was the perfect way to transition back after winter break. It got my students up and moving and allowed us review classroom expectations. 

#teachingideas #brainbreak #movementbreak #classroomexpectations #classroomrules #iteachtoo #teachersofinstagram

Copyright © 2025 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs