Let’s “Feed the Animals” in this simple Farm Themed sensory bin activity perfect for toddlers. Using a Free printable and simple materials like beans and scoops, this activity promises oodles of fun as toddlers embark on a feeding adventure with their favorite farm animals.
Materials Needed:
- Printable Farm Animal Faces:
- Download free printable of farm animal faces. You can find free printable below.
- Cardstock:
- I suggest printing on white cardstock paper for durability
- Laminator (Optional):
- For added durability, laminate the printed and cut-out farm animal faces.
- 9oz Paper Cups:
- Find at the Dollar Store in Party Supplies
- Clear Plastic Bin:
- Choose a clear plastic bin with high sides to contain the sensory materials and make cleanup easy.
- Dried Beans:
- Use dried beans as the sensory base. They provide a textured surface and mimic the feel of animal feed.
- Scoops, spoons or Measuring Cups:
- For toddlers to use to scoop up beans.
Instructions:
- Download Print and Laminate Farm Animal Faces:
- If you’re using printable farm animal faces, cut them out and laminate them for durability.
- Attach Faces to Brim of Paper Cup:
- Use hot glue to attach the farm animal faces to the brim of the paper cup.
- Fill Bin with Dried Beans:
- Pour dried beans into the bin, covering the bottom to create a sensory base. The beans will mimic the texture of animal feed.
- Set Up Spoons and measuring cups:
- Provide spoons and measuring cups for your toddler to use to “feed” the animals. These can be used to scoop and transfer the beans into animals mouths (cups).
Playtime Ideas:
- Feed the Animals: Encourage your toddler to use the spoons and measuring cups to “feed” the farm animals by scooping up the beans and placing them into their mouths.
- Animal Sounds and Names: Engage in conversation by asking your toddler about each animal. Prompt them to make the animal sounds and say the names as they feed them.
- Counting Beans: Turn the activity into a counting game by asking your toddler to count how many beans they feed each animal.
- Sorting Colors: If you’re using colored beans, incorporate a sorting element by asking your toddler to sort the beans by color while feeding the animals.
Clean-Up Tips:
- Contain the Beans: Use a dustpan or small vacuum to easily collect and contain spilled beans.
- Store Materials Together: Animal Face Cups together for future play sessions.
- Reuse Dried Beans: Store the dried beans in a sealed container for reuse in other sensory activities.
The Benefits of Feed the Farm Animal Sensory Play:
- Fine Motor Development:
- Scooping and transferring beans with spoons or cups promotes the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Cognitive Skills:
- Recognizing and matching the farm animal faces with their corresponding animals enhances cognitive skills and visual discrimination.
- Language Development:
- Engaging in conversation about the animals encourages language development as toddlers learn the names and sounds associated with each farm animal.
- Sensory Exploration:
- The tactile experience of handling beans provides sensory stimulation, contributing to sensory exploration and development.
- Imaginative Play:
- Role-playing feeding the animals fosters imaginative play, allowing toddlers to create stories and scenarios in the farm setting.
When I set up the “Feed The Farm” Animal Sensory Bin for my toddler she was instantly engaged in the challenge of scooping and getting the beans into the mouths of the animals. It was a great reinforcement from our previous trip to the farm where she got the opportunity to feed real live animals – and boy was that exciting. Be sure to monitor your littles ones if they get a little inquisitive and want to see what the beans taste like and of course be ready with a broom and dust pan, for when the fun overflows.
