Monday, February 24, 2014

Musical Instruments Sensory Bin

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Looking for music sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers? Try this super simple music sensory bin inspired by musical instruments.

As a piano teacher, it's not surprising that I'm passionate about music. But I hope to instill a love for music in my kids as well, which is why we've done quite a few hands-on music activities over the years.

However, when I tried to find music sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers, there aren't many ideas out there yet.

So naturally, I came up with my own ideas for a music sensory bin.

The inspiration for this particular music sensory bin was the black and white keys of a piano keyboard. I then paired it with some fluffy cotton balls and some musical instrument figures that I was gifted and voila! A quick and easy musical instruments inspired sensory bin.

Music sensory bin from And Next Comes L

Music Sensory Bin: What You'll Need

For this musical instruments sensory bin, I used:

  • Musical instruments TOOB - I was gifted this TOOB by Safari Ltd. All opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by the free product.
First, I added the cotton balls to a plastic bin. Then I cut out five rectangles from the black craft foam to make the black keys of the piano. Then I used black yarn to mark out the white keys of the piano. Then finally I scatted the musical instrument figures throughout the bin.

Alongside the sensory bin, I set out some plastic cups, magnifying glasses, and measuring spoons. Just for some added fun. 

Learning about instruments with a music sensory bin from And Next Comes L

A Perfect Music Sensory Activity for Toddlers & Preschoolers

When the boys examined this sensory bin, they were both excited to see that it looked like a piano.  J exclaimed, "Oooh, a piano!"  He then leaned in and started playing a song using the black keys.

Exploring a music sensory bin from And Next Comes L

J then spent some time looking at the different instruments from the musical instruments TOOB, including the trumpet.  

Learning about instruments with a music sensory bin from And Next Comes L

The detail is amazing on these instruments, which sometimes requires further examination...

K looking through a magnifying glass from And Next Comes L

Then it was time to play the "tuba" as the boys like to call the French Horn.  J had the right idea.

J playing French Horn from And Next Comes L

K, on other hand, liked to play the French horn backwards and hands-free.  Now that is talent!

K playing French Horn from And Next Comes L

A little while later, J dumped out the contents of the sensory bin onto the floor so that he could play with the cotton balls. He loved filling up a plastic cup with the cotton balls to make a bath. I guess the instruments needed a bath!

Imaginative play inspired by a music sensory bin from And Next Comes L

Other Music Activities You'll Love