Colored Rice For Sensory Bins

Coloring rice for sensory play is a genius idea since toddler’s love touching, feeling, pouring, playing pretend and basically anything messy! This is why you can find a never ending list of sensory bin ideas online. Moms know. They know sensory bins are a fool proof way to keep toddler’s busy and engaged in learning activities that help grow their mind and body.

What Are Sensory Bins?

For anyone who is unsure, sensory bins are basically boxes, containers or bins filled with things that toddlers love to touch and play with. Sand, beans, playdough, pom-poms are all excellent fillers for your next sensory bin!

Here is my 4 year old daughter enjoying our colored rice sensory bin. It was a hit! Even my 7 year old ended up joining in on the fun !

How To Make Colored Rice For Sensory Bins

Side Note: My Youngest is 4 years old now and understands this rice isn’t a snack. Anyone with little ones may want to use a food coloring recipe instead of this acrylic paint. Either will work fine. This is just what I had on hand.

Supplies Needed

1. White Rice
2. Acrylic Paint
3. Parchment / Wax Paper
4. Plastic Zip-Lock Baggies
5. Cookie Sheet / Tray

Step 1

Once you have all of your supplies ready and your tray lined with wax paper you are ready to begin.

Fill your first plastic baggie with about 1 1/2 cups of rice and a good squirt of any color paint. Make sure the Baggie is properly closed.

Step 2

Mix it. Squish it. Massage it.
This part is great for any little ones wanting to help. Make sure all of the rice is evenly coated in paint.

Step 3

Spread the rice out on your tray to dry. This rice dries super quick! About 2-5 minutes and it’s ready to be played with ! Repeat for as many colors as you like.

Step 4

Store this colored rice for sensory bins in an air tight container or zip lock baggy. It should last about 3-4 weeks. Enjoy!

What Are The Developmental Benefits Of Sensory Bins?

Senses

Sensory bins stimulate the senses, this helps children learn to interact with their surroundings- Touch – Feel – See – Smell – Taste (There are sensory bins made with more eatable materials such as cooked pasta dyed with food coloring.)

Problem Solving Skills

Playing, pouring, digging, hiding, searching. By achieving goals within imaginative play children are encouraged to think critically and develop strategies.

Fine Motor Skills

Sensory bins with materials such as rice, pasta, sand or even water help children improve hands on skills like grabbing, pinching and grasping. Through creative and imaginative play children learn and improve their fine motor skills.

Communication Skills

Sensory bins can be a shared experience, helping and encouraging children with teamwork, empathy, playing cooperatively and taking turns. Overall, providing positive learning experiences with social development.

Watch The Video Below.

If you try out this colored rice for your sensory bin and love it, I’d love it if you gave it 5 stars!

Tag me on Instagram @Handmadelearners with this awesome DIY sensory bin creation!

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