Capable Learners Day Home: Kayla's 57 Sensory Bin Ideas for Engaging Play

On today's episode, we welcome Kayla Snidal, the founder of Capable Learners and an experienced early childhood educator with over 15 years in the field. Main topics:Creating adaptable and inclusive sensory bins for all agesThe benefits of sensory play for regulation, creativity, and leadershipTips for managing the mess and making sensory activities low-stressHow to incorporate community resources and recycled materialsBuilding an emergent curriculum based on children's interestsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kayla Snidal and her background in early childhood education00:45 - Inspiration behind her new ebook, '57 Sensory Bin Ideas' 02:19 - The importance of adaptable sensory activities for different materials and budgets 04:01 - Finding sensory materials through thrift stores, community groups, and reuse stores 07:43 - Addressing the gap in family day home sensory opportunities 10:24 - How older children can support and lead during sensory activities 12:24 - The role of sensory play in fostering autonomy, leadership, and fun 13:29 - Favourite sensory bins for school-aged children and their messy, creative appeal 14:59 - Embracing messy, builder-style sensory play to develop problem-solving 20:36 - Strategies for managing mess and stress when introducing sensory bins 22:01 - Adapting sensory play for different age groups and classroom settings 23:14 - Encouraging children to try new sensory activities without stigma 24:08 - School-age expectations for sensory play and their creative uses 25:28 - Introducing sensory bins in out-of-school care to boost engagement 29:56 - Personal story: A memorable sensory bin experience with coffee beans 33:44 - The importance of advocating for the role of sensory play for school-aged children 34:14 - How to access Kayla’s ebook, resources, and exclusive discount code 35:16 - Final thoughts and encouragement for educators to embrace sensory play in their craftResources & LinksBeyond the Bin - Virtual WorkshopWesbite57 Sensory Bin Ideas ebook (use code: bins5 for $5 off)Connect with Kayla:InstagramWebsite