How to Make a Bee Sensory Bin (super easy!)

Inside: A Bumble Bee Sensory Bin is a great way to do science and sensory at the same time. Here are some ideas on how to make a Bee Sensory Bin for home or for school.

Are you ready to create a buzz of excitement with your little ones? Get ready to dive into the world of bees with a bee-themed sensory bin that will engage all their senses!

This bee sensory bin hands-on activity is fun and educational as it introduces children to the fascinating world of bees.

So grab your beekeeping suit (just kidding!), and let’s get started on this buzzing adventure!

Today, we have a fun and educational sensory adventure for you and your little ones. Are you ready to dive into the world of bees, pollination, and sensory exploration?

I thought so!

Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage kids in hands-on learning and spark their curiosity, and when you add a bee-themed twist, it becomes an unforgettable experience. If your child has a sensory diet as part of their interventions, this is a fun and easy way to add in a science or STEM lesson, while addressing the child’s sensory needs.

We’re about to embark on a journey to create a buzz-worthy (haha, see what we did there!) sensory bin that’s not only a treat for the senses but also an incredible tool for learning.

Bees are nature’s tiny superheroes, and this sensory bin will introduce your kids to the enchanting world of these remarkable insects.

So, put on your imaginary beekeeper’s hat and join me in creating a sensory bin that promises hours of educational fun.

Let’s get ready to watch our little ones explore, learn, and play in this captivating world of sensory play!

Materials for a Bumble Bee Sensory Bin

This activity can be a bee sensory bin or a bee sensory tray.

• One packet of yellow beads
• One packet of black beads
• Honey sticks
• Wooden bowls and spoons
• Bee figurines

If you do not have beads, maybe some other items are already in your supply closet.

How to Make A Bee Sensory Bin

You can put some other items in a Bumble Bee Sensory Bin.

1. Yellow and Black Sensory Base: Use colored rice, dyed pasta, or yellow and black pom-poms as the base for your sensory bin to represent the colors of bees.
2. Toy Bees: Small plastic or plush toy bees can be added to the bin for a realistic touch.
3. Honeycomb Shapes: You can use foam or cardboard cutouts of honeycomb shapes to represent where bees store honey.
4. Artificial Flowers: Include silk or paper flowers to mimic the flowers that bees pollinate.
5. Beehives: Small plastic beehives or even miniature wooden beehives can be added to the sensory bin.
6. Plastic or Rubber Insects: Add other insects that bees might interact with, such as butterflies, ladybugs, or ants.
7. Beekeeping Tools: Small toy versions of beekeeping tools like a beekeeper figurine, smoker, or honey dipper.
8. Honey Dipper Sticks: Include small wooden honey dipper sticks.
9. Faux Fruits and Vegetables: Place small plastic fruits and vegetables to represent the plants and crops bees help pollinate.
10. Bee-Themed Books: Include some children’s books about bees and pollination to encourage reading.
11. Small Gardening Tools: Miniature shovels, rakes, or watering cans can be added for some interactive play.
12. Scoops and Containers: Provide scoops, tongs, and containers for kids to scoop and transfer the sensory items.
13. Scented Materials: Consider adding some honey-scented playdough, scented markers, or even a drop of honey for aroma.
14. Educational Cards: Include cards with bee facts, such as the life cycle of a bee, different types of bees, and the importance of bees in pollination.
15. Fine Motor Tools: Offer tweezers, chopsticks, or small pincers for fine motor skill development.
16. Safety Precautions: Make sure to supervise young children during sensory play to ensure they don’t put small items in their mouths.

The key to a successful sensory bin is to provide a variety of textures, colors, and shapes to engage children’s senses and encourage imaginative play.

Be sure to incorporate age-appropriate learning objectives, whether sensory exploration, fine motor skill development, or basic education about bees and pollination.

Add the beads to your sensory bin. 

Then, add in your bee figurines, followed by the honey sticks.

If you want, add some bowls and spoons. 

Honey Bee Sensory Bin

If you feel brave and have the parents’ permission, you may want to taste-test the honey. If I were doing this for my class or group, I would have a small Dixie cup with just a teeny amount of honey in it. Then, a spoon or something else to dip in the honey.

I say brave because we all know how incredibly sticky honey is. But, if you are learning how honey is made, it’s a pretty amazing thing.

Another way to add to this bee sensory play and make it a multi-sensory activity is to add other honey food products.

Some examples would be Honey Nut Cheerios or Honey Nut Chex (PLEASE check for food allergies first!), Honey-flavored candy or beeswax candles.

Don’t eat the candles, of course. But it can be a way to add smell and tactile activities to the overall experience.

Have fun playing with your Bumble Bee Sensory Bin!

Bee Toys and Games

I have to add this suggestion here. Honeybee Tree is one of our favorite all-time games. We’ve had ours for almost 15 years. One of K’s preschool service providers suggested it to us, and we still play with it today.

Among some of the skills we practice:

• Taking turns
• Fine Motor
• Language

Definitely check it out.

• Fall Sensory Bin Ideas from Dollar Tree
• Make a Bumble Bee Sensory Bin
• 50 Sensory Bin Ideas
• St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin