The ultimate list of tools for the sensory bin

Yesterday I shared my huge list of sensory bin ideas (see the list here).  Today I'm going to give you a list of all of the awesome tools that I like to add to the sensory bin alongside these materials.  Kids love to explore with their hands, but introducing additional tools can add to the learning and help children make meaningful connections, especially when they use the same tools with different materials.  This helps children to learn basic scientific concepts like texture, states and properties of matter, making and testing hypotheses, and mass and weight.

Again, it is important to remember that sensory play should be supervised to ensure that all materials and tools are used appropriately!

1. Measuring Cups

2. Measuring Spoons

3. Straws

4. Q-tips

5. Toothpicks

6. Basters

7. Funnels

8. Scoops

9. Ice Cube Trays

10. Egg Cartons

11. Cardboard Tubes

12. Popsicle Sticks

13. Cups

14. Spoons

15. Tongs

16. Tweezers

17. Chopsticks

18. Muffin Tins

19. Spice Jars

20. Empty Containers

21. Paintbrushes

22. Film Canisters

23. Sponges

24. Spatulas

25. Rolling Pins

26. Colanders

27. Bowls

28. Silicone Muffin cups

29. Pencils

30. Mittens (for snow and ice)

31. Food Coloring

32. Eye Droppers

33. Coffee Mugs

34. Plastic Animals

35. Plastic People

36. Toy Cars

37. Forks

38. Cookie Cutters

39. Bamboo Skewers

40. Shovels

I've found that if I provide tools for the children to use with sensory materials, they are much less likely to make a mess because they are focused on a task.  They want to keep the materials in the bin because they need it all in order to accomplish the task.  I'd love to know what your favorite sensory exploration tools are! List them in the comments!