A simple, 3-page guide to building meaningful sensory play without the overwhelm

If sensory bins feel confusing, expensive, or like “one more thing” to plan — this checklist changes everything.

Inside this free, print-ready PDF, you'll get a clear breakdown of every material you need to create engaging sensory bins for early learners… without buying a ton of extras or guessing what to use.

This is the exact system I use in my dayhome to plan hundreds of successful sensory invitations.

What’s Inside (3 Full Pages of Clarity + Inspiration)

1️⃣ Dry Bases

Simple, affordable fillers that create instant sensory play opportunities:
rice, pasta, beans, paper shred, oats, sand, and more.

2️⃣ Wet Bases

Messy-but-magical options that build fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and exploration:
water, foam, oobleck, water beads alternatives, pom pom soup, & more.

3️⃣ Loose Parts & Seasonal/Holiday Add-Ins

Loose parts that spark creativity plus quick themed add-ins for holidays and seasons.
Perfect for rotating play with minimal prep.

4️⃣ Tools & Accessories

Kid-approved tools that build skills and keep children engaged longer:
tongs, scoops, bowls, funnels, trays, containers, and more.

Everything is organized so you can quickly plan sensory bins that work for any age or developmental stage.

Why You’ll Love This Checklist

• ✔️ Takes the guesswork out of sensory planning

• ✔️ Uses affordable materials you likely already own

• ✔️ Helps you build a reusable sensory kit for any theme

• ✔️ Encourages child-led, open-ended exploration

• ✔️ Perfect for dayhomes, classrooms, and home learning

This is the “cheat sheet” every educator wishes they had when getting started.

Created by an Early Learning Expert

Hi, I’m Kayla — an ECE with 15+ years in early learning and the educator behind Capable Learners Dayhome.

Sensory play is a foundation of my program, and after creating sensory bins daily for years, I’ve learned exactly which materials truly matter.
This checklist is the shortcut I wish I had when I started: simple, clear, and built for real life with real kids.

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Enter your email below to download your 3-page Sensory Bin Material Checklist and get instant access to the entire Capable Learners Freebie Library.

It’s 100% free — and saves you hours of planning.