Dinosaur Sensory Bins for Kids with Autism

I love using dinosaur sensory bins in my autism programs at me learning center. Sensory toys are perfect for sensory play, to build communication skills and to teach imitation and play skills. They are so much fun! We know that sensory play has numerous benefits, so play away!

What are dinosaur sensory bins?

Sensory boxes for autism are simply boxes or bins filled with a sensory material such as dried beans, water, dried rice, dried pasta, sand, etc. and a variety of different items or toys. They can be used to build new skills with autistic learners in many fun ways.

3 Dinosaur Sensory Bins

These 3 sensory bins are easy to set up and are a fun and simple way to teach new skills.

Sensory Swamp

The kids loved this project – especially the wetness of the dinosaurs, leaves and rocks! Plastic dinosaurs, water and leaves come together to provide sensory input for your little learners.

Use this box to work on the words leaf, dinosaur and water. This dinosaur sensory bin could also be used as a reinforcing activity during or after a table session.

(Activity via Mommy’s Bundle)

Fishing for Dinosaurs Ice Experiment

We tried this activity in a small group and the kids thought it was very funny to play with the ice, to watch it melt and to discover the dinosaurs as they “popped” out!

This activity also provides a wonderful opportunity to talk about the sensation of cold and how water freezes and melts.

Dinosaur-Experiment-picking-up-ice-with-string-and-salt

(Activity via Crafts on sea)

Dinosaur Dig

Everyone had so much putting this project together and the children loved digging in the dried beans. We hid dinosaurs under the beans and the kids had fun finding them, pulling them out and roarrrrrring!

An added bonus for me when using dried beans, as opposed to dried rice, is that they are much easier to clean up with the kids. Make sure you ask the kids to help you clean up!

(Photo source)

How to use dinosaur sensory bins with autistic learners

Teach new vocabulary
Regulate the senses
Teach reciprocity and turn taking
Provide reinforcement

More Sensory Play Ideas

More Autism Resources

The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!