Sensory boxes are one of my favorite tools for teaching kids on the autism spectrum new skills. Use this fun and engaging ocean sensory bin to build new vocabulary skills, provide sensory breaks and increase social interaction and fun! Make sure you print out your free printable sensory box ideas checklist to get the most out of this post!
Ocean Sensory Bin Materials
- A small plastic box (or even a shoebox could work too)
- Dried pasta (I’ve used dried mini shell pasta for this activity)
- Wooden sea creatures (this is a magnetic fishing game like this one)
- Wooden fishing poles (also included in the game)
How to set up the Ocean Sensory Bin
- Pour the dried pasta into the box to fill about 1/2 to 3/4 of the box
- Add the wooden fish
- Prep one fishing pole per player
Teach new skills with this ocean sensory box
Sensory Breaks
Incorporating regular sensory breaks into your classroom and home programs can help activities go more smoothly. Learn more about the benefits of sensory play.
Make sure you print out the sensory break cards I made for you to get the most out of sensory breaks!
Teach Vocabulary
Using a sensory box is such a great way to teach your little learner new vocabulary words. You can ask your child or students to label each item as he or she fishes them out.
Just ask the question “what is this?” for each item and have your little learner say “fish”, “octopus”, “dolphin”, etc.
If your child or student needs help saying the word, guide as needed. If he or she can answer independently, just ask the question.
Build Receptive Language Skills
Similarly, to build receptive language skills, ask the child to find each item with a specific prompt, such as “find the fish!”, “find the dolphin!”, “find the octopus!”, etc.
Teach Social Interaction & Taking Turns
This is the perfect Summer sensory play activity to teach your little learner to take turns with you and/or other children during a game. You will simultaneously be building social interaction skills too.
More Fun Sensory Ideas on SLH
- Ocean Coloring Pages
- Spring Sensory Bin
- Shape Sensory Bin
- Fall Sensory Bin
- Dinosaur Play Dough Mats
- Winter Play Dough Mats
- Sensory Swing (how to choose a sensory swing)
- Sensory Toys for Autistic Children
- Light Table Activities
- Spring Sensory Box
- Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin
- Garden Sensory Bin
- Dinosaur Sensory Bins
More Autism Learning 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!
Ocean Sensory Bin
Use this quick, simple and fun ocean sensory bin with your little learners on the autism spectrum to build new skills.
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