Simple Sensory Bin + Puzzle Play Activity for Preschoolers

Ever notice your stack of puzzles is not getting much play? Try puzzles in a new way by adding puzzle pieces to a sensory bin activity. We love the book-based literacy sets from Experience Preschool. For this month’s dinosaur theme, one of the books included was Jurassic Jam.  I added the puzzle pieces to a sensory bin of kinetic sand and dinosaur counters to create an inviting way to offer a Simple Sensory Bin + Puzzle Play Activity for Preschoolers. This early learning idea is a fun activity for kids of all ages. Adding puzzle pieces from two puzzles makes it more challenging for older kids.

Sensory Bin + Puzzle – Jurassic Jam

There are many benefits of puzzles for preschoolers including developing concentration, spatial awareness, problem-solving, shape recognition, eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skills. Incorporating sensory activities into everyday learning activities is a great way to draw children’s attention, expand their attention spans and soothe their senses through their sense of touch. Young children’s minds and bodies crave sensory experience.

The Jurassic Jam story features different dinosaur musicians and the instruments they play. The music invites the children to practice patterning skills in a playful way.

It’s a fun storybook to read and the bright colorful drawings attract the listener’s attention.

A new puzzle that coordinates with the storybook is included in the curriculum each month.

Jurassic Jam

The Jurassic Jam book, puzzle and take-apart dinosaur toys have been featured on our shelf all week.

There’s been a renewed interest in the puzzle after introducing it in a sensory bin.

I used kinetic sand in the sensory bin but regular sand, rice, or beans would also work. I find kinetic sand to be a little less messy and it’s irresistible to just about everyone, including me!

Simply hide puzzle pieces in the sand. Encourage children to find a piece and figure out where it goes. So fun! Depending on the size of the puzzle, two friends may be able to work together.

Adding puzzle pieces to a sensory bin adds and element of challenge. Which piece will you pull out? Where will it go on the puzzle board? Can you find the correct spot? Little hands will love the search and find element of this simple activity.

Everyone feels good when they accomplish a goal! Children can develop their self-esteem by completing a small task like completing a puzzle. See, it’s not just play, it’s learning!

Puzzle Activities

Try adding printable number puzzle pieces that have been laminated for durability. Wooden Puzzles are also durable and will hold up to use in dry beans or dry rice bins.

Work on letter and name recognition skills with name puzzles. An Alphabet Puzzle provides a challenge with 26 pieces. Visit a thrift store, find a puzzle, and add white rice, sand or other sensory bin filler to your sensory table. Small sensory toys can be added if desired.

More Dinosaur Activities

• Dinosaur Sensory Bins
• Searching for Dinosaur Bones
• We Are the Dinosaurs