Using Sensory Bins in Speech Therapy
Sensory bins are SO trendy lately. We are definitely a fan of the trend. They are a lot of fun to make and they are a great activity for a variety of students. We’ve been using them at home with our little ones for sensory activities but also using them within our speech therapy sessions. What we have found works best is creating a themed bin we can use all month long. Choosing a theme such as apples, fish, snowmen, etc. allows you to target a variety of topics with the bin for the entire month. It’ll line up with more activities and books than you think. A themed bin allows you to work smarter, not harder.
As speech language pathologists, our bins are often used in speech therapy sessions. These bins can be used as reinforcement activities but they can also be used for so many different purposes. If you take anything away from this post, take this - Sensory bins are NOT just for OT.
New ways to use sensory bins
Use it as a transition activity
A sensory bin can be a quick activity to help regulate students at the beginning of a speech session. This can be especially helpful for students that drag their feet on the way to the speech room.
Use it as a reinforcement activity
Sensory bins can be very motivating activities. I (Allyssa) often put the sensory bin activities last on the visual schedule. That way, I can provide reminders to the student(s) that they are working toward a fun, motivating activity.
Use mini objects
Adding mini objects into a sensory bin can open up opportunities to target specific words, sounds, or concepts. I think the easiest way to use mini objects is for articulation therapy. Add mini objects based on the student’s target sounds.
Put a lid on it
For students who have limited vocabulary or if they are very young, I always provide opportunities for core vocabulary words such as “help”, “open”, and “more”. A perfect opportunity to practice this would be to give a child a sensory bin with a lid they cannot open. It provides the sabotage situation that requires them to communicate.
Take Turns with it
Rather than presenting the sensory bin as a reward or warm up activity, I like to make it part of my session for many of my students. The interactive pieces and parts of the bin make the perfect set up for turn taking, conversation starters, following directions, or a variety of goals.
Hide and Seek
Hide vocabulary words, articulation words, or concepts on pictures/cards inside the bin. I love to match them to a board or put them in a bag once they are targeted. When I do this, the student can practice them again when they put them back into the bin.
Story Retell
Many sensory bins you’ll find online are story themed. I have seen many for Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See, Little Blue Truck, and There Was An Old Lady. These are adorable and would be perfect for story retell tasks. However, you can use a themed bin just the same way. Typically the books I read throughout the month match with the theme I am focusing on. All I have to do is print out pictures of the characters, objects, and/or settings of the book and hide them in the bin. Then there’s a perfect opportunity to provide an opportunity for story retell, story comprehension, or WH questions while the student is in the bin.
Put It In
I always make sure to have one or two cups/containers in each of my bins. This allows the perfect opportunity to target speech goals. Some ideas for sorting include: sort objects or pictures by initial sound or target sound, sort objects or pictures by answering yes/no questions about them, or sorting by minimal pairs.
I’ll say it again - sensory bins are not just for OT. They can be used for a variety of purposes and goals. With a little bit of creativity and prep time, a bin can be used effectively in speech therapy for an entire month or more. Rather than just using the bin as a reward, explore other ideas as well. We would love to see and hear about how you are using your sensory bins in speech therapy sessions. Tag us in your adventures on Instagram. @redrosespeechies
