I saw the idea for this colorful drinking straw sensory tub at Little Brother’s preschool. It is so simple, can be easily reused, and provides a unique texture! And since it is plastic, it won’t attract pests (like rice or beans)!
Please note: This sensory tub is not appropriate for children under 3 as the straws could pose a choking hazard. Please use caution when doing this activity around younger siblings.
Here’s what you’ll need: several packages of colorful drinking straws (I found mine for $1 each at our grocery store), scissors, and a plastic tub.
Just cut up the straws into small pieces. Our pieces were about 1-2 inches in length.
I cut several at a time while Little Brother helped me cut too!
Little Brother loved playing with the straws, making patterns, and sorting them by color! He also attempted to fit the straws inside of themselves, which took lots of fine motor control! All in all, this sensory tub was a huge hit and something we can use again and again without worrying about it going bad or attracting pests! :)
Check out more sensory tub ideas here.
We just did this today and it was a huge hit! Thanks for the idea!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Simple .. cheap .. colorful .. great! I think I’ll put some felt shapes in there and ask them to find the flower, or heart, etc …
That’s a great idea!
Gorgeous! My son (3) will love this, especially since he’s learning the colors. I’ll see if I can get straws with varying diameters, I really love the idea of fitting them into each other.
Greetings from Germany!
We love Sensory Bins! I would love it if you would share your sensory ideas at my Sensory Bin Play Link Up!http://ourhomeofmanyblessings.com/sensory-bin-ideas/
Ever thought of not bothering to cut up the straws. In my preschool classroom the kids LOVE to cut the straws. This would save you time. You could also add pipe cleaners so the child could thread the straw pieces onto them.
Superb ideals !! Thank you so much X
How many straws did you use?
I think I just used a couple packages, but it has been a while so I am not sure! Sorry I am not more helpful!