Capable Learners Day Home: Kayla's 57 Sensory Bin Ideas for Engaging Play

On today's episode, we welcome Kayla Snidal, the founder of Capable Learners and an experienced early childhood educator with over 15 years in the field.

Main topics:

• Creating adaptable and inclusive sensory bins for all ages
• The benefits of sensory play for regulation, creativity, and leadership
• Tips for managing the mess and making sensory activities low-stress
• How to incorporate community resources and recycled materials
• Building an emergent curriculum based on children's interests

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Kayla Snidal and her background in early childhood education
• 00:45 - Inspiration behind her new ebook, '57 Sensory Bin Ideas'
• 02:19 - The importance of adaptable sensory activities for different materials and budgets
• 04:01 - Finding sensory materials through thrift stores, community groups, and reuse stores
• 07:43 - Addressing the gap in family day home sensory opportunities
• 10:24 - How older children can support and lead during sensory activities
• 12:24 - The role of sensory play in fostering autonomy, leadership, and fun
• 13:29 - Favourite sensory bins for school-aged children and their messy, creative appeal
• 14:59 - Embracing messy, builder-style sensory play to develop problem-solving
• 20:36 - Strategies for managing mess and stress when introducing sensory bins
• 22:01 - Adapting sensory play for different age groups and classroom settings
• 23:14 - Encouraging children to try new sensory activities without stigma
• 24:08 - School-age expectations for sensory play and their creative uses
• 25:28 - Introducing sensory bins in out-of-school care to boost engagement
• 29:56 - Personal story: A memorable sensory bin experience with coffee beans
• 33:44 - The importance of advocating for the role of sensory play for school-aged children
• 34:14 - How to access Kayla’s ebook, resources, and exclusive discount code
• 35:16 - Final thoughts and encouragement for educators to embrace sensory play in their craft

Resources & Links

• Beyond the Bin - Virtual Workshop
• Wesbite
• 57 Sensory Bin Ideas ebook (use code: bins5 for $5 off)

Connect with Kayla:

• Instagram
• Website