Winter is in full swing here and with the new baby, we are spending plenty of time inside. It’s a bitter sweet situation really. On one hand, I feel like my older kids are missing out on some much needed energy burning time in the cold. On the other hand, I get to stay inside…where it is warm. Haha, can you tell that winter is not my favorite?!
Either way, with the extra time indoors, I’ve had to get creative with activities to hold the attention of my toddler and Preschooler.
We are currently focusing on the alphabet and are always looking for new and exciting ways to play with letters. This winter alphabet search sensory bin was just the ticket to engage my toddler and enrich my Preschooler all while I fed the baby. It doesn’t get much better than that!
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Materials
- Colored rice (blue) and white rice
- Alphabet puzzle
- Winter gems (I got mine from Hobby Lobby, but these are a good option too)
- Tongs
- Drop cloth
Related: Check out another indoor winter favorite here!
How To
This set up takes less than 5 minutes if you already have the colored rice. If not, be sure to check out my post on how to make it here!
I got my winter gems and pieces at Hobby Lobby, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
*Make sure you lay your drop cloth down to catch any escaped rice! It makes it so much easier to clean up at the end.
1. Start by dumping your white and blue rice into your sensory bin.
2. Sprinkle your winter gems around the bin.
3. Now, dump your alphabet pieces into the bin. Bury some and leave others on the surface to entice your kiddos.
4. Add the puzzle board and a few pairs of tongs. These are our favorites!
5. Sit back and watch your kiddos play and learn!
Related: Looking for another fun way to play with the alphabet? Check out one of our favorites here!
What Letters Have You Mastered?
This winter alphabet search sensory bin is the perfect activity to see which letters your little knows. As he pulls a letter up you can ask which it is and where it goes. It is an easy, informal assessment that takes minimal effort on your part!
You can also challenge your little to put the puzzle together in alphabetical order. That will extend the play a bit longer as he hunts for specific letters to complete the puzzle from top to bottom.
Enjoy the Fun
If there is one thing that I have learned this year, it is that they grow up so fast! My oldest is in Kindergarten and I can’t believe how much time we don’t have together anymore. It has truly made me appreciate every moment that I have with my younger 3 at home right now.
All too quickly, they will all be in school and I will be spending all of my free time running between events and sports.
It’s activities like this that allow me to sit back, relax and truly enjoy the ages and stages that my kiddos are currently at.
Thank you so much for reading, sweet friend! You can find us over on Pinterest and see what we are up to on Instagram.
Looking for another winter activity to engage and enrich your kiddos? Check out our pattern block snowflake activity for repeat fun!
[…] Check out our indoor winter activity that will prep them for school […]