Washing Dishes Sensory Bin

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Does your toddler always want to use the kitchen sink and do what you’re doing?  My toddlers love to use the kitchen sink that’s why I made them this Washing Dishes Sensory Bin!

 Toddlers naturally want to help.  If I’m washing the dishes or scrubbing vegetables, my toddlers want to be right in there helping me.  Does your toddler like to help you all the time?

That’s why I made my twins their own Washing Dishes Sensory Bin.

I want to encourage my twins to be helpers and encourage them to learn life skills early on- such as washing dishes and scrubbing vegetables.  Toddlers naturally want to help with everything it seems!  I love that they want to help me and want to encourage them to help me!

I do allow them to help when possible, and encourage them to help when they want (when safe of course). 

Having toddlers help is great for encouraging autonomy and independence.

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How To Set Up Washing Dishes Sensory Bin:

• Add in a little bit of dish soap or bubble bath to a shallow tub.  I like to use this plant-based dish soap.
• Fill with 1/4 – 1/2 water (I used warm sink water)
• Add in play food and/or play dishes
• Add in dish scrubbers, sponges, or wash cloths
• Give them a towel to dry the dishes/food

This sensory bin allows toddlers to gain independence by washing dishes and scrubbing fruits and veggies, just like we do! 

It’s also great for sensory play, fine motor skills, and learning life skills!  

Related: Bubbles and Toys

What your child is gaining from Washing Dishes Sensory Bin:

• Life Skills (we all need to know how to wash dishes)
• Fine Motor Skills
• Sensory Play – Sensory play builds nerve connections within the developing brain’s neural pathways.  This triggers a child’s inclination for and ability in competing for more complex learning tasks.  Sensory play supports motor skills, language development, cognitive growth, and problem-solving skills. (source)
• Crossing the Midline – the body’s imaginary line down the center of the body – Crossing the midline promotes the coordination and communication of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Crossing the midline occurs naturally a lot with this activity as they pick up dishes/play food and scrub them.
• Independent Play

Use what play food or dishes you have.  

I bought a bunch from a thrift store and let them wash them! 

If your toddler loves being in the kitchen and loves the sink, I’m sure they will enjoy this sensory bin! 

This is such a fun and simple activity, and you can do this with things you have at home!

Use real pots and pans if you don’t have play ones.  Even use the sink and fill with bubble bath or dish soap!  My twins like to splash a lot so I brought this outside.  Make it work for you and use what you have!  

Will you try this Washing Dishes Sensory Bin with your child?

Related:

Toddler Outdoor Activities

Oatmeal and Trucks Sensory Bin

Cereal Sensory Bin

Water and Toys

Leaf Sensory Bin