Make waves with an ocean theme in the sensory bin. Add artificial sea moss along with sea creatures and seashells to provide awesome sensory play for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Let’s get creative with an ocean theme! Sensory bins offer interesting play experiences for kids and this one with an ocean theme is no exception.
This unique sensory bin is filled with artificial sea moss and a variety of shells and other props. The combination of the colorful curly moss and sea creatures invites kids to dive in and explore!
There’s lots to discover about the shapes and textures of the materials and how they can be arranged and rearranged. It’s a great activity for small world play, and only takes minutes to set up.
Ocean sensory bin
The fillers can be messy, or not-too-messy, depending on the day, and the learning experience you hope to provide. The goal is to offer child-led play with little instruction and lots of room to explore.
Suggestions are included for alternate materials, as well as ways to play in the sensory bin.
Supplies for Sensory Bin
I bought this curly moss in a craft store for less than a dollar. It was a great buy and the inspiration for this craft. It is light and springy with a rough texture, making it perfect for a kids sensory bin. The closest thing I could find online was the super moss raffia.
You could also cut stiff paper in thin strips like we did for this harvest theme sensory bin. Crumple several strips together in your hands to form the moss. This is a fun activity for strengthening kids fingers and hands.
I also found artificial green plant sticks at the craft store that resemble seaweed. This artificial greenery for an aquarium looks like a great option!
You’ll also need some plastic sea animals and a variety of seashells to complete the ocean scene. (affiliate links)
Instructions for Bin Setup
Arrange the materials in the bin.
- The curly moss comes packaged in a tight clump. Kids can pull the material apart in small pieces or long strips. This is a great fine motor exercise as some effort is required to separate the strands.
- If you’re using long thin paper strips, squishing the paper is also great fine motor work.
- Place shells and sea creatures in the bin.
- Add shovels or other digging tools.
Ways to Play
This activity will spark imagination and creativity. The materials can be arranged over and over as your preschooler plays.
Here are some options to guide the play.
- Bury sea animals under the seaweed or under seashells.
- Make a large pile of seaweed in one corner of the bin.
- Place sea creatures on the shells.
- Scrunch seaweed in your hands.
- Use a toy rake or shovel to scoop up the sea moss.
It’s easy for the mini ocean animals to get tangled up in the curly moss. Mix all the materials together in your hands, then separate the animals from the seaweed.
Interesting facts
Sea moss is a type of seaweed found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, in places as separate as the Caribbean and Ireland. While there are many different varieties of sea moss, with different properties, they all come from the same family.
During the historical Irish potato famine many people looked to Irish Sea Moss as a food source. The practice of viewing seaweed as a source of nutrition and other health benefits continues in recent times.
Here’s an interesting video showing sea moss being harvested.
