How To Create An Awesome Shaving Cream and LEGO Sensory Bin
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Looking for a fun, engaging, and wonderfully messy activity to keep your little ones entertained? Say no more! Let’s dive into the world of sensory bins.
This particular sensory bin is perfect because you probably already have everything you need: shaving cream and Duplo LEGOs.
Plus, stay tuned for a two-part activity that includes a LEGO cleaning station to make cleanup a breeze!
It’s a fantastic way for kids to explore their senses and creativity.
Make sure to check out our list of essential sensory bin supplies to have on hand, making it easy to set-up multiple different sensory bins in seconds!
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
What is Messy Play?
First things first, what exactly is messy play?
Messy play involves activities where kids can get their hands dirty and explore different textures, smells, and sensations.
It’s all about free form, unstructured sensory play that lets kids use their imagination and have fun without worrying about making a mess.
Messy play can include activities like finger painting, playing with mud, squishing playdough, or exploring a sensory bin filled with rice, beans, sand or shaving cream.
The main idea is to provide an opportunity for children to get involved in tactile and sensory rich experiences. It’s an open invitation to engage their senses in a way that’s often not possible with more structured toys or activities.
Related: Sensory Bin Supplies: What You Need To Have
The Benefits of Messy Play
You might be wondering, “Why should I let my child get messy?”
Well, messy play is more than just chaos and fun. Here are some great benefits:
Sensory Development
Messy play engages multiple senses at once, helping children to process different types of sensory information.
When they squish shaving cream between their fingers or see the bright colors of Duplo LEGOs peeking through the foam, they’re experiencing the world in a hands-on way.
This is particularly beneficial for kids with sensory processing disorder or sensory sensitivities, as it allows them to experience a variety of textures, temperatures, and consistencies in a controlled and enjoyable way.
Fine Motor Skills
Squishing, squashing, and manipulating materials like shaving cream help develop those tiny hand muscles.
These activities build the strength and coordination needed for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.
Creativity
Unstructured play allows kids to use their imagination and think creatively.
There’s no right or wrong way to play, which encourages children to invent their own games and stories.
Language Development
Describing their activities and materials enhances vocabulary.
When kids talk about the squishy shaving cream or the colorful Duplos, they’re practicing new words and concepts.
Emotional Expression
Messy play gives children a safe outlet to express their emotions and reduces stress.
It can be incredibly soothing to squish and smear materials, helping kids work through feelings in a healthy way.
Problem Solving
Figuring out how to build and manipulate materials can enhance cognitive skills.
Whether it’s discovering how to balance a Duplo tower in the slippery shaving cream or figuring out how to bury and then find pieces, kids are learning important problem solving skills.
Related: Why Sensory Play Is Important For Child Development
How To Set-Up the Shaving Cream and LEGO Sensory Bin
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need and how to set-up the shaving cream LEGO sensory bin:
Materials:
- A large plastic bin (or any container big enough for your child to play in). These are my favorite options: a sensory bin with a storage lid for a smaller setup, or a larger sensory table for more expansive play.
- Shaving cream or foam (unscented is best, especially if your child has sensitive skin)
- Optional: Food coloring
- Duplo LEGOs (or any large, easy-to-clean building blocks)
- Optional: A plastic tablecloth or old sheet to protect your floor
Step 1: Prep Your Area
I recommend using a shaded area outside since this activity can get messy.
If playing indoors, lay down a plastic tablecloth or old sheet to catch any stray shaving cream. This will make clean-up much easier and keep your floor protected.
Step 2: Fill the Bin
Squirt a generous amount of shaving cream or foam into the bin. You want enough to create a thick layer for the kids to play with.
The more shaving foam, the messier (and more fun) it will be!
Note: I recommend shaving foam, but if you only have shaving cream simply squirt a generous amount into the bin and give it time to expand.
Step 3: Add Food Coloring
Add a few drops of food coloring to the shaving cream and watch how the colors mix and swirl around.
This adds a whole new dimension to the play.
Step 4: Add the Duplo LEGOs
Toss in a variety of Duplo LEGOs. Different sizes and colors will make it more fun.
You can even add some Duplo figures to create little characters in the foam.
Step 5: Mix It Up
Encourage your child to mix the LEGOs into the shaving cream.
If they’re a bit apprehensive at first, start with spatulas to ease them in. After a little mixing, they’ll be eager to dive in with their hands.
The combination of textures is super engaging. They’ll love the contrast between the soft, fluffy shaving cream and the hard, colorful LEGOs.
Step 6: Play Time!
Let your child dive in! You can guide them at first or let them explore independently.
Watch their creativity bloom as they discover all the ways to play with these simple materials.
Creative Play Ideas
Now that your shaving cream and LEGO sensory bin is set up, here are some fun and creative ideas to get the most out of this messy play:
1. Building Structures
Challenge your child to build towers, houses, or any structures they can imagine.
The shaving cream makes it a bit trickier, adding a fun challenge.
They’ll need to figure out how to balance and build despite the slippery surface.
2. Hide and Seek
Bury some of the Duplos in the shaving cream and have your child find them. It’s like a mini treasure hunt!
This is great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
3. Pattern Making
Use the LEGOs to make patterns in the shaving cream. Press the LEGOs down to create imprints and see the shapes they leave behind.
This can turn into a fun game of making and recognizing different shapes.
4. Storytelling
Encourage your child to create a story with their Duplo figures. Maybe they’re on a snowy adventure or exploring a magical, foamy world!
This not only sparks creativity but also enhances language and narrative skills.
5. Sensory Play
Let child freely explore the texture of the shaving cream and LEGOs using their hands, promoting sensory exploration and tactile awareness.
Making Clean-Up Part of the Fun
Believe it or not, cleaning-up the shaving cream and LEGO sensory bin can be a part of the fun too. The kids loved cleaning the LEGOs, and it was easy clean-up for me!
This two-step activity not only keeps them engaged for longer but also teaches responsibility and helps them understand that clean-up is a natural part of play.
Here’s how you can turn this necessary task into an enjoyable activity for your kids.
How To Set-Up a Cleaning Station
Materials:
- A second large plastic bin or container
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Sponges or scrub brushes
- Towels for drying
Step 1: Set Up the Cleaning Station
After playtime, set up a second bin with warm, soapy water. Add a few drops of dish soap to create some bubbles—kids love bubbles!
Step 2: Introduce the Cleaning Tools
Provide your child with sponges or scrub brushes. Let them know it’s time to give the LEGOs a bath.
Step 3: Clean the LEGOs
Encourage your child to dunk the shaving cream-covered LEGOs into the soapy water and scrub them clean.
They’ll enjoy watching the shaving cream dissolve and the bright colors of the LEGOs reappear.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once the LEGOs are clean, rinse them in a separate bowl of clean water (if you have one available), then dry them off with towels.
Step 5: Celebrate Their Efforts
Make a big deal about how helpful they are being. This positive reinforcement can make clean-up feel like a rewarding part of playtime.
Final Thoughts
Sensory bins are a fantastic way to keep your little ones entertained while also providing numerous developmental benefits.
The shaving cream LEGO sensory bin offers a unique, tactile experience that kids will love.
So, don’t be afraid of the mess—embrace it! The joy and learning your child will experience are totally worth it.
Happy playing!
Recommended
- Why Sensory Play Is Important For Child Development
- Sensory Bin Supplies: What You Need To Have
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