Hey there!
We are currently in our third launch of the Ultimate Sensory Box and couldn’t be more excited!
If you have some questions or curiosities about the Ultimate Sensory Box, you are in the right place! In this post, I explain all about these sensory bin kits, how they are here to help, and why they are important.
Let’s jump on in!
What is the Ultimate Sensory Box?
The Ultimate Sensory Box is the complete sensory bin kit that helps teachers and parents of preschool and kindergarten age children incorporate standards-aligned sensory bin activities into the day to promote play-based learning in the classroom and at home.
*There is also the option to order the bin contents itself without the activities as a “free-play” option.
What are the sensory bin kits?
There are two levels of the sensory bin kit, a Preschool and a Kindergarten. Most of the activities are similar but vary in level of difficulty, like in the image below. Some activities are different, for example, patterning is a preschool standard, but not a kindergarten standard, so a patterning activity will only be included in the preschool box. Although, the materials are the same in each box, so patterning could be done with either kit!
What is included in each sensory bin kit?
Here is a rundown of was is included in an Ultimate Sensory Box. Each sensory bin kit includes:
- Kindergarten Common Core standards alignment
- Children’s book with read-aloud plans, all related to the sensory bin theme and activities
- 1 gallon (approximately) of the main filler
- Accent fillers to represent the theme and the book
- Folder holding all pertinent paperwork and activities
- 10 activities with ideas for extra support and extensions
- Easy & convenient storage options
- Facebook community for support and inspiration
- Free content, activities, and support delivered to your inbox
- The shipping box can double as the sensory bin
Why are sensory bins so important?
Ever wonder why certain smells take you back to a certain memory? That is because your senses are engaged! This is one of the reasons why sensory learning is so important to our youngest!
For example, I remember the smell of my very first workbook in First Grade (way back from the basal readers), and I was SO excited to receive it and work from it! The workbook had a certain smell, and I love the smell! Workbooks that we have in school now have the same smell, and every time I catch the smell of the workbooks, I remember my first-grade classroom, the excitement of receiving that workbook, tearing out pages from the workbook, completing work, and the little basket in my desk that held my writing tools. Just for the record, I don’t sit around and smell the workbooks, it is just one of those vivid memories that I have! 🤣
When students are using their senses to learn, they are more engaged and likely to retain information. Just think about my workbook example! Slightly embarrassing to tell, but necessary to prove my point!
If you want to read more, see my blog post, The Sensory Bins Master Guide, for a more in-depth explanation!
How Can the Ultimate Sensory Box Kit Help You?
The Ultimate Sensory Box provides busy parents and teachers a complete learning kit within hands-reach, straight to the doorstep. I’ve done the work of searching for the fillers, accents, toys, and creating the activities so you don’t have to. Both preschool and kindergarten boxes are aligned to kindergarten state standards so you know that you are providing your child(ren) with an incredible and beneficial learning experience.
Also, the storage of sensory bin materials can be a HUGE obstacle, so I have solved that as well with two options! Each kit can be placed back inside of the box for stackable storage. There is also a very large, heavy-duty zip-lock back inside that holds all of the box materials should you prefer to store in a seasonal bin.
The shipping box can serve as storage and the sensory bin.
In the image above, my children are using the shipping box as the sensory bin. All I need to do is close it up and stack the box on a shelf!
See below some of the ways that this sensory bin kit can help you!
Time
The number one way this sensory bin kit can help busy parents and teachers is by saving precious TIME! As a teacher and/or parent, we have so much on our plates! I am in the trenches with you, I get it! We have meetings, data, lesson plans, lesson prep, copies, phone calls/emails, dinner, homework, housekeeping, and the list goes on. Sadly, we don’t have the time to add a creative spin in our lessons or even prep learning activities for our own kids.
You absolutely can’t do it all. This is where I come in to help.
Storage
The storage of these materials is easier than you think! All materials fit back inside the box that the Ultimate Sensory Box ships in! The box is 12”/10”/4”, so it will stack and fit on a shelf, on top of a cabinet, under a table behind the computer, and so on. There is also a large storage bag include for another storage option. This bag can be stored in a seasonal bin or will lay on a narrow shelf.
Here is an image of the large storage back so you get an idea.
Teach State Standards in a FUN WAY!
Because the best way for a child to learn is through play, I have done all the work to align the sensory bin activities to state standards in order to meet the requirements of most districts. We need to make sure that what we do in our classroom aligns with state standards and at times may need to provide proof. At home, we want to be sure we are teaching what our children need to learn and the peace of mind is an amazing feeling!
Q&A Time!
What months are the boxes sent out?
Boxes are sent out in:
- January (Winter)
- April (Spring)
- July (Summer)
- October (Fall)
For example, the cycle of the boxes run from January 1 to March 31st, or until supplies run out. Once April 1st comes, the spring box will be for sale. The boxes can be ordered at any time between the dates of the cycle and will be sent out when the order is received. The shipping time is approximately three days.
At the beginning of each cycle, boxes will typically ship out by the 15th of that month or earlier. You will receive email updates to know when to expect the shipment.
This is a subscription membership, so this means that you will automatically receive each new box as it is released. You can opt-out at any time or skip a shipment if you choose.
Will there be holiday-themed boxes?
Yes! There will be special holiday “pop-up” boxes throughout the year for certain holidays or themes. You will be notified if and when these special boxes become available!
How much are the boxes?
The boxes range in price from $39-$67 plus any applicable taxes to your state and shipping. The range in cost is due to the box options. Click here to view the subscription options.
Are there specials?
Yes! I recently gave a special coupon to my VIP list. If you would like to get on the VIP list for any future coupons, sign up here! I will also be providing a special coupon to anyone who leaves me a review in CrateJoy. The coupon code will be sent when the review posts!
There are discounts for signing up for longer than one shipment. Also, if you sign up for one year, you will receive a free “Teacher-tee”.
Will I know what is in each box?
You will ALWAYS know the theme of the box. For example, the theme of the summer 2020 box is Ocean Treasures! Through email, in the Facebook community, and on Instagram, I will post images of the box in the making, so you can follow along!
I have NO room for storage, How can I make this work?
Fantastic question!
Storage can be a huge obstacle.
There are two options for the storage of the Ultimate Sensory Box materials.
- Keep the display box the materials came in – this stacks well and will fit on a shelf, under a bed, etc.
- Store all materials in the bag the main filler came in – This will lay well in a narrow area or in a seasonal storage tub. (see the storage bag image above)
The folder contains plastic sleeves and pockets to hold all of the center cards, instructions, and standards. This folder can hold any type of “paper” thing you need to keep with this activity. There is even room for storage of extra copies in the pocket folder!
Current and Past Subscription Boxes
Winter 2020
Spring 2020
Summer 2020 – CURRENT BOX!
Click here to view the subscription options!
FREEBIE TIME!
As promised, here is the 5 step guide to implementing sensory bins. This guide provides teachers with sensory bin center support. Either click on the title or the image below to grab it!
You May Also Like:
Above, I mentioned my blog post, “The Sensory Bins Master Guide & a Freebie”. You can check it out here! There is a lot of helpful information about sensory bins.
If you are interested in some fall sensory bin ideas, check out my blog post here!
Halloween sensory bins ideas are in this blog post, click here!
My girl Sarah, from the Little Learning Corner, blogs about 5 fantastic arts and crafts boxes for kids. You can check them out, along with special promo codes,here!
In Summary
The Ultimate Sensory Box is a way for parents and teachers to teach state standards while adding in more opportunities to play. Young learners need to be able to explore and learn through play, and these sensory bin kits are a tool to do this! Click here to view more!
If you have any other question about the Ultimate Sensory Box or are wondering how it this can help you in your own classroom, please send me an email at amanda@sparklinginprimary.com. Also, join my Facebook community where I post lots of fun, inspirational, and helpful content. Just click the button below!
As always, stay amazing in all you do!
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