Fall Sensory Bin
The Set Up
Painted rice is one of our sensory staples at Smudge. It is simple to make and always worth it. Pour plain rice into a tray, add a squeeze of poster paint with a little white, stir until coated, and spread it flat to dry in the sun. Make generous batches in autumn shades (red, orange, mustard, brown) so you have plenty to tip into the tub.
The Making
What starts with a scoop or a pour often ends with arms, elbows, and sometimes whole bodies in the tub! That is the joy of sensory play because it pulls children in without needing an explanation. Painted rice is noisy, colourful, and calming all at once. It can be simple pouring and tipping, or it can grow into stories, potions, or little worlds built inside the bin.
Variations
Hide small treasures for children to dig up and collect. Change the palette each season. Add props like pinecones, acorns, or felt mushrooms to shift the play into autumn-focused.
Materials
White rice
Poster paint (plus a little white for brightness)
Tray for mixing and drying
Sensory tub or container
Scoops, spoons, jars, bowls
Optional props: pinecones, felt mushrooms, acorns, small toys