Crab Themed Water Beads Sensory Bin

Water Beads For Kids

Water beads are tiny non-toxic balls that absorb water and expand in size. These biodegradable balls are intended for use for ages 4 and over. They are fun to play with, going a bit slimy and squishy once grown.

Water beads can be used over and over again. To dry them out, just place them on a towel and they will go back to their original size, then can be stored in an airtight container. When you are ready to use them again, just add water.

• Water beads should not be used with very young children as they are dangerous, especially if swallowed.
• Therefore adult supervision is a must for this activity.
• If your child is still putting things in their mouth, it may be better to wait to complete this activity until they have moved on from this. 

Storing Water Beads

Uses for Water Beads

Water beads have many uses including:

• Sensory Play
• Floral Arrangements
• Science Experiments
• Floating Candles
• Stress Balls

Growing Water Beads

Here are the steps involved in growing water beads.

• Purchase a packet of water beads from online or from the floral area of a craft store.
• Place about 1 – 2 tablespoons of water beads into a large container. Depending on the size of your container, you may need to add a little bit more.

• Add about 1-2 cups of water into the container.

• Watch and wait for the water beads to absorb the water in the container and grow. This can take six to eight hours.

• Once they have reached their full size, it is time to play!

Crab Themed Water Beads Sensory Bin

To make this fun crab themed water beads sensory bin, you will need:

• Water beads in a mix of green, blue, white, clear
• Water
• Tablespoon, for measuring
• Large bowl or plastic pitcher
• Colander
• Toys and sensory bin objects (depending on the sensory bin that you purchased, this would include items like mermaids, shells, turtle toys, crabs, whales, sharks, etc.) 
• Sensory bin

Directions

Prepare the water beads according to the directions above or on the package.

For this sensory bin, I added 1 tablespoon of water beads to ½ gallon of clean water. The water beads took up to 8 hours to reach full size.

Use a colander to remove any extra water from the bowl that was used to prepare the water beads.

Carefully pour the water beads into the sensory bin.

Add the toys and sensory bin objects.

Allow the child time to explore the contents of the sensory bin and get creative with play while doing so!

More Sensory Activities

• How to Dye Rice for Sensory Play
• Honey Slime
• Sand Slime
• Autumn Glitter Slime
• Alphabet Sensory Bottle
• Butterfly Sensory Bottle
• Ocean Sensory Bottle
• How to Dye Pasta For Sensory Play

Water Beads Sensory Bin

S Jones

Water beads are tiny non-toxic balls that absorb water & expand in size. Learn how to make a fun water beads sensory bin.

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Equipment

• Tablespoon
• Large Bowl or Plastic Pitcher
• Colander
• Sensory Bin

Supplies

  

• Water Beads, a mix of green, blue, white, clear
• Water
• Toys and Sensory Bin Objects, crabs, shells, turtles, whales, sharks etc

Instructions

 

Growing Water Beads

• Purchase a packet of water beads from online or from the floral area of a craft store.
• Place about 1 - 2 tablespoons of water beads into a large container. Depending on the size of your container, you may need to add a little bit more.
  
• Add about 1 - 2 cups of water into the container.
  
• Watch and wait for the water beads to absorb the water in the container and grow. This can take six to eight hours.
  
• Once they have reached their full size, it is time to play!

Crab Themed Sensory Bin

• Prepare the water beads according to the directions above.  For this sensory bin, I added 1 tablespoon of water beads to ½ gallon of clean water. (makes approx.  cups of beads once fully grown.) The water beads took up to 8 hours to reach full size. 
• Use a colander to remove any extra water from the bowl used to prepare the water beads. 
• Carefully pour the water beads into the sensory bin. 
• Add the toys and sensory bin objects. 
  
• Allow the child time to explore the contents of the sensory bin and get creative with play while doing so! 
  

Notes

Disclaimer: Before you start using these water beads, please note:

• Water beads should not be used with very young children as they are dangerous, especially if swallowed.
• Therefore adult supervision is a must for this activity.
• If your child is still putting things in their mouth, it may be better to wait to complete this activity until they have moved on from this. 

Keyword Sensory Play, Water Beads

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