This winter sensory bin is the perfect sensory bin and literacy activity to go with the story “The Mitten” written by Jan Brett. It is a great way to sequence the story and allows young children the opportunity to play and explore different sensory items at the same time.

To make this sensory bin you can use all sorts of different sensory materials depending on what you have on hand (colored rice/pasta, cotton balls, Q-tips, pom-poms, puffballs, etc…). Then simply add scoops, spoons, a mitten, and print and cut out the animals included in the free template below.

For other fun sensory bin activities be sure to check out this fizzy play tray or this Eric Carle-themed Hungry Caterpillar sensory bin. Sensory play is the best!

The Mitten Sensory Bin Set-Up Tips

Begin the activity by reading the book “The Mitten” aloud to children. After you are finished throwing all of the materials together simply let the children play and explore. Keep the book nearby in case they want to use it to see the order of the animals in the mitten.

You can hide the animals under all of the sensory items for a challenge for older children or simply scatter them around. Even if you haven’t read the story to younger children (or their attention span isn’t long enough for a book of this length yet) they will still enjoy playing with all of the winter-themed animals and finding them in the sensory bin.

This sensory book play activity will make the perfect The Mitten themed preschool activity, or is great for a snowy day activity for toddlers as well as kindergarteners. It is great fun for all ages.