Episode notes
On today's episode, we welcome Kayla Snidal, the founder of Capable Learners and an experienced early childhood educator with over 15 years in the field.
Main topics:
- Creating adaptable and inclusive sensory bins for all ages
- The benefits of sensory play for regulation, creativity, and leadership
- Tips for managing the mess and making sensory activities low-stress
- How to incorporate community resources and recycled materials
- Building an emergent curriculum based on children's interests
Timestamps:
- 00:00 - Introduction to Kayla Snidal and her background in early childhood education
- 00:45 - Inspiration behind her new ebook, '57 Sensory Bin Ideas'
- 02:19 - The importance of adaptable sensory activities for different materials and budgets
- 04:01 - Finding sensory materials through thrift stores, community groups, and reuse stores
- 07:43 - Addressing the gap in family day home sensory opportunities
- 10:24 - How older children can support and lead during sensory activities
- 12:24 - The role of sensory play in fostering autonomy, leadership, and fun
- 13:29 - Favourite sensory bins for school-aged children and their messy, creative appeal
- 14:59 - Embracing messy, builder-style sensory play to develop problem-solving
- 20:36 - Strategies for managing mess and stress when introducing sensory bins
- 22:01 - Adapting sensory play for different age groups and classroom settings
- 23:14 - Encouraging children to try new sensory activities without stigma
- 24:08 - School-age expectations for sensory play and their creative uses
- 25:28 - Introducing sensory bins in out-of-school care to boost engagement
- 29:56 - Personal story: A memorable sensory bin experience with coffee beans
- 33:44 - The importance of advocating for the role of sensory play for school-aged children
- 34:14 - How to access Kayla’s ebook, resources, and exclusive discount code
- 35:16 - Final thoughts and encouragement for educators to embrace sensory play in their craft
Resources & Links
- Beyond the Bin - Virtual Workshop
- Wesbite
- 57 Sensory Bin Ideas ebook (use code: bins5 for $5 off)
Connect with Kayla:
Keywords
before and after school
child care
Sensory bins
home child care
dayhome