Frog Spawn Sensory Bin
Looking for a fun new sensory bin idea for your child? This frog spawn sensory bin is taste-safe, simple to prep, and offers a unique combination of textures that is perfect for sensory seekers!
Servings: 1 sensory bin
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp edible basil seeds
- ⅓ cup water more as needed to cover the bottom of the sensory bin
- 1 ice cube tray optional
- 1 large plastic bin
- green and blue food coloring optional, as needed
- fake frogs
- pond accessories (e.g. rocks, glass gems, artificial lily pads, real or fake grass, real of fake flowers)
Instructions
- Stir the basil seeds into ⅓ cup of water, and let them soak for about 15 minutes, until they are thick and slimy, and have grown to multiple times their original size.
- If you wish to create solid blocks of “frog eggs” for your sensory bin, scoop the hydrated basil seeds into the cavities of an ice cube tray and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours, until you’re able to easily pop them out.
- Cover the bottom of the plastic bin with water and add a few drops of blue and green coloring, stirring with a spoon to disperse it throughout.
- Once the cubes of basil seeds have finished freezing, assemble your sensory bin by arranging the “frog eggs” and accessories on the bottom of the bin.
Video
Notes
1. Making frog spawn with chia seeds: Basil seeds are best for this activity, but if you don't have any, you can replace them with chia seeds by increasing the soaking time to 4 or more hours.
2. Adapting it for younger kids: To do this activity with younger kids, skip any pond accessories that could be dangerous or unhygienic, and replace them with larger taste-safe items that don't pose a choking hazard.
3. Helpful tips:
- Wash items found outside: If using rocks or grass from outside, make sure to wash them thoroughly before adding them to your sensory bin.
- Adjust the texture: Try experiment with different ratios of basil seeds and water, or keeping them at room temperature and letting them float in the water at the bottom of the bin.
- Don't over-freeze the basil seeds: To allow the basil seeds a chance to thaw during play, leave them in the freezer for just long enough to be able to pop them out, or no longer than 2 hours.