Turtle Sensory Bin

Our theme this week has centered around turtles. When I was at the dollar store, I saw these turtle toys and snatched them up knowing they would be perfect in sensory bin. I added just a drop of food coloring to the water. Prior to playing in this bin, I had read the book, I am a Sea Turtle, by Darlene R. Stille, to Logan. He used some of his background knowledge from the aquarium and the book and incorporated it into his play. 

I left all the items separated so that Logan could initiate this activity in any way he chose. I imagined since the turtles were the newest "toy" that he would pick those, but he surprised me.  

"I'm setting up the pond." This fall we visited the aquarium and watched the turtles sticking their heads out of the water. 

Next came our turtles. Sure they weren't realistic  colors, but I always like to say if it isn't bright it isn't right..... or something like that. Actually, I've never said written that until now, but I kind of like it. I do love adore bright colors. Either way, the kiddo was unfazed and adored those little turtles. He named each one and insisted that they were all girls. 

"They are laying eggs on the beach," he declared. This summer on our trip to Maine, we spied a snapping turtle laying eggs. He still connects that story to any turtles we happen to come across. 

It was definitely a proud mommy moment when he set up those little turtles all by himself. This little guy always amazes me with his imagination and memory. I left the bin out for most of the day so he could revisit it when he wanted. The total cost of the bin was a dollar and it was definitely well spent!