Play Ideas for Build a Nest Sensory Filler
Pour & Explore - this gorgeous filler is a play invitation all its own. The nature-inspired colors and shapes lend themselves to open-ended play. Children will enjoy sorting, building, scooping, and more.
Invitation to build a nest - you can use this free printable as a play mat, a photo from a book, or even go on a nature walk to observe ideas, then use what you know to create your own sensory play nest!
Build a 3D nest - you can take your nest to the next level by building a 3D nest! Use pipe cleaners and playdough to think "outside the bin" or use a clear bird feeder as a bin!
Counting - the chickpea "eggs" in this filler provide natural counting invitation. You can use the same free printable for counting 1-10 by placing the corresponding number of eggs in each nest.
Animal habitat play - using small animal figurines, build habitats for each of them. You may be surprised at what your kids can do! This is an early study in physics - sensory play is such an amazing addition to STEAM learning.
Create snails - the shapes in this filler make the cutest snails you've ever seen! Pair this with a book for even more learning through play.
Family Tree - bring your family structure to life with play! You can paint peg dolls of your family, print out small photos, or even doodle them. Match their names to their faces and so much more.
Life Cycle Learning - this is a great filler for learning about life cycles! Whether studying plants or animals, the natural colors and textures of this filler are perfect. Here is a shopping link of life cycle toys and books.
Pond themed sensory bin - before I made my Build a Pond sensory filler, Build a Nest was the go-to filler for pond play! Perfect for exploring nature with children during your pond study at home or in the classroom.
Parts of a tree - of course you can learn about the parts of a tree with this sensory play filler! Build your own creations, study the changing seasons, and have FUN while learning.
Bird Study - you won't find a better sensory play filler for your bird study. Pairing with our Bird Sensory Play Stones or bird figurines is my personal favorite way to play.
Apple tree play - pair with some adorable apple erasers or even chickpeas and you've got yourself the perfect apple-picking play! Perfect for fine motor skills, counting, and so much more.
Spring Equinox - celebrate the seasons and explore nature with sensory play. The spring equinox is the perfect time to use this filler in your bin. Talk about the signs of spring, the way the Earth changes, and so much more. Pair with a favorite Spring book.
Dinosaur Habitat - I am a firm believer that every filler pairs with dino play! Check out our Dinosaur section for additional fillers, stampers, and more or the accessories/book list in my storefront.
Make Patterns - patterns are such an important concept for early learning and sensory play is an amazing way to practice them!
Sorting and Classifying - sort by color, size, shape, and more to practice these important skills through play. Even better with our wooden sorting bowls!
Gardening themed sensory bin - use this sensory filler for your spring and fall time gardening bins! Perfect to pair with the Yellow Door veggie stones.
Springtime on the farm sensory bin - Build a Nest sensory filler is perfect for a farm themed bin! The blue chickpeas work perfectly to create a little pond for farm animal figurines and will encourage so much pretend play.
Bamboo Forest sensory bin - create and explore the beautiful habitat of a bamboo forest with this sensory play filler.
Build a Nest Books & Resources - I keep an updated list of goodies for every sensory filler theme on my amazon storefront. NOTE: links provided pay me a miniscule commission at no extra cost to you.
Mix & Match
Hippie Hooray customers love that every filler is designed to mix & match with the other fillers - making your sensory play resources even more versatile and expansive. Build a Nest works best with: Babbling Brook, Leaves of Green & Reflection Pond.
