More pirate activities, but this time it’s sensory play and small-world activities for your preschool pirate theme.
These activities teach kiddos so much, even though it looks like they’re “just playing”. The small-world play lets children practice their language skills, as well as cooperation with others. It also lets them use their imaginations and play-act what they’ve been learning. The sensory aspects of this play engage the kids on different levels via their five senses. This allows them to learn and react in a physical manner.
These sensory pirate activities teach kiddos so much, even though it looks like they’re “just playing”. The small world play lets children practice their language skills, as well as cooperation with others. It also lets them use their imaginations and play-act what they’ve been learning. The sensory aspects of this play engage the kids on different levels via their five senses. This allows them to learn and react in a physical manner.
Related: Pirate Sensory Bottles
Small World and Sensory Pirate Activities for Preschool
Okay, onto the fun pirate-themed sensory play and small world FUN! The first two are some pirate activities we’ve had fun with this summer! After that, I’ve included more ideas to inspire your pirate theme!
Pirate Messy Sensory Bins
Our favorite pirate sensory activities are definitely the “walk the plank” bin and the “hunting for pirate treasure” bin. The kids have had such fun with them over the years! You can read more about these sensory ideas below:
Even More Pirate Sensory Activities
Related: Super Easy Gold Slime
Use aquarium gravel and a variety of other fun odds and ends to make this engaging pirate sensory bin from Rubberboots and Elf Shoes.
Grab that kiddie pool and make a large pirate treasure sensory bin like Momma’s Fun World did.
Rainy Day Mum’s simple pirate water bin is sure to be a hit, whether at summer camp or a pirate-themed party.
I just love the inclusion of a large X in Crayon Freckles’ pirate-themed sensory bin!
Rubberboots and Elf Shoes’ “bling bin” is sure to bring those treasure-minded little pirates to the sensory table.
Not enough room? What about trying this pirate sensory sink invitation from FSPDT?!
The Chaos and The Clutter added a toy compass to their pirate sensory tub. What a fantastic idea!
The different textures of 1+1+1=1’s pirate sensory bin will engage your little pirates’ sense of touch.
Add some literacy by setting up a alphabet sensory play experience for pirates like Momma’s Fun World.
Consider placing a treasure map next to your pirate sensory tub, like Counting Coconuts did.
The kids could definitely help make their own versions of Sorting Sprinkles’ tiny pirate sensory play.
Do your little pirates have any special toys or sensory bins they enjoy playing with? Would they enjoy any of the FUN pirate activities listed here? If you try any out, I’d love to hear about it!
Materials for a Preschool Pirate Theme
With so many fun pirate sensory activity ideas in your back pocket, it’s only right that you gather some great materials to bring them to life. Check out the list below for the materials for the above activities as well as some inspiration for even more pirate-themed activities!
I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- Gold coins
- Kinetic sand
- Sand
- Plastic gems
- Costume jewelry
- Crowns
- Treasure chest
- Water table
- Pirate ship toy
- Pirate flags
- Bandanas
- Eye patches
- Plastic pails and shovels
- Beach toys
- Seashells
- Small ocean animals toys
This list contains just a few suggestions. The best advice I can give you is to just look around your classroom, supply closet, and kitchen. I’m certain you can get creative and come up with some great materials for a sensory pirate activity that you already have on hand!
Preschool Pirate Lesson Plans
Save time and get right to the pirate-y fun with done-for-you lesson plans from Preschool Teacher 101. The preschool pirate-themed lesson plans have printable lesson plans for a week, as well as explanations for the activities (for whole group, small group, and center time), book suggestions, and related printables.
Get your pirate lesson plans here
Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers
I was looking forward to reading this post. So many fun pirate ideas. I am already looking forward to Pirate Day next June! Thanks for including our pirate bin and our bling bin.
Thanks for letting me include your awesome Pirate Bin and Bling Bin! We did have a great time with both of our pirate-themed sensory play bins.
Had to pin that one! I could have a pirate month with all the great ideas!
Thanks for the kind words AND the pin, Sarah! I haven’t done a pirate theme in ages, so I have been just as into it as the kiddos. I think that’s pretty obvious, though! Let me know if you ever try any of the activities out at your place. 🙂
ARRR! This is a treasure of a post, matey! My youngest son would be in heaven with all the gold coins! I pinned this post!
Oh wow, all these ideas are so FUN! Thanks for including our sunken treasure sink. 🙂
Thanks, Ann!! Loved your sensory sink and just had to include it here!
LOVE LOVE LOVE these ideas! Think we will use some for our themed pirate week at camp!
Awesome, Kay! I hope your little pirates have fun with them, too. I know all of the kids at my preschool pirate camp had a blast. 🙂 Let me know how it goes!
Wow! What a collection! Thanks so much for sharing. Next month part of our unit involves pirates. I love the treasure chest sensory bin! The links you’ve provided are great! Feel free to check us out at http://everystarisdifferent.blogspot.com!
Thank you, Renae! If you try out any of these bins, let me know how it goes! I love hearing how the ideas go over with other children. I will pop over and check out your site shortly — thanks for the invite. 🙂