Sensory play is, quite
simply, any activity that stimulates the senses. This includes the five main
senses of touch, smell, sight, taste, and sound, as well as the two
not-as-frequently-mentioned senses: vestibular (sense of balance) and
proprioceptive (sense of where each body part is in relation to the rest).
From birth, children
learn about their world using their five senses. As they grow, children’s senses are their
most familiar and most basic way to explore and process new information. Sensory play enhances learning through hands-on
activities that stimulate the child’s senses.
Sensory play is a great way for children to explore the world they live
in.
It’s also important to
note that an activity that is perfectly stimulating for one child may be under-
or over-stimulating for another child. Thus, not all children will gravitate to
all sensory activities. While it is perfectly acceptable to encourage your child to try
new and even uncomfortable things, it is important not to push the child to do things
too far out of his or her comfort zone.
Some benefits of sensory play include:
- Builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the ability to complete more complex learning tasks
- Supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction
- Aids in developing and enhancing memory
- Helps calm an angry or frustrated child
- Helps children learn sensory attributes (hot, cold, sticky, dry)
Getting nice and gooey with shaving cream fun!
Exploring a homemade sensory block.
This glitter bag is super cool!
Learning senses with Mr. Potato Head.
Do you need to visit the eye doctor?
Water beads are squishy and cold.
Getting our eyes checked at the doctor.
Getting fitted for glasses.
Magnifying glasses distorts what we see.
Play-doh is a great sensory experience!
This texture card feels neat!
Making a texture name collage.
Shaving cream bag is super fun!
Nature collage.
Mixing "mud"
More water bead play.
Hearing the maraca, smelling the flower, and more sensory exploration.
Ms. Neelam taught us all about senses.
This smelling bottle smells soooooo good!