The magic of sensory play for kids

From the squishy sensation of playdough between their fingers to the soothing sound of water trickling through their hands, sensory experiences are the building blocks of childhood development. But what exactly is sensory play, and why is it so crucial for kids?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses: Touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. It’s about engaging in experiences that involve one or more of these senses, allowing children to explore and make sense of the world around them.

Imagine a child digging their hands into a bin filled with cool, smooth rice or running their fingers through a tray of grainy sand. These simple activities engage the sense of touch, helping children develop fine motor skills and tactile awareness. Sensory bins, water tables, and textured materials like foam or fabric provide endless opportunities for tactile exploration.

One of the remarkable things about sensory play is its ability to spark creativity and imagination. Consider a child moulding shapes out of clay or building structures with blocks. These activities not only engage their sense of touch but also encourage them to think creatively, problem-solve, and bring their ideas to life.

Promoting Cognitive Development

Sensory play isn’t just about the senses, it’s also about stimulating cognitive development. When children engage in sensory activities, they are processing information, making connections, and learning about cause and effect. Sorting objects by colour or size, and experimenting with different textures are ways in which sensory play fosters cognitive skills.

Fostering Social Interaction

Sensory play is often a group activity, providing opportunities for children to interact, collaborate, and learn from one another. Whether they’re sharing materials in a sensory bin or taking turns pouring water in a water table, these experiences teach important social skills such as sharing, cooperation and empathy. Through sensory play, children learn that they are part of a community and develop the skills needed to navigate social interactions.

Regulating Emotions

In today’s fast-paced world, children are constantly bombarded with stimuli that can be overwhelming. Sensory play offers a safe space where children can unwind, relax and regulate their emotions. Squeezing a stress ball, playing with kinetic sand, or listening to calming music can help children soothe their senses and find inner peace amidst the chaos of daily life.

Here are some examples of sensory play activities for kids:

Sensory Bin with Rice and Hidden Treasures:

·         Fill a large plastic bin with uncooked rice or dried beans.

·         Hide small toys, plastic animals, or other objects within the rice.

·         Encourage children to dig through the rice with their hands to find the hidden treasures.

This activity engages the sense of touch and promotes fine motor skills as children search for objects buried within the sensory bin.

Nature Sensory Walk:

Take children on a nature walk in a park or garden.

·         Encourage them to touch different textures such as rough tree bark, smooth stones or soft moss.

·         Listen for sounds like birds chirping, leaves rustling, or water trickling in a stream.

·         Smell the fragrance of flowers, pine trees, or freshly cut grass.

This activity stimulates multiple senses and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.

DIY Sensory Bottles:

·         Fill clear plastic bottles with a variety of sensory materials such as coloured water, glitter, beads, or sequins.

·         Seal the bottles securely with glue or tape to prevent leaks.

·         Encourage children to shake, roll, and observe the contents of the sensory bottles.

This activity provides visual and auditory stimulation while also promoting hand-eye coordination as children manipulate the bottles.

Sensory Playdough Creations:

·         Make homemade playdough using flour, salt, water and food colouring.

·         Add sensory elements such as glitter, scented extracts or small objects like beads or buttons.

·         Encourage children to manipulate the play dough with their hands, exploring its texture and scent.

They can create sculptures, shapes, or imaginary creatures with the playdough, engaging their sense of touch and promoting fine motor skills.

These sensory play activities provide opportunities for children to explore, discover and learn through their senses in fun and engaging ways.

So, the next time you see a child engrossed in sensory play, remember that they are not just playing — they are building skills, expanding their horizons, and experiencing the magic of childhood.