Sensory Play
What is it?
Sensory play is play-based learning that engages children in activities that stimulate their senses (i.e. touch, taste, smell). It lets children explore the world through their senses, supporting their cognitive development and encouraging curiousity.
Benefits of sensory play
Sensory play is more than just fun - it’s a powerful way for young children to learn and grow! It helps children make sense of the world and benefits several aspects of their development.
Language skills
Learn ways to communicate their wants and needs, likes and dislikes by building their vocabulary
Hearing parents narrate what they are doing exposes children to common sentence structures and supports expressive language development
Motor skills
Strengthen brain receptors for coordinating movement – promotes fine and gross motor skill development
Improve spatial orientation and awareness by allowing children to understand the relationship between their bodies and the environment
Social interaction
Practice social communication skills and give children a chance to observe and interpret other’s body language
e.g., turn-taking, sharing, goal-directed cooperation
Cognitive skills
Learn about science naturally through observation of outcomes of experimentation
Learn how to problem-solve, fostering critical thinking
e.g., notice that it is easier to pour beads into a wide-mouth container than a narrow-mouth one
Calming effect
Different types of sensory input helps children learn to self-regulate according to their needs
e.g., stimulate a sluggish child, soothe a tense child
