Children a sensory pool filled with balls.
We often see children putting everything that fits into their mouths. We see their excitement about the various colours they see around the classroom, moving to music and repetitively poking water balls with happy faces. Why is that? Because children love sensory play, and sensory play has an important role in children’s development.
People usually connect sensory play with textures alone, but all 5 senses are activated in sensory play. We love watching children fully emerge themselves in sensory play, even if it means digging their hands into the mud and rubbing it on their face and legs, splashing in the water or rolling around in a pile of paper rolls. Yes, sensory play can get messy and If you’re reading this thinking to yourself “I HATE MESS” or “I CAN’T DO THAT!” you can leave the mess to us! However, sensory play isn’t all about touch, and so we encourage you to find activities that stimulate children’s different senses of smell, sight, hearing, taste, and touch in the way that works for your family.
In addition to being interesting and fun for young children to explore, sensory play encourages children to observe, feel, express through their bodies. When children engaging their bodies and senses, they are more concentrated. Also, they are learning to interact with materials and engage their emotions in various ways with sensory experiences. Sensory play is also a great way to build new vocabulary. Some of our favorite expressions are: “ugh it’s squishy,” “that feels funny,” “ooooouu,” “it’s yucky.”
What sort of expression do you hear at home?
