From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. They do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing. Sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
Sensory play supports language development, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive growth, problem solving and social interaction.
This play also helps develop and enhance memory.
Sensory play is not only so much fun but it has so much learning behind it too.
- Exploring treasure baskets and Messy Play such as rice and sand – Stimulates senses and Facilitate exploration
- Scarves – Gross Motor skills
- Songs about body parts/Mirrors – Body awareness/Recognition
- Rolling Balls – Eye teaming
- Bubbles/Sensory Lights – Eye tracking
- Musical instruments – Imitating adults/Hand eye co-ordination.
- Puppets – Imagination
- Group activities – Social interaction
- Singing songs and signing – Aids in Memory