Have you wondered why we avoid muddy puddles when we see them? But why do kids want to jump in and splash in them? And no, the answer isn’t Peppa Pig!
Why do babies and young toddlers have a put everything in the mouth and touch everything phase?
Why do experts recommend that babies and toddlers stay barefoot when learning to walk?
This is because the brain learns about the world through the sensory system, and sensory stimulation in early childhood plays an important role in brain development. In fact, sensory stimulation is essential for sensory integration and cognitive development. A child’s neurological system is naturally designed to seek out the sensory input it needs to facilitate the development of new connections in the brain. As these connections develop, a child’s fine and gross motor skills, social, language, creativity, and learning ability are enhanced.
Another one of the brain’s most important function is to collect and process information from the environment so we can learn how to survive. What will happen if I touch this? What will happen when I jump over this? Is this safe?
“When I hear, I forget.
When I see, I remember.
When I do, I understand.”
-Confucius
Research finds that exposing children to various sensory experiences is necessary for a young brain to develop the proper sensory processing capabilities. Research also shows that sensorial experiences (seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, and tasting) and using "multiple senses" at the same time are proven to be more enriching and have a greater impact on the developing brain. In fact, children and even adults learn best and retain the most information when they engage their senses. Have you heard about this Desk Cycle used by some schools and professionals with sedentary jobs to enhance focus and attention span?
What is sensory play?
In early childhood, play is learning. Play is exploring, trying, failing, repeating, mastering. In fact, play helps with the cognitive, linguistic, social-emotional, and self regulation skills required for executive functioning and a prosocial brain.
Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates your young child's senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing, movement and balance.
However, sensory play or sensorial activities don't need to be Pinterest worthy! They don't always need to be set up or structured, don't need to be messy, don't need a sensory table or bin, don't need to be expensive. While it is important for children to explore their environments independently to promote creativity and independent thinking, there can be benefits to guided sensory play too (what does that feel like? taste like? sound like?)
Sensory play in everyday life
Have a family dance party: Dancing stimulates three of the five senses (touch, sight, hearing), relieves stress, is calming, enhances focus and attention span, helps in the development of balance and rhythm, and even helps with memory training in the early years.
Dishwashing (or even setting up a plastic container with soap and water and let them wash their toys or give them a bath) helps children develop concentration, become aware of order and sequencing.
Food: You can set up a muffin tray with different fruits and vegetables and have a “taste test” (What does the apple taste like? Is it sweet? Is the lemon sour? What does it smell like?) or even use leftover food purees and let your child finger paint.
Blowing bubbles: Uses two of the five senses (sight, touch), enhances visual tracking, focus and attention span, great for tummy time, oral motor development (when children are old enough to start blowing bubbles).
Unstructured nature play or play outdoors (running around, jumping, balancing, climbing, touching and/or collecting leaves/rocks/sticks) enhances physical activity, imagination, creativity, self confidence, resilience, and even risk-management skills.
Sensory bottles filled with water, glue/oil, glitter or sensory press and seal bags taped to the ground help with tummy time, staying engaged during potty time, and even act as a mesmerizer for emotional regulation.
Sand and water play (you can even use a plastic bin or container and fill it with water and ice).
Does your child like household items more than toys? Let them use the different pots, pans, and utensils to create music.
Bath-time uses three of the five senses (touch, sight, hearing) and can offer a number of learning opportunities (Is this going to sink or float in water? What happens when you squeeze this?)
Playdough or home-made playdough or clay, Wikki Stix, Kinetic sand
Use a sensory bin or table with new things and textures that children can touch, smell, or hear to give them new sensory information. You can use cotton balls, tongs, cups, cars, straws…the list is endless. Remember, the simpler the bin, the more engaging it is.
Trying to find quality daycares and preschools? Need a guided approach to find #yourbest?