Children are naturally curious. They explore, investigate, and discover the world around them through their senses. It is where sensory play comes in – an engaging and fulfilling activity stimulating a child’s senses. What is sensory play exactly and how does it support early development? In this blog, let’s talk about the benefits of sensory play.
What is Sensory Play?
Play is very important for children because it helps them use all their senses and understand more about the world around them. Sensory play, also known as “messy play,” is any activity that stimulates your child’s senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. It includes playing with dough, finger painting, exploring different textures, or even splashing in the bath. Sensory play can also involve movement and balance, which engage the so-called vestibular and proprioceptive senses.
Benefits of Sensory Play: How Does It Support the Early Development of Children
Supports Language Development
As children describe their actions and feelings during sensory play, they learn new words and ways to express themselves. They can discover concepts like hot, cold, sticky, dry, soft, hard and more, enriching their vocabulary and comprehension.
Enhances Memory
Sensory experiences can be highly memorable. When children use more of their senses during an activity, they’re more likely to remember it. Our brain processes sensory information very effectively, making sensory play an excellent tool for enhancing memory.
Builds Fine Motor Skills
Activities like squeezing play dough, pinching glitter, or threading beads engage the senses and help children develop fine motor skills. These skills are essential for writing, buttoning clothes, or tying shoelaces.
Encourages Problem SolvingÂ
Sensory play can often present challenges that require children to problem-solve, like figuring out how to build a sandcastle that won’t collapse or determining the right amount of water to add to paint. These experiences help children develop critical thinking skills.
Promotes Mindfulness and Calming
Sensory play can also have a calming effect on anxious or frustrated children. Activities like running sand through their fingers or listening to soft music can help children relax and focus, promoting mindfulness.
How to Engage Your Child’s Senses?
Sensory play supports your child’s early development by enhancing cognitive, motor, and social skills. Integrating sensory play into your child’s routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are a few simple ideas:
Touch: Playdough, sand, water, and fabrics with different textures.
Smell: Scented play dough, flowers, or food-based activities.
Taste: Safe-to-eat items like cooked pasta or fruit.
Seeing: Brightly coloured toys, light-up objects, or activities involving sorting by colour.
Hearing: Playing musical instruments, sound-making toys, or simply the outdoor sounds of nature.
Encourage Sensory Play for Joyful Learning
The goal of sensory play is not to have a finished product but to enjoy the process and learn from it. It’s all about discovery, exploration, and experience. It’s a fun adventure that boosts children’s thinking, moving and talking skills.Â
Sensory play supports the early development of your little learners. By engaging their senses, your children learn more about the world and develop essential skills to help their growth and learning for years. Let your child get messy, make noise, and, most importantly, have fun, because through sensory play, they’re not just enjoying themselves but they are building a thoughtful and creative brain!
At Amaze, we create a fun play area where children can enjoy and learn from indoor and outdoor activities. We maintain a happy and safe environment for your children. We aim to bring out your child’s creativity and imagination through our activities program, ensuring they learn while having a good time.
