Sensory play is a simple but important concept for teaching children about the world. We all had our first experience tasting a sour lemon, or holding a cold ice cube. These are examples of sensory play – using the five senses to investigate your surroundings.
Here are five reasons to incorporate sensory play into your child’s day:
- Sensory play allows children to practice problem-solving skills.
- Using the senses helps children to build their vocabulary. Linking an object with how it feels, smells or tastes helps to imprint the word in your child’s memory.
- Play without an intended outcome is a terrific way to boost your child’s creativity.
- Manipulating a variety of textures can hone fine motor skills.
- Your child will love it, and learn something new in the process.
Here are five ideas for easy sensory play activities to try at home:
- Fill a basket with yarn bits, ribbon and fabric scraps for your child to explore.
- Non sugary cereal is a fun sensory play material – challenge your child to thread the cereal onto a pipe cleaner and then enjoy the cereal as a healthy snack.
- Another use for pipe cleaners – kids can poke them through the holes of a colander.
- A bowl of ice and a scoop can be used to explore temperature, texture and taste.
- Yogurt is great for finger painting on a plate, and a tasty snack experience, too.
Check out our Early Childhood Education Pinterest board for more ideas.
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