Sensory Play for Early Learning

You might have seen your little one playing with their food on the highchair or throwing their favourite toys around. It might seem to be a complete mess, but they are all sensory experiences that encourage a child’s development and early learning.

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play is any activity that focuses on stimulating a child’s main senses, from touch, smell, taste, sight, movement, and hearing. It is more than just a fun activity to keep your toddler busy (so you can take some rest!), as there are a lot of AMAZING benefits to have your child actively uses their senses while exploring their surroundings through sensory play.

Here are 3 reasons why sensory play is beneficial:

1. It encourages the development of motor skills

Motor skills are a crucial part of a child’s development as it affects their physical strength and movement. Sensory play involves repetitive movements such as pouring, scooping or lacing which encourages toddlers to move in play.

2. It supports cognitive development

Sensory plays allow your little one to explore, observe and figure things out for themselves. The process of understanding and learning helps them to develop the ability to complete more complex tasks as they grow.

3. It helps improve concentration

Sensory play requires a certain amount of focus especially when they are learning to make small grips or playing memory games. It is a perfect way for calming a child and helping them to stay focused in an enjoyable manner.

Toddlers learn through play, and sensory activities are the best way to achieve that. Most importantly, it can take place anytime and anywhere! If you are looking for some fun and educational activities that can support your little one’s development at HOME, here are some sensory play ideas for you!

• Finger Painting

Toddlers love painting, especially with their fingers! Finger painting is one of the most relaxing ways for toddlers to express their emotions and creativity. You can also help your toddler to learn about the basic concept of colours and shapes through this fun and engaging sensory experience!

• Pasta Play

Pasta play is a simple sensory play that offers a treat for the sense of touch, sight and even sound. All you need is:

• A bin of dry pasta
• Cup / Spoon / Pot / Scoop (whatever you have at home!)
• Bottles or small container

Now, let your toddler go wild and watch them exploring using practical life skills such as filling, dumping and pouring.

• Jelly Play

Children below three years old love to put things in their mouths but thankfully, the Jelly Play is completely safe for your little explorers! You may let them smell and taste the jellies before the play. Its soft and smooth texture ensures that your toddler will enjoy hours of squishing and grabbing as they play. To make it more interesting, you may provide them with a plastic spoon to cut into small pieces. This will improve their fine motors skills and strengthen their finger-controlling.

• Sensory Bottle

The sensory bottle is a mess-free play that will spark your toddler’s curiosity. Simply fill a clear plastic bottle with water, toys, buttons or small objects to stimulate your toddler’s sense of sight and sound. The great thing about a sensory bottle is that it can keep your little one calm when they turn or shake it. This helps them regulate themselves and their emotions.

Last note on Sensory Play for our beloved parents

Sensory play is an important step in a toddler’s development process. While your little one joyfully discovers the world and connect with their senses, make sure you provide them with a safe environment.  Now it’s your turn to have a fun-filled playtime with your toddler!