Sensory Play – What is it and why does it matter?
As parents, finding the time and energy to fit in enriching play activities can feel overwhelming amidst the hustle of daily life. But what if I told you that sensory experiences are already part of your everyday routine, and you can make them even more beneficial?
What is Sensory Play?
Sensory play is a powerful tool that supports early development in numerous ways. We’re here to help you seamlessly incorporate it into your busy schedule. Let’s explore how you can build on the lessons learned in our Little Learners classes to encourage your child’s development of motor skills, problem-solving, and emotional growth, making the most of simple, everyday moments.
Benefits of Sensory Play
Enhancing Motor Skills
Sensory play activities often involve the use of hands and fingers, which helps develop fine motor skills. Tasks like scooping, pouring, and moulding strengthen the muscles in their hands, preparing them for essential tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.
Boosting Problem-Solving Abilities
When children engage in play, they encounter challenges that encourage problem-solving. Whether it’s figuring out how to build a stable sandcastle or determining how much water is needed to propel the water wheel, these activities foster critical thinking and creativity.
Developing Pre-Writing Skills
Experiential play is essential in building the foundation for pre-writing skills. Activities like tracing our Mark Makers in tactile rice, playing with playdough, or drawing in slime all help children strengthen their hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination, setting the stage for future writing success.
Fun Foam is a firm sensory favourite!
Promoting Hand-Eye Coordination
Sensory activities that require children to use tools like crayons, paintbrushes, or even sticks to trace or draw in sand and rice help develop their hand-eye coordination. This skill is vital for early writing because it allows children to control and direct their movements with precision when they begin forming letters.
Strengthening Pencil Grip
Many sensory activities involve manipulating small objects (such as beads, buttons, or clay) or working with materials like playdough. These activities encourage children to refine their pincer grip (using the thumb and index finger), a crucial skill for holding a pencil correctly when they start writing.
Sensory Time TOGETHER!
Tips for Incorporating Sensory Activities into Daily Routines
Bath Time Fun
Turn bath time into a sensorial experience by adding foam, bubbles, or even safe water toys. Let your child explore the different textures and begin making their mark in the bubbles.
Outdoor Fun
Encourage outdoor sensory play by letting your child dig in the dirt, collect rocks or leaves, or jump in puddles. Nature is full of sensory opportunities!
Cooking Together
Involve your child in cooking activities. Kneading dough, measuring & mixing ingredients, and tasting new flavours are all wonderful experiences that also teach valuable life skills.
Paint is a wonderful material to explore in messy play!
Looking for some more play ideas or some messy play inspiration?
Sensory exploration is perfect for children of any age!
Our classes offer a variety of activities tailored for your child, focusing on fine motor skills, problem-solving, and pre-writing skills. Come along to Little Learners today!
Find your nearest Little Learners Class HERE!
Originally written by Katherine at Little Messy Learners Kwinana
