Have you ever watched a child play with sand, water, or play dough and marveled at how absorbed they are in the moment?
That's the power of sensory play!
But why is it so important for early childhood development?
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What is Sensory Play?
Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child's senses - touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. It's all about exploring the world through their senses, which is crucial for their cognitive development. Plus, it's just plain fun!
Why is it Important?
Engaging in sensory play helps children build nerve connections in the brain's pathways, which leads to a higher level of learning. It also encourages them to use scientific processes while they play - observing, predicting, and experimenting. Who knew play could be so educational?
Benefits Galore
Not only does sensory play help with cognitive development, but it also enhances language development, fine and gross motor skills, social interaction, and problem-solving abilities. It's like a one-stop shop for all things developmental!
Get Messy
Don't be afraid to get messy with sensory play. Let your little one squish, squeeze, and explore different textures. The messier, the better! (Just make sure to have a cleanup plan in place - nobody wants play dough in their hair!)
Make it a Regular Thing
Incorporate sensory play into your child's daily routine. Whether it's a sensory bin, finger painting, or a nature walk, the more opportunities they have to engage their senses, the better. Plus, it's a great way to bond with your little one!
So, next time you see your child diving into a bin of rice or splashing in a puddle, know that they're not just having fun - they're also building essential skills for life. Sensory play is truly important.
Sensory Play Opportunity
If the thought of "messy" sensory play is not for you, then we have a play opportunity that will not only help your child to learn their numbers and letters, but be a breeze for you to put together and virtually NO mess what-so-ever!
Sensory Bags Activity
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Ingredients:
- Clear hair gel
- Thick baggie (not cheap brand, they tend to leak)
- Food coloring or liquid washable watercolor
- Duct tape
- Printable letters and numbers PDF
- Optional: Pom poms
How to Play:
- Add 1 cup of clear hair gel to the baggie.
- Add a few drops of food coloring or washable watercolor paint to the baggie and squish the baggie to blend.
3. Test out the gel by drawing a letter and add or subtract gel if needed.
4. Duct tape the top of the baggie to the table or a tray.
5.Free play with drawing on the baggie with their finger or a pom pom.
6.Print out letters and numbers for them to copy (grab our free download here) or write sight words on a piece of paper for them to copy.
Optional way to play:
Slide one of the printable cards underneath the baggie and have your child use their finger to "find" the letter (see image above).
Join the Fun!
Don't forget to share your child's creations with us! Tag us on social media using #UnplugAndPlayChallenge. We can’t wait to see the your sensory explorers explore!
Remember, the goal is to unplug from the digital world and dive into the endless possibilities of play. Let’s make childhood memorable one fun activity at a time!
Happy playing!
Check out the Sensory Play recipe card below to get started with sensory play today!
Click on the arrow in the right hand corner to print or download the Sensory Play recipe. We have included links (right in the ingredients list) for any of the supplies that you may need! Please feel free to use them!