What is Sensory Play?
Sensory Play includes activities which involves using one or more of the senses. We have 5 main senses - sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. However there are two more which are commonly missed - movement (proprioception) and balance (vestibular). Children use their senses to explore and to try and make sense of the world around them. Providing activities which will facilitate this is crucial to brain development.
What are the benefits of Sensory Play?
Children learn so much from Sensory Play. Here are some of the ways in which Sensory Play is beneficial:
⭐Sensory Play can encourage children to learn and use new vocabulary. Descriptive language can be used during play - hard, soft, smooth, cold, warm, hot, prickly, sticky etc.
⭐Sensory Play encourages discovery and independent thinking. The use of sensory materials creates hands-on, self-directed play where children take the lead.
⭐Sensory Play is really engaging, children usually become so absorbed in it that it helps to extend their concentration.
⭐Sensory Play is accessible to all children, regardless of ability or developmental stage.
⭐Sensory Play inspires curiosity and develops the imagination as there is no right or wrong way to play.
⭐If more than one child is taking part in the Sensory Play activity, they are learning to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
⭐Sensory Play encourages problem solving, creative thinking and scientific thinking.
⭐Sensory Play can have a calming effect on some children.
Why don't you join in with my Sensory Play Saturday over on Instagram, where I share a different simple sensory activity which you can do at home.
https://www.instagram.com/mini_senses/
Lisa x
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