Sensory Play

Sensory Play for Children Link

Notes: Sensory Play For Children…. Why Is It Important?  By: Mel Ishkhanian

• Children gain information from the world around them from the moment they are born. They use innate reflexes to respond to external stimuli
• children’s earliest interactions with the resources we offer are creating the foundations for future learning.
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• As they touch and explore sensory objects, these young children are learning about texture, shape and the physical properties of these objects, classification, differentiation, spatial awareness.
• They develop the understanding that they have arms and legs to reach for and grab items that can then be placed in their mouths to determine if they are hard, soft, smooth or rough.
• They use repeated cause and effect as they practise and develop the ability to see, interpret information and then respond appropriately. As they practise these skills, their attempts at grabbing and holding objects become increasingly successful.
• Language development, vocab, descriptive language: cold, fluffy, smooth, soft, rough and hard all enable children to further differentiate between objects and materials.
• Sensory experiences are calming for children - positively impacts self-regulation.
• This state means that we do not become either over or under-stimulated by sensory input, feeling calm and ready to respond effectively to the world around us.
• Regardless of learning styles most children benefit from sensory experiences.
• We know that the more senses a child can use, the greater chance they have of being able to interpret, make sense of and retain information. 
• Clay/playdough: creative expression as well as trial and error, while also developing persistence to achieve the desired outcome. Younger children enjoy the calming sensation, while also building upon and developing their fine motor skills.

SENSORY SYSTEM =

1. Visual
2. Tactile
3. Auditory
4. Gustatory taste
5. Olfactory  smell
6. Vestibular motion balance located inner ear activated by movement of head, downward force of gravity.
7. Proprioceptive  body awareness force, push/pull

Ideas for sensory play:
Mirrors, lights, playdough/clay, sand water mud, natural objects, filling emptying containers, sound garden, objects that move.