The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play might not be something the average parent might think about.  But, it is a very important part of helping children develop the proper social, cognitive and physical skills as the mature. 

If child care providers focus on helping children use all of their senses (touch, taste, sight, smell, movement…) through what we call sensory play, you, as a parent, will see substantial language development, cognitive growth and fine tuning motor skills, among others. 
 
Young children starting off in preschool need fun activities that stimulate all of their senses, promoting them to take initiative and experience new things.  It is, by far, the best thing that they can do to learn new things in the world around them as they grow.

Research demonstrates that as children actively use their senses in conjunction with one another, this helps to build pathways between nerves within the brain. When it comes to the importance of sensory play, this is a crucial factor because it establishes a foundation for preschoolers to be able to work towards more complex tasks, strengthens language development, improves problem solving skills and supports cognitive growth.

​Sensory play can help enhance and improve social skills.  When young children are participating in sensory play with their friends, they will learn so much by watching how others play with, and use different things.   They will learn how to properly communicate, when guided by a caregiver, and use different objects in new ways.

Preschoolers always first learn by using their sense. If they encounter hot water, super cold ice cubes or other items, they are learning through either positive or negative reinforcement. These experiences will help them form connections and associations that they will not soon forget.
 
Sensory play might involve pinching PlayDoh, pouring water into a cup, squeezing a plastic bottle or smelling a scratch-n-sniff page out of a great children’s book. They will enhance their fine motor skills the more interaction and experience they have.  A great example is learning how to tie their shoes or snap their fingers.

As young children explore and stretch out of their comfort zones, they are developing at an exponential rate.  They develop their language patterns and learn things they like or don’t like.

If you are looking for child care programs that bring out the best in your children, please consider calling TSL Adventures.