For children, the world is a new and exciting place…
Through the five senses – touch, taste, smell, sight and sound – children discover the world and their place in it. As a result, including play that activates their senses throughout their day is immensely important.
Sensory play includes any activity that emphasises using or activating the senses during their playtime.
This type of play isn’t just a lot of fun for the kids, it is also hugely beneficial for their development…
1. Sensory Play Builds Brain Connections
As your little ones play with things that stimulate their senses, they are actually helping their brain to build connections between neurons.
The more they do an activity, the stronger the connection becomes. As they develop, these sensory activities will become the base for more complex tasks down the line.
2. Helps To Determine Sensory Attributes
The most important aspect of sensory play is the way in which it engages the senses.
By doing this, your child will come to learn which things are hot and which are cold, what is sticky or wet, or which items are smooth or sharp.
In this way, they’ll be able to recognise, sort and associate different items and sensations. This teaches the brain what is what in their continual discovery of the world around them.
3. Develops and Improves Memory Functions
In a similar way, sensory play also improves memory functions.
Through interaction with varied smells, textures, sounds, tastes and sights, your little one will begin to build both cognitive and motor memories.
4. Sensory Play Calms Agitated Children
It is common for children to become overstimulated and agitated.
Sensory play can be a great way to ease their frustration and anxiety, creating a calm atmosphere.
There is no better example of this than bath time. For many children, splashing in the water and playing with their rubber duck is incredibly soothing. You may notice that during bathtime, your child can be quite sleepy… this is the power of sensory play!
5. Aids Early Childhood Development
There are a range of developmental benefits that come as a result of sensory play. These are incredibly important in early childhood for a child’s growth and development, and include skills and abilities such as:
- Language
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Cognitive growth
- Problem solving abilities
- Social interactions when engaging in sensory play with others
Through interacting with the world through the senses, your child is gaining incredibly important skills that provide a foundation for their continual growth.
At Brighthouse, we know the importance of all different types of play, including sensory play. Our centres are set up for a fun array of activities and our amazing team know how crucial engaging the senses are for little ones.
To find out more about our centres, or to book a tour, contact us today!
