What is sensory play?

It is a general perception that sensory play is solely related to holding things and feeling their texture and structure. But sensory play is a lot more than just picking things and guessing their texture and structure.

It includes those sensory activities that stimulate a kid's sense of touch, smell, sight, hearing, etc. These sensory play activities are not limited but must be according to children’s age. They should be designed according to the age and mental ability of the child.

These activities are normally done in nature where children can use their senses such as seeing beautiful features of nature and smelling things around.

Benefits of Sensory play

The benefits of sensory play activities are much more than you can ever think. They help toddlers and preschoolers to build a strong connection to sensory information which is beneficial for the brain development of the child.

These activities also encourage the children to explore and investigate the things around them. This curiosity polishes the creative side of the brain.

Sensory activities have proven to be beneficial for children to maintain their focus. These activities train them to block out unnecessary noise around and maintain their focus on the object they are trying to maintain their focus on.

Sensory Play Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

There are a large number of sensory activities for the children that are planned according to their cognitive ability.

1. Crawling through the tunnel

Crawling is one of the most effective movements that can be used to make the little body active and fast. Make a small tunnel for children and ask them to crawl through it. Crawling through tunnels enhances the physical activities of the kids. It is beneficial in developing motor skills. Toddlers like crawling through tunnels as they find it very interesting and fun-filled. 

2. Create a Sensory Bin

Provide children with a sensory bin to explore stuff. Take a bin and put random things from nature such as leaves, flowers, rocks, and sands, etc. You can also use food in the containers such as pasta, noodles along with the spoon. The toys can also be buried under the sand and let the kids explore them.

Avoid using any kind of dangerous or harmful material as little ones always use their mouths and hands to explore things.

3. Playing with Food

Yes, providing little ones with food can get messier at times but it is an effective technique to make them learn how to use their senses. Research has shown that those toddlers and preschoolers who are provided with food such as fruits and vegetables during their sensory play activities have higher chances to taste new food and to have better-eating habits.

One important thing for the parents to understand while letting their kids play with food is the difference between playtime and mealtime. Do not mix these two. As the kids grow older teach them table manners and proper meal times.

4. Sound Tubes

You can create sound tubes for the children to polish their auditory skills. Sound tubes let the kids be connected with the auditory world around them. Collect different materials inside plastic empty water bottles such as uncooked rice, beans, or anything that makes a sound. Let the kids play with them and hear the noise. It will make them happy to hear the noises of different things present in the tube.

5. Sensory Swing

The most interesting playground activity for children is swing. If you have an indoor play area, install a swing for the kids. It will make them stronger as they will have vestibular input on a daily basis. 

These indoor swings have a great impact on the little sensory seekers.

6. Jump Rope

Jump ropes are readily available in almost every home. You can use a rope to install jumping games. Make them jump up and down, side to side, and even zig-zag. Ask your child to come up with new jumping ideas. This physical exertion will strengthen his or her motor nerves.

Start from simpler jumping positions and move to the complex ones gradually.

7. Trampoline

If you have already given jumping rope exercises to your preschooler chances are he or she will know the tips and tricks of effective jumping till now. You can provide them with a trampoline to make them jump and crash into the softer stuff. You can use pillows so that they may not hurt themselves while playing. Make them jump for a sustained amount of time.

This exercise can make them competent and consistent with their jumping techniques. Know that jumping is the most beneficial tool to make the bones and muscles of the kids stronger and healthier.

Summary

Children always learn through movement. Sensory play activities include excessive body movements and the use of senses. These activities do not need to be very complex and tough. Rather, they just need to be fun-filled.

These activities do not require new and updated gadgets or materials. You can use simple things that are readily available in almost every house such as fruits, vegetables, ropes, tubes, etc.

Sensory activities may get messier at times especially when you provide the toddlers with different kinds of food items but know that the results of these sensory play activities are bigger than one can imagine. They are highly beneficial for children to learn and grow.