Sensory play is very popular in the parenting world right now, and if like many, you’re wondering what exactly it is, then this post has the answers for you.
So what is sensory play? To put it simply, it’s play that engages any or all of a child’s senses; touch, taste, sound, smell and sight, as well as balance and movement. In the world of Pinterest, sensory play is often interpreted solely as sensory bins, however getting out and running around the yard is actually sensory play too.
One way you can involve your children in sensory play is via sensory bins. These are containers filled with materials that stimulate a child’s senses. This could be a container of pasta (cooked or uncooked), rice, snow, mud, sand, water etc. Often accompanied by spoons, scoops, bowls, or smaller containers, and sometimes small toys.
If you don’t want to set up sensory bins, there are other great ways to incorporate sensory play into your child’s routine. You could try baking something like bread that requires kneading, or play with play dough, visit a beach or sandbox for sand play, or even give your child a bath. Sensory play can be as complicated (or simple) as you’d like to make it.
Now you know what sensory play is, here are some of the benefits of it, and why it’s so important.
- Sensory play helps to build nerve connections in the brain, enabling children to complete more complex tasks.
- It’s a great way for children to explore, and learn about the world around them; they get to experience the effect of squishing something soft, or mixing a blue liquid with a purple one.
- It’s great for language development.
- Sensory play is also great for physical development. Children will be building their gross (big) and fine (small) motor skills depending on the type of play they’re engaging with.
There you have it, the basics of sensory play, if you're looking for some sensory inspiration, come follow us on instagram.
Lizzie