As a certified sensory play practitioner, I’m often asked by parents why sensory play is so important for their little ones. The answer is both simple and fascinating: sensory play is quite literally how children make sense of their world.
What Is Sensory Play?
Sensory play includes any activity that engages a child’s senses – touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing, movement, and balance. It’s more than just messy play (though that can be a wonderful part of it!).
The Science Behind Sensory Play
Did you know that your baby’s sense of touch develops as early as 8 weeks in utero? Our fingertips, toes, and tongue have the most touch receptors in our entire body, making them perfect tools for exploration and learning. When children engage in sensory play, they’re not just having fun – they’re building crucial neural pathways in their brain.
Benefits of Sensory Play:
1. Cognitive Development
– Enhances memory formation
– Supports problem-solving skills
– Encourages scientific thinking
– Builds language development
2. Physical Development
– Develops fine motor skills
– Improves hand-eye coordination
– Strengthens bilateral coordination
– Enhances spatial awareness
3. Social and Emotional Development
– Builds self-confidence
– Promotes independent play
– Develops social skills through shared experiences
– Supports emotional regulation
4. Language Development
– Expands vocabulary
– Encourages descriptive language
– Supports pre-verbal skills
– Enhances communication
Simple Ways to Start Sensory Play at Home
1. Natural Materials
– Pour rice between containers
– Explore different textures in the garden
– Create sound bottles with natural materials
2. Everyday Items
– Use kitchen utensils for water play
– Explore different fabrics
– Make music with household items
A Note on Overstimulation
While sensory play is incredibly beneficial, it’s important to remember that every child is different. Some children might find certain sensory experiences overwhelming. Always observe your child’s reactions and adjust activities accordingly. Having ear defenders available for noise-sensitive children can be helpful during group activities.
At Little Senses, we carefully design our sensory play sessions to provide just the right amount of stimulation for each age group, we warm up with circle time before having plenty of free play with choices, at the end of class we relax and bring it down before leaving. We also have a black out sensory tent that we use for a quieter place to go if we are feeling over stimulated. We focus on creating an environment where children can explore safely while developing crucial skills for their future.
Remember: There’s no “right way” to engage in sensory play, “Play is never rigid.” Whether your child turns the farm sensory bin into a space station or prefers to simply observe others playing, they’re learning and developing in their own unique way.
Join us at Little Senses in Mijas and Marbella for guided sensory play sessions where we can support your child’s development through carefully crafted sensory experiences. Together, we’ll watch your little one grow, learn, and thrive through the power of play.
Looking to start your sensory play journey? Join our classes in Mijas and Marbella, where we offer age-appropriate sensory experiences for babies and children from 8 weeks to 4 years. Visit www.littlesenses.es to learn more about our programs.
