The Importance of Sensory Play in Toddlers

Sensory play is a type of play that activates a child’s senses.  Sensory play offers children a way to engage with the world around them while learning and developing.  Children grow and develop rapidly in the first three years of life.  It is important to help encourage sensory exploration as it is a crucial part of their development.  There are some very easy and inexpensive ways to create memorable sensory experiences in your home for your little one using everyday household items.

♦Create a sensory bin: Fill a bucket with items like sand, dirt, dried beans, or oatmeal and let your toddler dig in.  Adding in different tools such as cups and shovels will help your toddler work on their scooping, pouring and sorting skills as well!

♦Playdough fun: Playdough is a fun and easy activity to do with your children that will work many of their different senses.  Try adding a drop of scented food extract in it to give it a fun smell!

♦Sandbox time: Take your toddler out to the park or the yard and have your children play in the sandbox!

♦Fun in the kitchen: As messy as it sounds, let your toddler play with their food!

♦Make musical instruments: Making musical instruments with household items is a fun way to enhance your child’s sense of hearing.

♦Swinging: Going outdoors and playing on the swings is a great way to activate your toddler’s senses.

♦Water play: Fill the sink, tub or a bin of water and let your toddler explore! This is another great way for them to work on their fine motor skills, scooping and pouring.

♦Make sensory bottles: Fill empty water bottles with water, oil, different food coloring and small items and let your toddler explore! To make sure they don’t leak or spill, glue the caps on once the sensory bottle is made.

For other fun activities to do in home that bring out sensory exploration for kids check out this link!