WHAT IS SENSORY PLAY & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Sensory play involves activities that stimulate the senses: touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and hearing. These types of activities encourage exploration through playing, creating, investigating and exploring. 

Activities involving sensory exploration support children in improving their tolerance for various sensory information as their brains work to create stronger connections for processing and responding. It also stimulates language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.  (educationalplaycare.com)

Sensory play is not just for children with exceptionalities.  The benefits can be felt and seen for all children.

Play is the highest form of research. ~ Albert Einstein

SIMPLE SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR HOME

We often associate sensory play with a mess, which can be a deterrent for some.  Materials such as water, shaving cream, and paint, are all commonly used materials for sensory play, and can involve some clean-up.  However, if this is not your scene, there are plenty of ways to engage the senses without creating chaos.  

Here are 10 LESS-MESS SENSORY ACTIVITIES to try:

1. PLAYDOUGH – not too messy and easy to make at home.  
2. SNOW – yes, snow!  Bring it inside for a mess-free snow sensory bag.
3. FINGER PAINTING – in a ziploc bag!  
4. BIKE RIDE – using big muscles and working on balance.
5. TACTILE BIN – collect different items from around the house.
6. COUCH CUSHION GAMES – have a pillow party!
7. TEXTURE BALLOONS – simple and perfect for even the biggest avoider.
8. POM POM BIN – perfect for scooping and soft to the touch.
9. MUSICAL TREE – hang some pots and pans and grab your ear plugs.
10. SENSORY BOTTLES – the possibilities are endless.

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Being a parent is hard.  Our goal at socialskilled is to make it a little easier and we hope this blog has helped in some small way.  We are so happy that you stopped by and would love to hear from you.  Send us your questions or suggestions through our website or socials.  We are in this together.

Photo by Julietta Watson on Unsplash