What are sensory activities and sensory play?

JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY….

“It’s not about the product, it’s about the process!  And that’s what sensory bins and sensory play allows – how children manipulate and use the materials are more important than what they make.”-Ann Marie Aguila Pizano explains

Sensory processing refers to the way our nervous system receives messages through our senses.  We retain more information when our senses are engage.   

Sensory play cultivates learning. 

Providing children with a rich sensory environment and open-ended activities where they can engage their senses promotes cognitive skills like problem solving, decision making, language skills, and allows children to be in control of their actions and experiences.

Sensory play provides opportunities for children to learn cooperation and collaboration, and gain an appreciation of other people’s perspective. 

Sensory play is an open-invitation for hands-on exploration and creativity…..

“Sensory” – simple activities that engage the senses:

SIGHT – playing by candlelight; playing flash-light tag, creating shadow puppets, wearing sunglasses

HEARING – listening to different types of music, and experimenting with volume; playing musical chairs, singing songs

SMELL  – spending time outdoors and going on a “smelly walk” experiencing different smells like wet grass, flowers, the salt-air by the ocean

TOUCH – play games that require them to use their muscles : jumping, tug-of-war; tossing and catching games

TASTE – experiencing different textures like crunchy and chewy, and comparing and contrasting different flavors like salty and sweet, Encourage children to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and calcium rich foods – it will enhance their health and their SENSES!