Children are naturally curious. They explore the world around them using their five senses to learn about their environment. Our senses have a big impact on how we retain information and create memories. It’s why sensory play is important for brain development in children.
Even positioning and balance can be developed through sensory play. These activities can help your child develop core skills that will be necessary when they grow up.
What is sensory play?
Sensory play is different from normal play activities. The emphasis here is placed on engaging the five senses as much as possible. Young children don’t have their senses fully developed yet, so this kind of play will help them learn and understand. As they continue engaging in this play, their brains will develop, creating new pathways.
And it’s easy to find a location that offers this kind of experience for your child. Mark, who lives in the Doonside area, is looking for centres that offer sensory play as he heard that it is beneficial for his children. To find the best location, he visits this list of childcare centres in Doonside to determine the most convenient place.
The Top Benefits of Sensory Play
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Developing the brain
Research has shown how engaging playtime activities can improve brain function. As children experience using their senses more, they are strengthening the nerve connections in their brains. These can eventually lead to them performing complex tasks and problem-solving much easier when they are older.
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Some children may prefer this method
Not all children are the same. Some learn in different ways and require a different approach. With sensory play, kids are directly involved in the learning and will make their own discoveries as they play. This increases their knowledge through a hands-on approach which may be more beneficial for them.
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Sensory play is open to everyone
It is very easy for a child to feel left out during play, especially for specially abled children who may not be able to join kids in a playground. Sensory play, however, is open enough that any child can take part. There is no “right” way to conduct sensory activities. This also promotes the idea of inclusion while playing from a young age.
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Improves language ability
Most times, sensory activities are enjoyed among groups of children. When they play together, it fosters opportunities for them to communicate with each other and practice speaking. They have common ground to talk about what they are experiencing. This can lead to improved communication and language development skills.
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Improves fine motor skills
There is a lot of movement in sensory play. Children are encouraged to use their whole body to participate in sensory activities. They will touch and move things around, exploring the items around them. For example, As they use their hands more, they will develop the muscles in their hands which will help them write with more precise movements in the future.
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Improves self-confidence
Sensory activities involve children finding themselves in new and unique situations. They will attempt to navigate these waters themselves to develop a solution. As they complete a task, their confidence in their actions will grow. These affirmations are important motivators that will help them adapt to new situations easily in the future.
Sensory play encourages learning through means of exploration and curiosity. They can help your child develop key skills that will be beneficial in the future. As a parent, you should incorporate sensory play both at home and with other children to facilitate growth in all areas.
