The Benefits of Sensory Play

1. The Benefits of Sensory Play Sensory play is “food for the brain.” Stimulating the senses sends signals to children’s brains that help to strengthen neural pathways important for all types of learning. For example, as children explore sensory materials, they develop their sense of touch, which lays the foundation for learning other skills, such as identifying objects by touch, and using fine-motor muscles. The materials the children worked with at the sand pit have many sensory attributes — they may be warm or cool, wet or dry, rough or smooth, hard or soft, textured or slimy. Discovering and differentiating these characteristics is a first step in classification, or sorting — an important part of children’s science learning and discovery. Roller Paint Art As the children were using the rollers for their painting experience they were also supporting their development. Physical Development Children's large and small muscle development, as well as their eye-hand coordination. Social Development As the children worked together in the art area, they were learning to share, to interact with others, to be responsible for clean up, and to put materials away. These are positive and important changes for social learning. Cognitive Development The children were learning the names of colours and shapes on their rollers. They discovered out what happens when they mixed two primary colours together and get a secondary colour.

2. Benefits of PETS As the children have regular interaction with the pets We have noticed that children who normally struggle with communicating are expressing their feelings, for example asking if they can have a pat or hold, asking if they can feed the animal, say “cute” etc we have also found that children have a very caring attitude towards the animals and are developing expressions of nurturing, responsibilities & empathy. The animals are also providing the children with sensory stress relief and increasing their physical energy as they race around the yard trying to catch them when they get away.

4. Over the past few weeks we have been busy building a family tree scene. This family tree depicts the value of family and the individuals who are part of each family. The tree depicts family, the sun above displays “What makes me happy” the rainbow displays “when I grow I up, I want? The educators spoke to the children individually and in a group setting and discussed things that make us happy and what we want to be when we grow up. This is a wonderful exercise to partake in as 1. It shows that even the littlest child has some form of goal (even if it is a “way out” goal) 2. It is a wonderful way to get to know all children individually, 3. It gives children an opportunity to have a little think about the question and 4. the children give beautiful answers and it give adults an insight into what each child is loving on that day at that moment. Some answers were just magic! Priceless.

5. Familiesare much more than groups of individuals. They have their own goals and aspirations. They also are places where every child and adult should feel that he or she is special and be encouraged to pursue his or her own dreams; a place where everyone's in­dividuality is permitted to flourish.