Sensory play allows children to explore and learn by engaging in activities stimulating different senses. It allows children to discover their surroundings and themselves through experimentation. Children can improve their language, motor skills, social abilities, and self-control by engaging in sensory play. The type of sensory play can vary depending on the child, the environment, and the materials used.
With that in mind, here are five common myths about sensory play and the truths behind them:
1. It Always Involves a Big Mess
When many people think about sensory play, they may think it has to be messy. While it's true that a bit of mess can be a part of the fun and learning, sensory play can also be clean. You can go on a nature sound scavenger hunt, compare the sounds of different instruments, mix paint colors in Ziplock bags, or taste-test foods from your garden without getting messy. These activities can be just as engaging and fun as those involving getting messy.
2. It Is Only for Children with Disabilities
Sensory play is an activity that is beneficial to all children, not just those with disabilities. It helps children to develop a range of skills, such as life skills, pre-math skills, and the ability to process sensory input from everyday life. It can also help with self-regulation. All children, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from sensory play.
3. It Can Only Happen at a Sensory Table
Sensory play is an enjoyable and creative way to learn! There are countless opportunities to explore and express yourself. Play in a fountain, draw in the sand, tend to the garden, weave through an obstacle course, decorate outdoors, or practice on the balance beam—wherever your child's interests lead you, something is to be discovered. Invite your little ones to share their ideas and show you how fun learning can be!
4. All Kids Love to Get Messy
Each child will respond differently to sensory activities. Don't pressure them if they seem overwhelmed or uninterested. Instead, create an opportunity for them to explore the activity in their own way.
For example, if trying to carve a pumpkin, provide gloves, so their hands don't get sticky, let them smell the pumpkin, observe the insides with their eyes, listen to the sounds of the squishing, or knock on the outside of the pumpkin. There are many ways to create a sensory experience without having them put their hands in the pumpkin.
5. It Is Always Unstructured or Always Structured
Sensory play is an activity that uses the different senses to explore and experience the world. It can involve structured and unstructured activities to help the child explore, discover, and learn.
Structured activities may include guided explorations, such as a nature scavenger hunt, while unstructured activities may be more open-ended, such as playing with a water table. Regardless of the type of activity, sensory play allows children to explore and learn in a creative, engaging, and fun way.
Conclusion
Sensory play is an important activity for young children and is essential to their development. It is a great way to engage children and help them to explore their environment. Sensory play is not messy; it does not need to be expensive, it does not need to take up a lot of space, and it does not need to be complicated. It is an excellent way to foster creativity, encourage exploration, and develop motor skills.
Busy Box Child is an online toy store that sells fun and educational toys, sensory bins, and sensory kits with all-natural, non-toxic sensory dough and sensory sand. We also carry mini kits and mini sand jars for travel, as kids' party favors, and as playdate activities. We keep your children busy with Sensory Play. If you’re looking for sensory kits for kids, look no further! Shop online now!