Sensory play is SO important for kids. But why?! Learning how to discover and interact with the world around them is essential for child development. The best part about teaching kids about their sensory surroundings is that it is all done through hands-on PLAY! And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s dive into WHY sensory experiences are essential for kids and HOW to implement sensory play into your home (that doesn’t leave you with grains of rice between your couch cushions).
RELATED: Need a go-to list for sensory activity ideas? Check out my 40 sensory play activities list to kick off the fun!
What is sensory play?
Let’s start with the basics. Sensory play engages the senses. This means a child may be smelling, touching, tasting, listening, and looking in a single play prompt. Engaging your child’s senses invites more thinking. And more thinking means nourishing and building upon prior knowledge.
Oftentimes, sensory activities use something called loose parts. Loose parts are open-ended sensory materials that don’t have a predetermined purpose. The child takes the lead in how the tools are used and played with. Loose parts have many ways to play.
For example, I may set up a sensory bin with small rocks. The child may spend time scooping, pouring, touching, or stacking. Maybe the early learner does all four! Since the child is visiting the sensory play with interest, they will be more likely to attach meaning to what they decide to do.
RELATED: Need some basic sensory bin supplies for outside, but not sure what to use? Here is my list of favorite outdoor sensory bin supplies.
Empower your child with skills to thrive.
24 low-prep activities and relatable conversation starters that equip kids for life.
- Order the easy-to-follow activity cards.
- Build the foundation for social-emotional learning.
- Notice a shift in self-confidence and self-regulation as you and your child implement what you practice.
Why is sensory play important?
As parents, you may have heard that sensory play is a great form of play for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. But why is allowing opportunities to play in a water bin or kinetic sand sensory bin important? Basically, what exactly is the importance of sensory play?
Sensory development is important for both young kids and big kids! Experts recognize that sensory play supports a child’s natural curiosity for learning and exploration. Encouraging kids of all ages to get engaged and involved in the world around them through tactile play and sensory input is so necessary during those early years!
Engaging in hands-on sensory play boosts important childhood development skills:
- brain development
- cognitive skills
- communication skills
- emotional development
- engaging self-control
- fine motor skills
- hand-eye coordination
- increasing focus
- language development
- making predictions
- gross motor skills
- problem-solving skills
- social skills
RELATED: Looking for a fun way to develop sensory learning outside? An outdoor mud kitchen is one of the BEST ways to get your kids into sensory exploration and messy play!
Benefits of sensory play
Whether you decide to set up a simple sensory play activity or explore sensory through everyday activities, there are so many different ways to introduce and develop children’s senses in fun and engaging ways!
Hands-on sensory activities take the five senses and elevates learning by:
- balancing
- banging
- constructing
- climbing
- connecting and disconnecting
- discovering textures
- dumping
- exploring colors
- grasping
- pouring
- scooping
- sorting
- stacking
- swinging
- transporting
- twisting
Young children are researchers of their environment. New brain pathways are formed for every new stimulation, and old ideas are strengthened. Repeated experiences and sensory play enhance cognitive development and intelligence.
RELATED: Outdoor water tables make the best sensory bins for outside use in the summer!
Sensory bin fillers
Turn around! There is no need to head to Target. Creating a sensory bin often begins with items you already have in your home.
Important to note: When picking sensory fillers, consider the stage of our child. If something may be a choking hazard, do not use it. There are alternatives to just about any idea on this list.
10 favorite sensory fillers:
I picked these sensory bin materials and fillers with a few important variables in mind: how easy they are to clean up AND how likely a child will extend the play for longer amounts of time.
- Beans
- Cloud dough
- Colored water
- Ice
- Kinetic sand
- Noodles
- Playdough
- Shaving cream
- Sticky paper (contact paper)
- Small rocks
Remember loose parts? This means items such as colored scarves, small tiles, lights, sand, seashells, funnels, wheels, wood rounds, and pom poms also make a fun sensory bin!
RELATED: Looking for a low-prep sensory activity to cool off in the summer? Check out this reusable water balloon sensory play activity!
3 steps to implement sensory play (today!)
Great! With a better understanding of sensory play and why it is essential for your child’s development. Check out my extensive guide on implementing sensory play for even more ways to navigate and introduce sensory exploration to your kids!
Here are 3 steps to implement sensory learning fun into your home.
1. Start simple
You do not, I repeat, you do not have to make your first sensory bin with rainbow rice. I have found that rice is the most difficult to clean up. The tiny grains seem to linger longer than were invited on my back deck.
There are so many easy, fun, and creative sensory activities to get you started! A great way to get started is with an easy sensory bin. I keep it simple by pouring water, a few funnels, measuring cups, and a few drops of food coloring into an empty bin. For you, simple may be adding a few toys and water in a muffin tin and allowing your child to watch it break apart. You do you!
PRO TIP: Make sure to start with a sensory bin that is within your comfort zone (however water play is always a win-win)!
2. Use a mat to catch overflow
No one wants to chase beans around or peel playdough from the carpet. Let’s set ourselves up for success. I enjoy using an indoor cycling mat for my children to sit on because it is comfortable for them, and I can wipe it clean. I even use this mat when painting with kids!
Alternative ideas for sensory activity mats:
- beach towel
- bedsheet
- plastic table cloth
- shower curtain
Again, keep the setup simple. Find something that works and give it a name: “this is our sensory mat, and we will use it when you want to make a sensory bin”.
3. Pick an idea and run with it
As adults, we tend to overthink a lot more than needed. Kids dive all in and let their imagination be the guide. After picking a sensory bin activity, allow your child to take the lead.
It may take a few reminders that the sensory bin stays in the container, but with practice, your child will understand your expectations. This is another reason the sensory mat comes in handy. It acts as a border to contain the play.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with getting your toddlers started with sensory play, don’t be! Let’s review the basics: remember to keep things simple. Most sensory bin materials are already in your home. Pick what feels right. Use a sensory mat for overflow, and allow your child to guide the play.
Support your kids at home with fun sensory learning opportunities that stimulate and create new brain paths for important developmental skills and learning experiences!
Frequently Asked Questions
Sensory play is a hands-on interactive approach to learning about our senses. Through simple sensory activities, kids can smell, touch, taste, listen, and look at new and different materials to help boost their sensory awareness and child development skills.
Sensory learning is essential for improving fine motor skills, sensory awareness, language development, problem-solving skills, and so much more!
Sensory play helps children develop important cognitive skills and boosts social communication through hands-on play. Truthfully, the benefits of sensory activities are endless!
