Sensory development often occurs naturally in young children. But many parents are unsure about what it is and how it can benefit their child.
Sensory development is important because it allows children to learn and discover the world around them through their senses. Babies and children learn through their seven senses, including sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, balance, and body awareness. By engaging and stimulating these senses, children are able to gain a better understanding of their environment and build cognitive and motor skills.
Let’s look at some fun activities that can help promote sensory development in children.
- Play with sand and water: Sand and water play can provide a variety of sensory experiences for children, including the sound of the water pouring, and the smell of the sand.
- Play with toys that have different textures and shapes: Children can explore and learn about the world through their senses, so it's important to provide toys that have different textures and shapes. This can include soft toys, hard toys, smooth toys, and rough toys.
- Play with musical instruments: Playing musical instruments can help children develop their sense of hearing and touch. This can include instruments such as drums, xylophones, and maracas.
- Play "touch and feel" games: Children can use their sense of touch to identify different objects by feeling them. You can create a "touch and feel" game by placing a variety of objects in a bag and having children reach in and try to identify them by touch.
- Play with playdough: Playdough can provide a variety of sensory experiences for children, including the feel of the dough, the sound it makes when it's squished, and the smell of the dough.
- Have a sensory scavenger hunt: Children can use their senses to find and identify different objects around the house or outdoors. You can create a list of items for them to find, such as a soft blanket, a shiny object, or a fragrant flower.
Parents can come up with an activity that works for them. Make it look effortless with everyday items around the house, so It’s fun for both you and the child.