Sensory play is increasingly receiving mainstream appreciation. Parents, not just early childhood educators, are understanding the importance of sensory exploration. Young children need opportunities to challenge their five senses because this is how they learn and develop.
The five senses
Sensory play can involve children using multiple senses at once or target just one of the five senses:
- Touch (texture, temperature, and holding and manipulating).
- Sight (colours, light and shadow and reflections).
- Hearing (music and sounds).
- Smell.
- Taste (food and drink and cooking).
EYLF learning outcomes
Sensory play links to the Early Years Learning Framework as it connects children to their world (2) and teaches them about natural and processed materials (4.4).
Children of all ages, especially young babies, use their senses to inquire, research and investigate (4.2). Sensory play supports curiosity (4.1).
Learning experiences
Explore nature
Nature is the ultimate sensory experience for babies and toddlers. Unfortunately, their environments can be overwhelmingly man-made. Adults may shield young children from nature in an effort to keep them clean, safe and comfortable.
Early childhood educators should first consider nature when planning sensory experiences. If you find yourself gravitating towards troughs filled with brightly coloured, man-made materials, challenge yourself to take the children outside. Alternatively, bring nature indoors!
Let the wind rustle their hair, the grass tickle their noses. Let mud, sand and water squelch between their toes. Flowers and pine cones offer beautiful scents. And chirping birds and barking dogs are delightful for their ears.
Get messy with art
Children benefit most when art experiences are a process, not a product. Set up art experiences like painting, collage and clay, where children are allowed to independently interact with materials (using their whole bodies!). Make finger paint and glue the highlight of their day, not the A4 piece of paper they get to take home.
If messy play is overwhelming for you, set yourself up for success:
- Speak positively with families about your plans and encourage them to bring in old, spare clothes. Communicate the developmental benefits of sensory play.
- Discuss your plans with other educators, so everyone is on the same page.
- Prepare your environment so the children are well-supervised and the area is easy to clean afterwards. Consider the best location and time of day.
Fall in love with food
Cooking experiences require all the senses. Electric beaters whir and popcorn pops, while strawberries look, smell and taste delicious. Introduce children to simple recipes that provide each child with hands-on interactions with food.
- Knead dough to bake bread or mini pizzas.
- Chop soft fruits like bananas and watermelon with butter knives.
- Hold a taste-testing session with bitter, sweet, salty and sour foods.
- Cook with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir them through yoghurt or porridge.
Make your own toys
Early childhood educators can create sensory toys by placing stimulating materials inside empty soft drink bottles, tubes and boxes. Children can shake the containers to hear and or see the contents.
Educators can also make treasure bags and baskets with curious objects that children can remove and play with.
Learning environments
Set up sensory play spaces
Successful early childhood learning environments provide a wide range of opportunities for children to explore using their senses.
Set up these play areas with acknowledgement for their impact on children's sensory development:
- Sensory walls for vertical play and objects hanging from trees, windows and ceilings.
- Sensory tables, troughs, tubs and buckets with interesting objects.
- A corner with musical instruments and play spaces broadcasting different genres of music.
- Areas for art, cooking and messy play.
- Sandpit, dirt play and water play areas.
- Gardens with fragrant and edible plants.
Create a digital landscape
Transform an area of your classroom into a digital, sense-inspiring landscape. Consider using technologies like colourful torches, projectors, CD players, keyboards, microphones and battery-operated toys. Let the children direct how they use the space, but you may want to dim the lighting to enhance the sensory effect.