06/21/2023
Have you ever wondered why sensory play is so important? Sensory play engages multiple senses such as touch, sight, hearing, smell, and sometimes taste. It helps stimulate senses in a controlled and enjoyable manner. Here are several reasons why we at SPARK think sensory play is great!
👉 Cognitive Development: When children manipulate and interact with various materials, they learn cause-and-effect relationships, develop spatial awareness, and enhance their ability to classify, sort, and compare objects based on their attributes.
👉 Language and Communication: It provides opportunities for children to express themselves verbally and non-verbally. As they explore different textures, shapes, and sounds, they can describe their experiences, share their observations, and communicate their preferences.
👉 Fine Motor Skills: Sensory play often involves physical manipulation of materials, such as pouring, squeezing, grasping, and stacking. These activities help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. For example, playing with sand or playdough can improve finger strength and coordination, which are essential for tasks like writing.
👉 Emotional Regulation: Engaging with sensory materials can be soothing, reduce stress, and provide a sense of comfort. It allows children to explore and express different emotions, helping them develop emotional intelligence and coping strategies.
👉 Creativity and Imagination: By manipulating materials and experimenting with different combinations, children can create unique experiences and outcomes. This fosters imaginative thinking, innovation, and the development of divergent thought processes.
