As parents/carers, we often marvel at the rapid pace of a child's growth and development. Did you know that by the age of 2, a whopping 80% of neural connections, which influence our thinking, behaviour, resilience, and response to stress, are already formed? This underscores the critical importance of the early years in shaping a child's future.
One of the most effective ways to stimulate these neural connections is through sensory play. Sensory play involves the use of all five senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. It's about more than just messy play. It's about providing children with a rich array of sensory experiences that can help hardwire their brains and integrate their sensory and nervous systems, which is essential for all-round development.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many close-contact resources such as sand, playdough, soft toys, gloop, slime, and water play were set aside or restricted, limiting children's sensory exploration. However, sensory play is not just about the resources we provide. It's also about how we, as adults, approach and engage with it.
It's about understanding that sensory play is not just 'fun' or 'messy' – it's a vital tool for learning and development. It's about recognising that every encounter in a child's life is a sensory experience, and that these experiences are crucial for their holistic development.
Some parents/carers may be reluctant to allow their children to engage in messy play experiences at home, which can impact children's openness to get messy in other environments.
The benefits of sensory play far outweigh the challenges. It can help children develop their motor skills, stimulate their senses, encourage creativity, and even improve their language skills. It can also provide opportunities for children to explore and understand the world around them in a safe and supportive environment.
So, how can we make the most of sensory play?
Here are a few tips:
1. Provide a variety of resources: From natural materials like sand and water to everyday items like fabric scraps and cardboard boxes, the possibilities are endless.
2. Encourage exploration: Allow children to touch, smell, taste, listen to, and look at the resources. Let them experiment and discover on their own.
3. Be patient and supportive: Some children may be hesitant or uncomfortable with certain textures or materials. Be patient, offer encouragement, and let them explore at their own pace.
4. Make it a regular part of your routine: Sensory play is not just a one-off activity. Incorporate it into your daily routine to provide consistent sensory experiences for your child.
Remember, sensory play is not about creating a mess or producing a specific end product. It's about the process of exploration and discovery. It's about nurturing those vital neural connections that will shape your child's future. So, let's embrace the mess, celebrate the chaos, and unlock the power of sensory play.