Making Sense of Sensory Play

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Sensory play engages all the senses and is wonderful for developing language, social, and motor skills, as well as for fostering cognitive development. With so many benefits, you don't want your child to miss out on these kinds of experiences.

We engage in sensory experiences in preschool as often as possible. Playing with playdoh, shaving cream, and finger paint, as well as engaging in theme-related sensory play is a regular part of our daily routine - just not all at once! But there are simple things you can do at home that can give your children the same benefits.

Bath Time

Have a variety of bath toys available for your child to use in the tub. This is a good place to incorporate things you might not want to do on dry land, such as shaving cream. You can also try some of the many bath products available for kids, like this bathtub paint for kids or bathtub crayons. 

Cooking and Baking

Yes, it might be a little messier and take a little longer than doing it yourself, but letting your child help in the kitchen is a great way to incorporate a lot of different cognitive, sensory, language, and mathematical concepts. Demonstrate how you are following a recipe and let them help with measuring, pouring, and stirring.

Washing Dishes

When they become teenagers, they probably won’t be excited to do this job, but I don't know a 4-year-old who doesn't enjoy washing a few dishes. To them, it's just playing with water and emulating mommy and daddy. Pull a chair up to the sink and give them simple, non-breakables to wash. They will love it!

Washing the Car

Washing the car is another fun, messy, and beneficial activity your preschooler will enjoy. There's soap, sponges, and a hose so what's not to like? Plus, you can save your back and let them get all the low spots on the car!

Gardening 

Planting and growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers is another really fun activity for kids. It teaches them so much about science, and they will make cognitive, language, and social/emotional gains while engaging in helping to care for a garden. Watering plants and flowers is a great job for a preschooler!


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