The Simple Guide to Sensory Development

Children learn and discover the world through their senses. Sensory development in early childhood is important for overall health and well-being. It forms the foundation of a child’s learning and perception. We take a look at some of the senses that apply with our products.

Sight (visual)
Through the sense of sight we are able to:

• Interpret the information that we see
• Recognize objects or the environment around us
• See where we are moving and navigate through space
• Receive information (through the eyes) and transfer the information to the rest of the body so that we can react and respond to our environment
• Build language and vocabulary by naming what we see

Touch (tactile)
Through the sense of touch we are able to:

• Feel pain and pleasure
• Feel whether a pressure is light or deep
• Sense and understand the world around us
• Understand the temperature
• Feel the tactile qualities of an object

Aside from preparing your child for everyday encounters throughout their life such as trying different foods, getting new toys or coming into contact with animals, sensory play is crucial for their brain development and cognitive growth.
In early childhood, children are aware and take in the environment around them when their senses are engaged. Sensory development goes hand in hand with other early childhood education activities such as physical development, expressive arts and design and overall personal, social and emotional development.
Sensory play has the following benefits:

• Helps your child process and understand their senses so that they can complete more complex tasks.
• Supports language development, problem solving skills, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills and social interaction.
• Aids in developing and enhancing memory.
• Involves mindful activities which are beneficial for all children but specifically those that are anxious or frustrated.
• Helps to develop sensory attributes which are valuable particularly when it comes to food in determining different tastes and textures.