Sensory play is essential for a child's development. An activity that engages all of their senses, this type of play will help them learn and grow. Improving their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. A sensory kit is a collection of items that are used for sensory play. And can even be tailored to a child’s age and needs, ensuring that they get the most out of their sensory playtime. Learn how sensory kits can assist with age-appropriate play and what this looks like for children of all different ages.
Why is Age-Appropriate Play Important?
As children grow and develop, their abilities, interests, and skills change. And so does their approach to playtime! How they play can have a significant impact on their development. This is why children of different ages require different activities that tap into or are tailored to their needs.
First are activities that encourage physical development. For your young children, this pertains to large motor skills, such as crawling or walking. Older children will benefit from improvements in fine motor skills, such as writing and building.
Next is emotional and social development. These assist with emotional intelligence and self-awareness, as well as their ability to self-regulate. This will allow them to properly identify and communicate their feelings so that they can successfully interact with others - share, take turns, and solve problems. Expressing oneself and respecting the opinion of their peers is essential for building positive relationships!
Finally, there is cognitive development. Developmentally appropriate learning can be an opportunity for children to explore and experiment with their environment. Through this, they will learn skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. Required for abilities like differentiating items, including shapes or colors.
Age-Appropriate Sensory Kits
Through sensory kits, parents can provide their children with the right level of stimulation for their age and developmental stage. Or even tailor them to their needs! Here are some recommendations for developmentally appropriate activities or sensory kits with contents that are age-appropriate. Note that it is always important to supervise children during sensory playtime to ensure that items are not only age-appropriate but safe for use.
Infants (1-12 months)
Starting to explore their environment and the world around them, sensory play is essential for infants. Any kits should be focused on items that stimulate their senses. Such as items with different textures or that make sounds and encourage the use of hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Toddlers are highly active and curious! Their sensory kits should reflect this with items that promote exploration. Consider sensory bottles, play dough, or bubbles. Or any items that encourage fine motor skills, such as crayons and finger paints, or even instruments.
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Independent and imaginative, preschoolers require sensory kits that encourage creativity. This can include dress-up clothes, building blocks, and fully stocked play kitchens. You will also want items that promote problem-solving and critical thinking, like puzzles or memory games.
School-aged children (6-12 years)
School-aged children are more analytical and logical. For them, age-appropriate play should encourage exploration and experimentation. Think science kits, art supplies, and building sets. You will also want to incorporate social skills, such as board games and team sports.
Looking for age-appropriate play for your little ones? Take a look at Meemzy Magic sensory kits! Complete with a variety of tools and materials, your children will enjoy hours of open-ended play that assists with their development. Check out our shop today or reach out with any questions.