To young children, nothing is as exciting as exploring the world and everything in it. From the feeling of cool water splashing their toes to the way leaves sound crunched between their fingers. They are eager to experience the world through their senses – touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste. Doing so helps children understand the environment around them and plays a huge role in their health and development! Assisting them with learning through exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. With this knowledge, parents now aim to incorporate sensory play into their children’s day. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of sensory play and how Meemzy Magic will be a popular addition to your child’s playroom.
What is Sensory Play?
Understanding sensory play is simple. It is any type of play that helps engage the use of a child’s senses. Through these senses, children build nerve connections that improve cognitive and motor skills. Nowadays you can find sensory kits in most stores, as well as online. But what are sensory kits? These curated bins contain a mix of toys or materials for children to explore through open-ended play. Some of the most popular toys included are slime, playdough, figurines, and miniature tools. Meemzy Magic is a sensory play kit made to benefit not only children but their parents. Our safe, non-toxic toys offer guilt-free entertainment thanks to sustainable and biodegradable packaging. Plus, our figurines are painted to encourage inclusivity!
When to Start Sensory Play
The answer as to when you should start sensory play is short and sweet: any time! It is never too early to introduce kids to sensory play, but you are probably already doing it. You do it each and every time you hand your child a new toy, lay them on a new surface, or allow them to explore a new room. This said, most people start actively encouraging sensory play around 2 to 3 years of age. Sensory input for toddlers is especially important as they begin to develop the ability to think and do things for themselves. Sensory play will help in these areas by assisting them in the exploration of concepts like time and color. As well as movement, balance, and spatial awareness.
The Big Benefits of Sensory Play
If we look at the big picture, sensory play helps build cognitive and motor skills. But the benefits of sensory play can actually be broken down by each of the senses. You can also use these to guide you when considering what types of sensory kits or activities will assist with your child’s individual needs. Or that caters to their personal interests.
- Touch – This type of play is specific to exploring an object with the hands, also known as tactile play. It can help kids learn about weight, pressure, temperature, and more.
- Sight – Activities that encourage children to track movement or differentiate items using their eyes will help develop their eyesight.
- Sound – Auditory play is about introducing your children to sounds and how they are made. This will help them differentiate sounds and develop their hearing.
- Smell and taste – These two go hand in hand, but can also be separated depending on the activity. Smelling and tasting different items help children develop their senses and learn to differentiate between them.
- Proprioception – This relates to how we can move our arms and legs without looking at them. Physical activities like pushing, pulling, and jumping will help a child learn spacial awareness.
- Vestibular – Balance and movement come from the vestibular, located in the inner ear. Encouraging physical play that moves a child’s head into different positions will help strengthen it.