subject: The Critical Role Of Sensory Play For Children [print this page] An infant or toddler uses their five senses in order to learn about the world around them. When we watch a young child playing with their toys or on the playground, we are watching them while hard at work. They are working hard to categorize the new sights, sounds, textures, smells, and even tastes that they are experiencing around them. In other words, their play is their work.
Playtime that utilizes items that can stimulate one or more of the five senses is called sensory play. This is extremely important in any youngster's life because it enhances their curiosity to learn more and make associations with things previously learned. It also creates within a child an enthusiasm for learning and experiencing life. This is a precious gift for any parent or educator to give a child- and it all starts at such a young age.
The blossoming of a young mind occurs as their parents and educators assist in the learning process by taking an active role to sustain their sensory play. Sensory play can be likened to the adult world in the following example. It is like when you go to take a big sip of water from a mug. You begin sipping from the straw only to realize that what you just drank wasn't water, it is lemonade. You draw your mouth back surprise and may even pull a funny face. It is not that the lemonade tastes bad or is yucky, it is just that you were not expecting it- you were expecting water instead. Adults have things already figured out and categorized in their heads, like a filing cabinet, about what things taste like, look like, feel like, smell like, and sound like. Young children, however, are still building their mental filing cabinets of information and use their playtime to accomplish it.
As a teacher or guardian of our children, we have the obligation to assist our children and students to help them utilize their senses to learn about the fascinating world around them. As this happens, they will continue to expand their knowledge and build an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
by: Art Gib
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