New Year, New Skills: How Sensory Play Boosts Child Development

As parents, finding the time and energy to fit in enriching play activities can feel overwhelming amidst the hustle of daily life. But what if I told you that sensory experiences are already part of your everyday routine, and you can make them even more beneficial?

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play is a powerful tool that supports early development in numerous ways, and we’re here to help you seamlessly incorporate it into your busy schedule. Let’s explore how you can build on the lessons learned in our Little Messy Learners classes to encourage your child’s development of motor skills, problem-solving, and emotional growth, making the most of simple, everyday moments.

Sensory rice in a tuff tray with a shell shaped toy for scooping

Sensory rice is a FANTASTIC material to explore!

Benefits of Sensory Play

  • Enhancing Motor Skills – Sensory play activities often involve the use of hands and fingers, which helps develop fine motor skills. Tasks like scooping, pouring and molding strengthen the muscles in their hands, preparing them for essential tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.
  • Boosting Problem Solving Abilities – When children engage in play, they encounter challenges that encourage problem-solving. Whether it’s figuring out how to build a stable sandcastle or determining how much water is needed to propel the water wheel, these activities foster critical thinking and creativity.
  • Developing Pre-Writing Skills – Experiential play is essential in building the foundation for pre-writing skills. Activities like tracing our Mark Makers in tactile rice, playing with playdough, or drawing in aquafaba all help children strengthen their hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination, setting the stage for future writing success.
Children sit around a tuff tray at Little Messy Learners Kwinana

Sensory Time TOGETHER!

Tips for Incorporating Sensory Activities into Daily Routines

  • Bath Time Fun – Turn bath time into a sensorial experience by adding foam, bubbles or even safe water toys. Let your child explore the different textures and begin making their mark in the bubbles.
  • Outdoor Fun – Encourage outdoor sensory play by letting your child dig in the dirt, collect rocks or leaves, or jump in puddles. Nature is full of sensory opportunities!
  • Cooking Together – Involve your child in cooking activities. Kneading dough, measuring & mixing ingredients, and tasting new flavours are all wonderful experiences that also teach valuable life skills.

Looking for some more play ideas or some messy play inspiration?

Sensory exploration is perfect for children of any age!

Check out our Term 1 classes, designed to foster your child’s development in a fun, supportive environment.

Our classes offer a variety of activities tailored for your child, focusing on fine motor skills, problem-solving and pre-writing skills. Come along to Little Messy Learners Kwinana today!

Find your nearest Little Messy Learners Class HERE!