A Sensory Sensation
by: Saima
Sensory play is great for children’s overall development. Special sensory rooms or areas of
a setting can be designed to combine a range of stimuli to help children engage and
develop their senses. These can include lights, colors, sounds, sensory soft play objects and
aromas, all within a safe environment that allow children to explore and interact without
risk. Sensory environments can be highly absorbing, providing a moment of comfort and
calm for overactive or distressed children, and can help engage less active children, leading
to improved focus and behaviour.
Sensory rooms can also help children who have learning difficulties, developmental
disabilities or sensory impairments. Children will learn to interact with the world around
them, but in a safe environment which will help them build their confidence and their
ability. They will experience unrestrained non-threatening space where they can explore at
their own pace and make relationships with other children and adults. This freedom allows
practitioners and therapists to observe and assess children to see what calms them and
what stimulates them.
Here are some ideas to incorporate sensory play into your setting. Be sure to check
for risks and any allergies or sensitivity beforehand:
• Add natural aromas to play dough such as lemon juice or olive oil.
• Invite children to guess what different foods are by their smell and taste, e.g
mashed banana.
• Cut shapes from different materials that make a noise and make wind chimes.
• Use materials that catch light, e.g tin foil/wrapping paper, to make light catchers
to stick on windows or hang outside in the sunshine.
• Use small torches to create light and shadows in dark areas.
• Fill small empty bottles with objects of different shape and weight to create
different sounds and images, e.g sand and pebbles, water and mud.
• Make a padlock wall for your outdoor space that will have various bolts, locks, and
keys which will not only promote sensory development but also help children
with problem solving skills.