Preschooler touching an item, exploring its texture as part of a sensory play activity

The Benefits of Sensory Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers 

Introduction

Sensory play is a crucial part of early childhood development, engaging a child's senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste—to enhance learning and cognitive growth. At Wings and Waves Preschool, we incorporate sensory activities into our curriculum to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in young learners.


Preschooler touching an item to explore and understand its texture during a sensory play activity

1. Enhances Cognitive Development 

Sensory play helps toddlers and preschoolers explore different textures, shapes, and materials, building connections in the brain that aid in critical thinking and problem-solving. 

Preschooler squeezing an orange, exploring its texture and juice as part of a sensory play activity.

2. Supports Fine and Gross Motor Skills 

Activities like squeezing, pinching, and pouring strengthen fine motor skills, while larger movements like jumping on textured mats or digging in the sand help develop gross motor skills. 

Sensory experiences help children learn descriptive words like 'soft,' 'squishy,' 'rough,' and 'smooth,' enhancing vocabulary and communication skills

3. Encourages Language and Communication Skills 

Sensory experiences introduce children to new descriptive words like "soft," "squishy," "rough," or "smooth," enhancing their vocabulary and communication skills. 

Child engaging in sensory play with water, sand, or soft fabrics, experiencing a calming effect that helps with emotional regulation and reducing anxiety

4. Promotes Emotional Regulation and Calmness 

Engaging in sensory activities like playing with water, sand, or soft fabrics can have a calming effect, helping children self-regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. 

Child engaging in sensory play, exploring, creating, and building in an open-ended way to interact with their environment.

5. Sparks Creativity and Imagination 

Sensory play encourages open-ended exploration, allowing children to create, build, and invent new ways to interact with their environment. 

Preschooler squeezing an orange, exploring its texture and juice as part of a sensory play activity

Conclusion 

Sensory play is an essential part of early childhood learning, offering numerous developmental benefits in a fun and engaging way. At Wings and Waves Preschool, we incorporate hands-on sensory activities to help children grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally while having fun.