Why is sensory play important?

The brain. An amazing, yet complex part of the human body. Children's brains are developing at a very rapid pace, especially from birth to age 5. Research, early childhood theorist, and findings from neurosciences suggest children need to be provided with hands-on, active and meaningful learning experiences and materials. As children explore their environments with hands-on materials, they form connections in their brains. These connections are essential to form the foundation for later learning.

One way to help encourage this brain development is through sensory exploration/play. Throughout the day at Westside, our teachers plan ample time for children to explore appropriate environments and materials.

Sensory play is not just about touch, it is also about the other senses. Smells, different textures, examining, discovering, and experimenting are focus areas for sensory play.

Children's exploration and play in sensory, while encouraging brain development, encourages children to examine, categorize, and make sense of the world around them. Teachers encourage neural pathways to form in children's brains with hands-on, developmentally appropriate sensory materials/activities. From rattles and mirrors with infants to water and cooking with preschoolers.

Young children need concrete objects and hands-on experiences. Sensory play encourages abstract thought, decision making, and all areas of development (cognitive, literacy, language, social, emotional, creativity, science, mathematics, and physical development).