Last month, our management team, Lucie and Lauren, gave our sensory room a makeover to create a cosy, nurturing and enriching environment that promotes sensory play and exploration. Although sensory play activities are incorporated throughout the day in each of our age groups, from Baby Moons right the way up to Full Moons, having a dedicated space can really enhance the sensory experiences we as a setting provide for our little ones.

'Sensory Play' is a term that is often used when talking about babies, or about Early Childhood Education, but what exactly does it entail and why is it important?

Sensory play, in short, are activities and play that stimulate the five senses - sight, sound, touch, taste and smell and as well as being fun, it plays a crucial role in early learning and development, from birth to pre-school age.

Here are some of the benefits:

Building Cognitive Skills: Sensory play is integral to cognitive development. When babies explore different textures, sounds and visual stimuli, they are not just playing - they are learning. For instance, when a baby feels the rough surface of a sponge or the smoothness of a silk scarf, they are building neural connections in their brain that are fundamental for cognitive growth. This type of play encourages babies to engage in problem-solving and experimentation, laying the groundwork for more complex thought processes as they grow older.

Enhancing Fine and Gross Motor Skills: The physical benefits of sensory play are equally significant. Activities that involve grasping, squeezing, or manipulating objects help to develop fine motor skills. For example, when babies play with dough, they are strengthening the muscles in their fingers and hands, which is essential for tasks like writing in later years. Gross motor skills, which involve larger body movements, are also honed through activities such as crawling through sensory tunnels or walking on different textured surfaces. These activities promote balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Supporting Language Development: Sensory play provides a rich foundation for language development. When caregivers talk to babies about their sensory experiences, it introduces new vocabulary and concepts. Describing the feel of sand, the sound of crinkling paper, or the colour of a bright red ball exposes babies to descriptive language. This interactive dialogue enhances their understanding and use of words, facilitating early speech and communication skills.

Promoting Emotional Regulation: Emotional development is another critical area where sensory play proves beneficial. Different sensory experiences can help babies regulate their emotions and manage stress. For instance, the soothing sensation of water play can calm a fussy baby, while the rhythmic motion of rocking in a sensory chair can provide comfort and security. By engaging in sensory activities, babies learn to navigate their feelings and develop coping mechanisms that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Encouraging Social Interaction: Sensory play often involves group activities that encourage social interaction. Whether it's a baby group exploring a sensory bin together or siblings playing with sensory bottles, these interactions foster social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation. These early social experiences are vital for building the foundations of empathy and effective communication.

Stimulating Curiosity and Creativity: One of the most delightful aspects of sensory play is the way it stimulates curiosity and creativity. Babies are naturally curious about the world around them, and sensory play provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether it's experimenting with different sounds made by banging on pots and pans or creating colourful patterns with finger paints, sensory play nurtures a child's innate creativity and imagination.

Therefore, sensory play is not just a fun activity for babies; it is a vital component of their overall development, which is why we have a dedicated space for it in our nursery! If you'd like to see more photos of our sensory room, then check out our social media pages:

https://www.facebook.com/BananaMoonBarnstaple
https://www.instagram.com/bmbarnstaple