Youthrive Integrated Therapy Services
By Madison Birmili, Occupational Therapist at Youthrive
The human body consists of 7 sensory systems, each playing a critical role in the development of a child into adulthood. The 7 senses consist of touch, smell, taste, sight, sound, movement (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioception). Children begin developing these senses prior to birth from within their mother’s womb. Sensory play can be described as play which engages a child’s sensory system. Sensory play is a great way for children to begin developing positive relationships about themselves and the environment around them.
When does sensory development begin?
Sensory development commences during utero. A child develops their sense of smell first, and during the first few weeks of life, a child’s sense of smell and touch begin to develop most.
What age should you start sensory play?
Infants engage in sensory learning from birth, and sensory play will begin from day one. Activities during the first few weeks of life can include singing or talking to your baby, bathing, swaddling, and rocking your baby. As your baby continues to grow, their sensory systems develop, allowing them to expand their sensory play opportunities.
What are the benefits of sensory play?
Babies
New brain connections are formed through play. A baby will begin learning about the world around them and develop language as they respond to various sensory information.
Toddlers
Toddlers are expanding thinking abilities and attempting to do things independently. They are discovering new concepts such as time and opposites, comparing light to dark, and learning the differences between colours. Sensory play encourages toddlers to form positive connections and explore these concepts.
Pre-schoolers
Pre-schoolers are often exploring autonomously and expanding language. Engaging them with sensory musical instruments or creating and building shapes with various objects and materials is a great way to support language development. It also supports emotional regulation, helping children become calm when anxious or frustrated. Sensory play also aids in developing cognitive skills, focus, and attention.
How does sensory play help a child later in life?
Sensory play supports:
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Language development
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Cognitive growth
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Fine and gross motor skills
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Problem-solving skills
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Social interaction
…all of which aid in lifelong learning.
What do I need for sensory play?
The options are endless. You can use everyday items within your home to engage your child in sensory play, many of which can be incorporated into daily routines.
Tactile Play: Children learn about pressure, temperature, vibrations, and more. Finding objects with various functions and textures supports this system.
Daily Routine Activities:
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Rub lotion onto the body
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Dress up – costumes or clothes
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Patting animals
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Barefoot backyard walks
Messy Play Ideas:
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Slime, water, Play-Doh, sand, rice, whipped cream, edible paints, oats/cereal, spaghetti/pasta
Non-messy Tactile Activities:
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Sensory bag (Ziplock bag, food colouring, hair gel, small trinkets)
Vestibular/Proprioceptive: Think of how you can move arms and legs freely without looking — that’s proprioception.
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Crawling/push-ups
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Pushing/pulling
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Running/jumping on trampoline
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Blowing bubbles/chewing
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Big hugs
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Balloon fun
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Back rubs
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Rolling/curling in blankets
Auditory Play:
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Music – listening or making music with objects/instruments
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Singing – favourite songs or improvising
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Whistling, making sounds, whispering
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Reading books with animation
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Dancing and singing
Visual Play:
Visual play develops sight. Encourage colour and pattern recognition, drawing/painting, stacking games, collage, flashlight fun, and dot-to-dot activities.
Olfactory and Taste Play:
Develop smell and taste through:
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Food exploration, cooking, fruit and juice tasting
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Smell/taste and tell games
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Scratch and sniff books/cards/pens
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Scented edible paint, spice painting, essential oils in water sensory bin
Important Note:
Consult an occupational therapist if you have concerns about your child’s sensory processing needs and require professional interventions.
