Why is sensory play important for children?

One thing we’re taught to learn from very early on in our childhood, is our five senses. Sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. But did you know that these senses play a huge role when it comes to the development of young children? Sensory play is one the most common activities introduced to young children as it helps them to develop their motor skills and language skills too. It is also well known for helping with cognitive growth and aiding little ones when it comes to social interactions. Sensory splay could be as simple as listening to music, playing with playdough or taking a ride on a bike. To understand further, here is a guide on why sensory play is important for children, as advised by this private nursery in London.

Helps children develop their fine motor skills
Sensory play is one of the easiest ways to help children to develop their fine motor skills. These are small tasks such as writing with a pencil, tying their shoelaces and even using a pair of scissors. Through well thought out play, children can work on their fine motor skills by taking part in activities that require them to use the small muscles in their hands. The good news is these activities are easily accessible. Allow your child to explore small elements such as pasta, rice, play dough and even slime to help strengthen and build their fine motor skills.

Brain development
Research has shown that sensory play has proven to help strengthen nerve connections in the brain. This may not seem like anything much but is actually what helps lead to better memory skills and lays the foundation for learning skills in the future.

It's comforting
One thing that tends to be overlooked is how comforting and soothing sensory play is for children. Using their hands to knead dough or running their fingers through rice and water can be great for children who struggle with anxiety.

*Collaborative post