In the Pepe Room (under 2s) at BestStart Flat Bush, our kaiako are passionate about creating meaningful sensory experiences that nurture curiosity and support each child’s holistic development. Sensory play allows tamariki to explore the world through touch, sight, and sound, while building fine motor skills, focus, and problem-solving abilities. These early experiences lay the foundation for future learning by helping children make sense of their environment in fun and engaging ways.
Recently, we introduced a new sensory board made with wet wipe lids and a variety of textured materials, including soft fabric, rough sandpaper, and smooth leather. Tamariki were fascinated as they explored the different surfaces, eagerly using their fingers to open and close lids and discover what was hidden underneath.
This simple yet powerful activity encouraged children to use their hands with purpose, strengthening muscles, coordination, and hand–eye control. It was heart-warming to see their faces light up with excitement as they touched, pressed, and explored. Some tamariki giggled at the textures, while others focused deeply, repeating the actions again and again.
Through this shared experience, tamariki also practiced turn-taking and patience, waiting for their turn to explore the board. Sensory play like this not only promotes exploration and creativity but also builds confidence and independence. At BestStart Flat Bush, we believe these hands-on experiences empower our youngest learners to become curious, capable, and confident explorers of their world.