At BestStart Dannemora, foam play is more than messy fun! It helps tamariki develop coordination, language, and social skills, while providing calming sensory input. This playful learning sparks creativity and emotional growth in every child.
Foam play might seem like just good messy fun—and it is! But there’s also a lot of learning happening as children scoop and squish the foam, strengthening their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
They also build social connections as they play alongside peers, negotiate space, share tools, and communicate their ideas. Teachers observed children laughing, taking turns, and even pretending the foam was snow or clouds—showing creative thinking and imaginative play.
This activity supports language development too, as children use new descriptive words like “soft,” “squishy,” and “fluffy” to express their experiences. It is calming and therapeutic, helping children to self-regulate through tactile exploration.
Sensory play like this is especially beneficial for emotional wellbeing, providing a space for tamariki to express feelings and process sensory input. At BestStart Dannemora, we love offering open-ended sensory experiences that support holistic development in fun, meaningful ways.
These activities foster learning while promoting wonder and curiosity, encouraging tamariki to explore, create, and imagine.