Sensory table: Our ingredients of choice are citrus fruits and their peels lemons, oranges, some salt and rosemary. The set up is for them to extend tactile experiences. They were not given instructions on what to do with the items; they were given freedom to explore and encourage curiosity. Tamariki squeezed lots of oranges and lemons onto the tray. Some of them tasted the lemon and the orange. 

They also tasted the salt and the other ingredients. They said ‘yucky’, ‘salty’, ‘sour’, and ‘yummy’ a lot with funny and happy faces. This sensory table allows tamariki to master their basic sense of taste. Opening this provocation sensory table involved smelling, touching, and using their bodies to do all the processes needed. 

Everyone contributed to making this a starting point of sensory discovery by using all the senses. From birth, children explore their senses and process new information. They begin to make sense of the world around them as they grow through the exploration of new textures, materials, and resources. Sensory play is a valuable way of engaging children in activities that will heighten their senses and enrich their learning. Is sensory play really that important? Yes! this encourages discovery and independent thinking, as well as inspiring imagination and creativity. 

Research shows that there are many different ways in which sensory play during the early years can benefit a child’s development and learning. Here are some of the key benefits of sensory play for children: Brain Development Engaging a child in sensory play helps strengthen their brain development for learning, which enhances their memory and ability to complete more complex learning tasks.

Language Development Sensory play helps children learn new ways of talking about the world. It supports their language development and encourages them to communicate effectively with others whilst playing. Our Sensory Wooden Pack encourages children to talk about the new textures and shapes they feel and is a great aid for developing language! 

Fine and Gross Motor Skills Children identify objects by touch during tactile sensory play, which helps them develop their fine and gross motor skills – such as squeezing, pulling, pushing, and throwing. Add our Multi-Sensory Ball Pack to your early years setting to help them develop their motor skills, stimulate their senses, and enhance their physical ability. 

Problem-Solving Skills By experimenting with different objects, children develop problem-solving skills and decision-making skills. They begin to find solutions to obstacles they come across – such as ‘how to make sand stick together’. Social Interaction A positive play environment encourages children to interact and work with others effectively, which is essential for a child’s development. They begin to share their ideas and build new relationships. 

A Sand or Water Table is a popular way of encouraging social interaction! Awareness Active play helps children become more self-aware and body-aware, which helps them develop a better sense of space around them. Comforting Therapeutic sensory play, using items such as light-up toys and therapy balls, can help calm an anxious or restless child. 

Our Sensory Ball Pool for calming tactile and visual stimuli or add our beautiful Jelly Fish Tank to your sensory play room to soothe them. Adaptability Sensory play encourages children to adapt to new situations. They begin to learn that they can use resources in a variety of ways and differentiate between different scenarios through discovery.