The Power of Play: Understanding and Implementing Sensory Activities

Understanding Play’s Role in Development

Every child develops differently, both in style and pace. However, play remains a universal cornerstone of healthy development. While it may appear simple on the surface, play serves as a powerful catalyst for growth, helping children:

• Develop creativity and imagination through exploring new scenarios and possibilities
• Learn to understand others’ perspectives, building foundational empathy skills
• Practice negotiation and social interaction in a low-stakes environment
• Process their daily experiences and complex emotions in an age-appropriate way
• Build essential life skills like self-control and perceptiveness

The Foundation of Development

Play isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a fundamental communication tool, especially for young children. Through play, children:

• Process and understand their daily experiences
• Express and work through their emotions
• Develop crucial social and emotional skills
• Build the foundation for how they’ll interact with their world

Understanding Sensory Play

What Is Sensory Play?

Sensory play encompasses any activity that engages the senses. According to the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, sensory activities help develop:

• Attention
• Awareness
• Acceptance

These benefits extend beyond childhood—even adults can benefit from sensory engagement activities.

The Senses Involved

Sensory play can involve any combination of:

• Touch
• Taste
• Smell
• Sight
• Sound

DIY Sensory Activities

1. Edible Finger Paint

Age Range: 1-3 years

Materials Needed:

• Cold water
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup corn flour (corn starch)
• Liquid food coloring
• Glass or metal saucepan

Instructions:

1. Mix cornflour with cold water to create a paste (not too thick)
2. Add boiling water and stir until smooth
3. Heat on medium, stirring until clear streaks form
4. Remove from heat and stir until cool
5. Divide into portions and add food coloring
6. Store in refrigerator (keeps for 2 weeks)

2. DIY Sand Foam

Age Range: 4-6 years

Materials Needed:

• 3-5 cups clean, dry sand (colored sand optional)
• Shaving cream
• Large, deep tray

Instructions:

1. Pour sand into tray
2. Add shaving cream gradually
3. Mix by hand until desired consistency
4. Optional: Add marbles, glitter, or toys for enhanced sensory experience

3. Color-Changing Milk

Age Range: 6-12 years

Materials Needed:

• Large, shallow dish or 3-4 saucers
• Milk
• Food coloring
• Cotton buds
• Liquid dish soap in small saucer

Instructions:

1. Pour milk to cover dish surface
2. Add food coloring drops around edges
3. Let child swirl colors with finger or cotton bud
4. Dip new cotton bud in dish soap
5. Touch soapy cotton bud to colors and observe reactions

Tips for Parents

Engaging with Your Child

• Embrace your own inner child during these activities
• Approach the activities with curiosity and wonder
• Observe your child’s reactions and engagement
• Communicate throughout the process
• Allow for open-ended exploration

Remember

• There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to play
• Repetition is valuable for development
• Each attempt at play contributes to your child’s growth
• The process is more important than the outcome

Play, especially sensory play, is a crucial component of childhood development. Through these activities, children develop essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives. As parents, supporting and engaging in these activities helps create meaningful connections while fostering growth and learning.