Toddlers explore the world and discover things on their own through their senses. Sensory play is any type of play comprising the use of senses namely touch, sight, sound, taste and smell. Importantly, sensory play helps keep the toddler calm, focused and engaged.
At Creative Play, we focus on helping your children benefit from sensory play. We have developed a comprehensive range of products to help you give the best kind of sensory play to your toddlers helping them to grow, develop and learn efficiently.
Many people think sensory play involves playing with sand and water alone. Our experts have discovered that there is more that can be done to improve sensory play for toddlers. Connect with us to learn about our innovative Sandhut Major and our interactive playboards.
The benefits of sensory play
- Development of motor skills due to the toddlers actively handling objects
- Opportunities to model language as toddlers spark conversations while playing
- Development of the brain by building neural pathways which enhance a toddler’s ability to perform complex tasks, problem-solving skills as well as social interaction
- Developing and enhancing memory function
- Offers one of the best ways to calm anxious or frustrated children
- Allow toddlers to learn vital sensory attributes such as hot, cold, wet and dry
Some approved sensory play activities for toddlers, are discussed below:
1. Musical bottles
Musical bottles are easy to make and can be of any colour with contents of choice such as seeds, rice, pasta and coloured ribbons. Sensory bottles are cheerful and fit for a toddler’s exploration. They are also perfect musical instruments.
2. Safe water play activities
Water is a great sensory experience for toddlers. Most toddlers love playing with water and can hardly stay away, which makes it a little bit hectic for the caregiver so safety must be considered.
Water tubs are highly recommended. Water tubs come in handy on a nice sunny day in the backyard. Items required include a water tub with a considerable amount of water for the toddler to play in, and some toys. Let the toddler be in light clothes or costumes. You can have a toddler clean some of their toys, adding some soap for bubbles.
An alternative idea is painting using water. All that is needed is a container and a paintbrush. You can add some paint in a container to paint on surfaces outside, such as walls and wood. This keeps the toddler occupied and calm.
Mixing water with colour also comes in handy when trying to keep the toddler active. Containers and different food colours can be used. Have the toddler mix in separate containers.
Another simple and safe outdoor water play idea is getting clean plastic bottles, filling them with clean water and making several holes on the lid. The toddlers would enjoy squeezing the water out the different holes.
3. Discovery baskets
Toddlers can get bored easily from playing with simple toys. Discovery baskets provide an opportunity for creativity and learning. They can be used for telling stories, where you could fill a basket with exciting books for toddlers to look through. You could also fill the basket with numbered toys especially those of different shapes and colours, to enhance maths. Discovery baskets are also great for pretend play games where the basket is filled with several pretend pieces of cutlery, utensils and snacks.
4. Sensory bags
These bags are attractive because of their squashy nature, brought about by oil and some colour, added in a safe zip bag. Safe taste oil is recommended since the bags can be torn easily. Alternatively, one can just use double bags. Once taped down to the floor, a toddler can explore during tummy time.
5. Sensory ribbons
This is a fun and effective activity for toddlers. Sensory ribbons are made by tying several ribbons to a frame, placing the toddler underneath. As the toddler tries to reach out for the ribbons, their motor skills and the ability to track objects, are enhanced.
At Creative Play we have developed and keep on inventing many products to help with sensory play for toddlers. We stock numerous items you can use to effectively come up with almost any item you can use to aid sensory play.
Our team of experts put a lot of effort into ensuring the highest levels of thought and care are given, in creating sensory play items.
For detailed information and supply of sensory products, feel free to reach us via phone on 01244 375627. You can also email us at [email protected] and our personable customer service representative will quickly respond to you.
