Sensory play – learning through exploration
Children in the early years need to explore ‘hands on’ in order to help them learn about the world around them, including ideas relating to cause and effect for example. When children experience things first hand they are able to observe what they see happening and in turn use their developing communication skills to react to and describe their experiences. Sensory play lends itself to developing these skills very well and are always well received by children at nursery. Often, outside factors lend themselves to sensory exploration, for example looking at freezing and melting during the winter months (as well and melting in the hot summer months!). We also give children the chance to explore a range of textures and materials throughout the year, by creating ‘loose part art’ for example, with a range of natural and man-made objects.
Some sensory play is available through our continuous provision, such as sand, water and play dough and others are added in response to children’s interests and fascinations, such as shaving foam and corn flour or dried beans and pulses for use in the workshop area with adult supervision.
Ayaan “It’s melted!”
