Learn More About Sensory Play
Sensory Play Benefits
- Sensory play is one of the most powerful learning tools available and has been scientifically shown to improve a child’s cognitive and physical abilities. Not only does sensory play encourage learning through creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving, but it also offers hands-on, open-ended and child-driven play.
- When children use their imaginations and creativity without an expectation of a finished product, it allows them to use their reasoning to make sense of the materials in their own way, and that’s when the magic happens! So, when kids just think they are having fun and playing, they are actually LEARNING so much more!
- Did you know that sensory play fosters fine motor skills, cognitive development, problem solving, and social interaction? It even helps enhance memory, calm anxiety, and builds nerve connections in the brain to help children complete more complex learning tasks in the future! It helps them use their imaginations and learn about the world around them through their senses. The list of benefits goes on and on for us parents, but for them, it's just FUN!
How to Play—Tips & Tricks
- Sensory bins are wonderful for a variety of ages! Some children jump right in, others may not, and that’s ok! Before we can nurture independent play, don’t forget that some toddlers might need a refresher on how to use certain tools. Feel free to jump into the playing the first time and model some ways they can use them. Scoop, fill, and pour to show them how fun it can be to explore. We promise it will be fun for you too!
- Don’t forget to talk about what you are doing, seeing, and feeling. This will encourage their imaginative play, but also help develop their language development!
- There are also lots of ways to incorporate math as well! Studies have show that children who practice basic mathematics at a young age will be more successful at more complex math concepts later in life. Build skills by counting, measuring, color sorting, and making patterns. Use bin items to model and ask questions, “If we have 4 shells and take away 2, how many are left?” or “How many different colored pom-poms are there?” There are countless (no pun intended) questions to help get those little minds working!
- Each product is thoughtfully curated to include items and tools to unlock and support the focus and engagement of your little one! As tempting as it might be to add additional items, we try to limit the amount of manipulatives because it could lead to sensory overload, impacting their ability to sustain play and learning, which is basically the opposite of what we want to be happening! With this in mind, we tend to lean towards the “Less is More” philosophy by carefully selecting items included in our sets, allowing our kiddos to build and master skills with tools and fillers at their own pace. The more their skills continue to advance, the more they learn!
- Always use your best judgment on if your child is age appropriate to play with certain sensory products. All of our products are geared toward children 3 years and older due to choking hazards. However, if you want to use our products for younger children to explore, please ALWAYS make sure they are under direct supervision and not left alone. This is especially true when little ones are still putting everything in their mouths…they do this to learn about the world around them. It’s cute, but can be unsafe! So, please, always use caution!
Parent Wins of Sensory Play
- This parenting stuff is hard! Sometimes we just need a minute and giving the kiddo their tablet or turning on their favorite show is the only way we can get it…then the guilt sets in. Trust me, we get it! Sensory play offers a screen-free (and guilt free) option that kids will actually be engaged in. Plus, while they think they are just playing and having fun, they are actually learning and gaining valuable developmental skills. That’s a win-win for everyone!
- Sensory play is a great way to play and engage with your kiddos too! Don’t get us wrong, we love a good dance party or “the floor is lava” game as much as the next person, but sometimes it’s great to just sit for some quiet play and jump into your child’s imagination with them. Plus, it’s pretty cool to watch their minds work and you will definitely get a laugh or two from the silly things they come up with! Win-Win!
- If your child is old enough, sensory play is a great way to foster independent play (which has been proven to develop focus, social independence, problem solving skills, and teaches persistence and patience). Just set your little one up with one of our sensory products, step back, and watch the magic happen. Plus, while you’re getting that elusive extra bit of "me time" to actually enjoy a HOT cup of coffee, you don’t have to worry that they got into the pantry and spread peanut butter all over their younger sibling (true story). A definite WIN in our book!
What is a "Calming Corner" (also called "Calming Centers") and why do I need one?
Calming corners provide children with a safe and secure environment to express emotions, fostering emotional safety and development. These spaces are crucial for teaching self-regulation skills, allowing children to recognize their emotions and take proactive steps to calm down, thereby promoting emotional intelligence. By offering a predictable retreat, calming corners reduce stress and anxiety, encouraging children to take responsibility for their emotional well-being and fostering independence. Regular use of these spaces reinforces positive behavior, leading to fewer tantrums and outbursts. Additionally, calming corners help children improve focus and attention, enhancing learning outcomes. They also facilitate better parent-child communication, as children are more likely to discuss their feelings and experiences after calming down, fostering deeper understanding and connection. Implementing calming corners at home or in educational settings supports children's emotional and developmental needs, creating a more peaceful and productive environment.
Benefits of our "Duck It" Calming Bottles
-
Emotional Regulation: Helps children learn to self-soothe during moments of distress by focusing on the calming, swirling water and searching for the tiny duck inside.
-
Focus and Concentration: Encourages children to concentrate on finding the duck, which can help improve their attention span and reduce anxiety.
-
Sensory Stimulation: Provides visual and tactile sensory input that can be soothing and grounding for children, especially those with sensory processing needs.
-
Mindfulness Practice: Teaches children mindfulness techniques by redirecting their focus to a calming activity, promoting present-moment awareness.
-
Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating the bottle and moving it around to locate the duck can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
-
Cognitive Development: Engaging with the calming bottle can support cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking as children work to find the duck.