Introduction to Sensory and Exploratory Play

Babies and young children explore and learn about the world using their whole body and all their senses – much more so than we do as adults.

Sensory play helps to further this exploration process and provides lots of opportunities for learning. The development of each of your child's senses can be encouraged by consciously providing a variety of play experiences designed to stimulate one or more of them. Each of these experiences builds connections and pathways in the brain that provide the basis for all future learning.

Sensory play is not about expensive toys, but about using what you have around the house, find while out and about, or can easily make, to provide with a range of stimulation for all the senses and give them experiences they may not get through other toys and play things. Exploratory play takes this further, encouraging little ones to investigate and use their imagination and creativity during play. Sensory and exploratory play allows the little scientist inside each child to naturally perform endless experiments and collect data that is stored and built upon with each new experience.

You may be surprised at what your child finds interesting when presented with different play options in this way, and how long they may sit and concentrate on an item when it is something he or she has chosen, so sensory exploration can help with focus and concentration along with it's many other benefits.

Sensory play and exploration are core elements of the Tots Play programme, so in addition to the simple sensory or early learning activity you will find in each interactive class, for each session we have also included a sensory activity for you to set up and enjoy with your little one at a time that suits you.

Check out the bonus section for videos and guides of some more sensory items to make too.

Porridge Play

For our first activity you will simply need some porridge oats and a container to put them in that your child can easily access.

Getting a little bit messy is a great way for babies to use all their senses to make new discoveries, and by using food items such as porridge oats you can let your little one explore more freely, without the worry of putting something that may be harmful in their mouth!

Try not to worry about making a mess, as it’s all part of the learning your child is doing, but If you want to avoid too much mess in the house, pop down a messy mat or take advantage of some good weather and get outside for some porridgy fun!

Simply gather:

• Some porridge oats
• A shallow tray or large bowl
• Plastic cups, spoons and small toys

Here are a few ways to play:

• For babies and toddlers porridge oats can be used as a safer alternative to sand play. Pour some dry porridge oats into the tray or bowl and let your Tot explore the sensation of touching and playing with them.
• Add some plastic cups and spoons for filling and emptying, mixing and pouring.
• Hide small toys in the porridge oats and help baby to search for them.
• To explore different textures make up some of the porridge. Have a bowl where the porridge is runny and one where it is thick, as well as some dry porridge oats and explore and talk about the differences.

I'm sure you and your little one will come up with lots more ideas too. Let your child lead the play as much as possible but always be on hand to supervise and support their play times.

Happy Playing!