Sensory Activities Simplified

Children aged 18 months to 4 years old are learning new things about their world every day. Sensory activities will teach them in a fun context so they will remain interested throughout. Toddlers are at an incredibly sensory stage in their life, they will grab anything they see that intrigues them. Through structured sensory play this inclination will be harnessed for learning. Tactile responses are so important for development in toddlers. Let’s put the iPad away and see what we can find around the house to keep them not only occupied but learning! 

There are so many sensory activities that you can set up for little to no cost. Sorting, scooping, washing, painting, or pretty much any activity that will have your toddler doing something both physical and mental is a great way to help them learn. Looking through your pantry for some spare ingredients such as rice or corn starch would make for an awesome sensory activity when combined with water. Change up the colours of the water to make it more interesting while they start to understand how water works in relation to different materials. 

Sensory play teaches several valuable lessons to a preschooler that they will rely on heavily when they are older. They will begin to grow a better independence as they start to solve problems themselves in a safe space. The building blocks of math understanding will come through spatial-based activities. The fine motor skills necessary for writing will be nurtured, as well as necessary life skills like pouring and scooping. 

While sensory activities might be avoided due to fear of the impending mess it will create, this does not have to be the case. Setting up a small area with which your toddler can get messy in will keep the area limited while still benefiting from those discoveries that can’t be made while clean. A “sensory tub” (large plastic bin) is most often recommended because it can be portable, easily cleaned, and also flexible in what you use it for. 

It is also very important to make sure that everything is safe for young children to play with. Direct supervision is required at all times with activities such as these because there is a real risk of ingestion, or other dangers. 

Humans of all ages love unique textures, sorting tasks, or other sensory based activities. Help your toddler start to understand their world by exposing them to a wide range of these experiences so they can learn firsthand.