Let’s Talk Sensory Play!

“Play” can be so many things, and it looks different for each child. For many, Sensory Play sounds like “a mess” or too much work, something EXTRA to put on parents - but it can be done in so many ways. You may be already doing it without even realizing it! 

What Is Sensory Play?

Sensory play is any type of play that engages a child’s senses—touch, sight, sound, movement, and sometimes smell. Engaging these senses helps them explore and understand the world around them. Hands-on experiences like scooping, pouring, squeezing, sorting, and exploring different textures, these are all opportunities for learning.

If you haven't explored Sensory Play yet, DON'T PANIC. You may be providing it everyday without realizing it…. during bath time! Water is an amazing sensory tool. I remember as a new mom with a newborn, one tip I hung onto was; if they would not settle, bring them outside (tricky during Phoenix summers) or use WATER. Playing in the bath is one way to allow sensory playtime - but more variety can increase the benefits.

Sensory Bins are one way to encourage sensory play that is becoming more popular for some families. Sensory bins typically include;

- a base: this could be dyed rice, beans, shredded paper, sand, water, etc.

- containers: small bowls, cups, easter eggs, or something that will hold the base material

- tools: spoons, scoops, tongs, just about anything they can safely play with in your kitchen

Why Does Sensory Play Matter?

Sensory play supports how the brain processes information and helps children make connections between their experiences, their bodies, and their environment. It allows children to develop important skills in a natural and playful way. 

Sensory play supports essential areas of early childhood development, including:

• Brain development through hands-on exploration and problem-solving

• Fine and gross motor skills through scooping, pouring, grasping, and movement

• Language and social development through shared play, natural modeling, and interaction

• Emotional regulation by offering calming, predictable, and repetitive input 

• Creativity and curiosity as children experiment, make discoveries, and use their imagination

• Confidence and independence as children explore at their own pace

Who Benefits from Sensory Play? 

Infants and Toddlers - this is a great age to lay a foundation for language, exploration, curiosity, motor skills, and build brain connections! 

Preschool & Early Elementary Children - during this age, children can strengthen their fine motor development, improve problem-solving skills, support emotional regulation, and enhance attention. 

Children with Sensory Processing Differences or Special Needs - continued sensory play can help regulate their sensory systems, provide calming input, support self-regulation and coping skills, and improve body awareness and coordination. 

Caregivers, Educators, Families - it reduces stress and anxiety, supports mindfulness and relaxation, helps with motor skill recovery after an injury, and it can be useful in therapy settings. 

Everyone!!! The brain processes sensory information at every age!

What to Expect During Sensory Play

Every child engages with sensory play differently—and that’s perfectly okay. Some children jump right in, while others may take time to feel comfortable.

• It is very common for children to observe during their first few visits. Watching is an important first step and a meaningful way children learn.

• Many children take three or four classes before they are ready to explore fully with their hands.

• As children become familiar with the space, they also learn the expectations of the sensory lab, such as:

  • Materials stay at their designated centers

  • Small objects are not placed in mouths

  • Sharing materials with other children

We thoughtfully provide multiple similar items at each station and we gently encourage children to share and take turns rather than holding onto all of one item (for example, four shovels at once). These moments help build early social skills and cooperation.

Preparing for Sensory Play

Sensory exploration can get messy—and that’s part of the fun and learning!

If you are joining for a class at Surprise & Shine, we recommend:

• Dressing your child in comfortable, play-friendly clothing

• Bringing extra clothes and socks, just in case

• Coming with a mindset of curiosity and flexibility

Messy hands, wet socks, and sandy toes often mean your child is deeply engaged and learning through play. We hope you join us for fun sensory exploration soon!