At EdenAcres, we believe that play is more than just a joyful pastime—it’s a powerful tool for nurturing a child’s growth. One of our favorite ways to engage young learners is through sensory-rich play—a dynamic experience that engages multiple senses at once. This immersive form of play opens up a world of discovery, where children can feel the rough texture of bark on their fingers, hear the wind whoosh past as they swing through the air, or explore the sweet taste of a freshly plucked berry.
There are seven main senses we generally consider when discussing sensory-rich play: touch, sight, smell, sound, taste, balance (vestibular), and spatial awareness (proprioception). It is important to note that many of us experience our senses within the spectrum of hyper-hypo sensitivity. Hypersensitivity refers to a heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs, while hyposensitivity indicates a lower degree of sensitivity. For example, a child who is hypersensitive to sound might find loud noises overwhelming, while a child with hyposensitivity may seek out louder environments or deep pressure activities to feel regulated. Depending on where we land within this spectrum, children (and adults) may have a tendency to be drawn to and comforted by more or less sensory exposure.
Benefits of Sensory-Rich Play
Regulation
Many of the movements that emerge naturally when engaging our bodies in sensory-rich play produce serotonin and dopamine, two crucial hormones for regulating our emotions and nervous system.
Additionally, even without motion, the simple act of being in tune with our sensory experiences is key to regulating our central nervous system. When our senses are engaged, they create a direct connection between the brain and the world around us, helping the nervous system assess and respond to stimuli. This process supports emotional balance, problem-solving, creativity, and social connections.
Increase Focus and Attention Span
Have you ever watched a child completely absorbed in the way water ripples when they drop a pebble into a pond? Or how they listen intently to the crunch of leaves underfoot? These seemingly small sensory experiences actually play a big role in building focus and attention.
The fully immersive nature of sensory-rich play creates the perfect environment for children to develop longer attention spans and a greater capacity for focus. When
children are engaged in activities that stimulate multiple senses, they become fully absorbed in the experience, drawing attention deeper into the present moment.
Visual sensory play activates the same areas of the brain responsible for attention and focus. As children observe and interact with the world around them—looking at vibrant colors, noticing shapes and patterns, or following the movement of objects—they strengthen the neural pathways that support sustained attention. These experiences help them learn to tune out distractions, deepening their ability to access the concentration necessary to accomplish their goals.
Cognition
Cognitive development refers to the brain's ability to store and process information, as well as to problem solve and accomplish goals. Sensory-rich play is a powerful catalyst for cognitive development, helping to build and strengthen neural pathways in the brain. As children mold clay, listen to the plop of stones in a pond, or balance on a fallen log, their brains are making new connections. These seemingly simple activities are actually laying the groundwork for problem-solving and critical thinking skills that will last a lifetime.
Fine Motor Skills
Squish, squeeze, scoop, pour, dip, tap, wiggle. A child sits in the mud, intently building structures made from soil and water. Little do they know they are exercising fundamental motor skills that will support them for their entire life.
From squishing mud between their fingers to carefully stacking small pebbles, every tiny movement helps develop the muscles in a child's hands and wrists. These are the very same muscles they’ll later use for writing, tying shoes, and playing instruments. Whether they are pouring water from one container to another or tapping sticks together to create rhythms, within nearly every form of sensory-rich play emerges numerous opportunities for building dexterity and exploring new movements.
Build Confidence
As children engage in sensory-rich play, they not only grow in physical ability but also in confidence. The hands-on experiences they encounter help them become more balanced and centered in their own bodies. When children feel connected to their physical selves, they develop a sense of mastery and control, which lays the foundation for a confident mindset.
Engaging the Senses in Nature-Based Play
Sensory play is an easy and natural thing to encourage in your own home. More often than not, children will seek it out themselves, and it is simply our responsibility as guardians and teachers to support them as they explore the world through their senses. Here are just a few of the sensory-rich play ideas we love to engage with at EdenAcres!
Anything Mud: A backyard mud kitchen transforms simple dirt and water into an endless world of pretend play, creativity, and sensory exploration.
Rhythm Sticks: Painting and decorating rhythm sticks adds a creative element, while tapping them together engages auditory, tactile, and proprioceptive senses.
Fiber Art: Whether it's finger knitting, felting, or simple weaving, the soft textures offer a calming effect while building dexterity and patience.
By providing children with opportunities to immerse themselves in sensory-rich experiences, we empower them to build essential skills while nurturing their natural curiosity and creativity. At EdenAcres, we celebrate the magic of play and the endless discoveries that come with engaging our senses.
What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate sensory play into your child’s day?
Comments