A Handful of Fun: Why Sensory Play is Important. In each of the FUMP classrooms, you will find a sensory table. What is the value in seemingly “messy” play for children. This week, I share an article one of my favorite websites: www.notjustcute.com. Amanda Morgan is a blog writer who does an excellent job of breaking down developmentally appropriate activities. Here is an excerpt:
Back at the sensory table, we can find many more benefits to sensory play. That bin of sand, or foam, or colorful rice is more than just another way to keep kids busy, it is a bustling factory of developmental growth. In addition to honing sensory and science skills, sensory play builds language, social, and dramatic play skills as the children negotiate with one another to share tools, create stories, and build dialogues. Both small and large motor skills get a boost as well, as the children manipulate the medium and tools of the day. Creative, divergent thinking is displayed as the children are essentially invited to explore and come up with new ways to use the materials. Cognitive skills are fostered as well as the children learn about specific concepts pertinent to the bin’s contents. Things like gravity, parts of plants, states of matter, and color mixing are easily explored and understood through sensory play. As you teach appropriate boundaries with sensory play, children develop more self-control and body awareness.
As you can see, the merits run deep, far beyond just “getting messy.” Click the link to read the full article. A Handful of Fun: Why Sensory Play is Important for Preschoolers