Let’s Explore: Sensory Integration
By: Christy Jarka | Director, Trojan Learning Center
Have you ever witnessed a moment when your child’s eyes light up with wonder, or they can’t resist touching everything in sight? I know I’ve been capturing these moments as I watch my granddaughter giggle with delight as she sees her favorite toys. Now she’s beginning to grab those favorite toys on her own. Did you know these experiences are more than just adorable--they are actually crucial for your child’s development.
In today’s world where screens and schedules keep us busy, it is very easy to overlook the power of sensory play. So what is sensory play or sensory integration? Sensory integration is the process of the brain taking in information received from our five senses, organizing it, then responding appropriately. Materials to help integrate the senses may include playdough, textured fabrics, and bins filled with sand or water. These different textures give students a chance to have hands-on exploration and discovery. Environments filled with multiple sensory activities can help children develop essential skills that pave the way for academy success and emotional stability.
These types of activities stimulate the senses and give students opportunities for hands-on exploration, creativity, problem-solving skills and discovery. To us, sensory integration may look like regular play, but it can be so much more than just play. By digging into a sensory bin at home or encouraging hands-on exploration in the classroom, a child is also building a foundation for a lifetime of success. Integration activities that stimulate the senses caters to different learning styles and accommodates the varying needs of students.
At home, think about adding a space filled with cozy pillows and calming tools like stress balls or fidget spinners. This area could become a space that has sensory-rich materials where a child can unwind and regulate their emotions. In the classroom, a teacher can have space set up for a student to take a sensory break. This sensory rich space can have a bean bag, a rug, soft seating, headphones, music, fidget toys, or playdough. The goal of the space is for a student to have an opportunity to recollect, manage their emotions, practice self-regulation and find a place of calm.
Another opportunity to incorporate sensory activities into the classroom or home is by taking a walk—either outside or inside. The walk can be as short as five minutes with the goal of guiding the students to observe the sights, sounds, and smells around them. While promoting physical activity, the teacher or parent can engage the child by asking questions about what they see—identifying colors and shapes, drawing their attention to the sounds around them such as the birds chirping, the leaves crunching and the wind blowing. Additionally, the adult can encourage the students to close their eyes, take a deep breath and talk about what they smell. Do they like what they smell?
Sensory play can help children improve their visual, auditory, and tactile processing as well as gross motor skills. For some children, it can provide a sense of calm. This can help children learn how to self-regulate their behaviors which can in turn improve their focus. Integrating sensory activities into a child’s daily routine can also promote cognitive growth, foster social interactions and encourage discovery.