Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers love to explore with their senses. Sensory play stimulates any of a child’s senses – builds cognitive skills and influences how a child learns about their world. Sensory play also supports language development as children learn to respond to different stimuli. There’s no set amount of time a child should engage in sensory play. But know that a lot of sensory play is happening in their daily lives and activities. Below are a few tips and resources on how to get the most out of playtime. 

Sensory play allows children to engage in open-ended, non-structured play that encourages exploration and discovery and can help develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. 

Cognitive development: Sensory play stimulates children’s brains and helps them to make connections between different sensory experiences, improving their cognitive development and problem-solving skills. 

Language development: Sensory play provides opportunities for children to learn new vocabulary as they describe the sensory materials and experiences they are encountering. 

Motor skills development: Sensory play helps children to develop fine and gross motor skills, as they manipulate and explore materials with their hands and bodies. 

Social-emotional development: Sensory play can be calming and soothing for children, helping them to regulate their emotions and reduce stress. It also encourages social interaction and cooperation as children work together and share materials. 

Creativity and imagination: Sensory play encourages children to explore and experiment, fostering creativity and imagination. 

What’s the harm if I paint my arm?”: A Toddler’s Guide to Sensory Activities in the Home |https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/toddlers-guide-sensory-activities-home 

Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers | https://myboredtoddler.com/sensory-play-ideas-toddlers/ 

Sensory Play: 20 Great Activities for Your Toddler or Preschooler | https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/sensory-play 

Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play for Children | https://www.oac.edu.au/news-views/sensory-play/#:~:text=Sensory%20play%20encourages%20learning%20through,of%20language%20and%20motor%20skills.