 One of our classroom zones includes sensory play. But what exactly is sensory play, how it is helpful for learning and development, and how can you continue that learning outside the classroom?
As a parent, you want to provide your child with the best possible environment for learning and development. They learn as much or MORE at home as they do at school, so this blog will help outline ways to bring the benefits of sensory play into your home. And don't worry - you don't have to set up a huge ordeal in order to get the benefits of sensory play. What Is Sensory Play? Sensory play is an activity that allows children to experience and explore their senses:
Sensory play can be done independently or with others, and can help children learn about their body, emotions, and surroundings. You've probably engaged in sensory play without knowing it! Playing Peek-A-Boo with a baby is a sensory activity: Now they see you, now they don't. Singing or telling a story to your child explores their sense of hearing. Learning to whistle engages their sense of body awareness. Spinning around really fast until you fall down is a great (if disorienting) balance and body awareness activity. Let's dive into more about sensory play's benefits and some tips for you to engage all the senses. Why Provide Sensory Play Opportunities? Providing sensory play opportunities can have a number of benefits for children's development. One of the most important benefits of sensory experience and play is cognitive development including attention span, problem-solving, and emotional processing. Playing with the senses helps your child learn how to think and anticipate responses. They learn to process information through their senses and develop basic motor skills. Playing with the senses helps children develop self-awareness and understand their emotions. When children are able to explore and understand their environment, they learn to trust their own instincts and intuition. This builds resilience - a key trait for successful childhood development! Sensory play also promotes socialization. When children are able to share their experiences with others, they learn how to cooperate and share resources. Playing together is a great way to build friendships. How to Create a Home Environment for Sensory Play Make sure all the materials your child needs are close at hand. Sensory play is a great way to engage your child's senses, but it can be difficult if they have to go search for something specific. Make sure all the materials needed for the activity are within easy reach so your child can get started. Safety is the number one priority with any activity. As we've written about before, risky play is a way for children to learn about natural consequences and practice self-regulation when they go fast, climb high, or experience different environmental conditions (like playing in the rain with no boots -- those soggy socks aren't so fun, and this helps them learn that boots are an important part of rainy days). Knowing that pushing the limits of their sensory experiences can be helpful from this risky play standpoint, you still need to make sure that everyone knows the rules and stays safe. Make sure all materials used in the activity are safe. Avoid sharp, hot, or other dangerous materials during your sensory play. If you want to practice with temperatures, make sure that your "hot" option is comfortably warm and not dangerously hot or boiling. (Sounds obvious, but reminders are always good!) This could also mean using large items instead of smaller ones, if your child is at an age where they're putting things in their mouth! Set clear rules about how the activity is to be conducted. For example, if you're exploring the sense of smell and letting your child smell different scented markers, candles, or other non-edible materials, a very clear "This is not for eating" rule needs to be communicated! Make sure everyone in the activity is aware of the rules and follows them. Check ingredients. If you're doing sensory activities with younger kids, look for non-toxic or taste-safe options. For instance, you can make a whipped cream similar to shaving cream by whipping up the juice from a can of chickpeas. That way if your toddler sneaks a taste, you don't have to worry. Thanks for this awesome food-safe tip from The Scott Cottage on Instagram! Clay and dough-type products for children like Play Doh are typically non-toxic but still taste pretty terrible. So maybe those risky play consequences will come into play here! Stay nearby for assistance. Your growing child will want to be independent as they continue their play, but we advise always keeping an eye on them in case of breaks, spills, or an unexpected response to the activity. Tips for Getting Started with Sensory Play Like we mentioned above, you don't necessarily need to pull out all the stops and provide the most Pinterest-worthy sensory play environment. Engaging the senses doesn't need to be complicated or over-produced. Here are some tips to get started. Find out what your child likes and explores the most. This will help you find activities that interest them. Working with their natural likes and dislikes gives you an easy to follow guide! If they love touching different textures, you can let them touch different things around the house and explore that sense. If they love music, listen to a few genres and let them dance it out. Start small with simple activities. Don't start with something that will require a lot of preparation or set up. This will make it easier for you as the parent and for your child to follow their natural interests with no pressure to do it "enough" to make it worth your time for all that setup! Encourage your child to ask questions about what they're doing and why. This will help them learn more about their own body and mind. You don't need to overstress about whether sensory play is doing enough for your child. The important part is to provide opportunities for your child to explore their senses and have fun. By following these tips, you can create a safe and encouraging environment for sensory play.
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Our students and teachers all love to gather during Circle Time for a story, song, or other group activity. Here are some of our favorite books we've been reading to kick off the new school year!
Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she's chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens . . . until, finally, Aria has had enough! The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Heart What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired. Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. You Are Not a Princess (and That’s Okay) by Mélanie Berliet Watch as a little girl kicks a crown in the dust behind her to embark on her latest adventure. Our little girl is so many things, but she is most certainly NOT a princess. She's an explorer, a climber, a lover of blueberries, and an expert at make-believe. This book is an ode to spirited little girls who lead beautifully messy existences. Who say no to princess costumes and yes to daydreaming. Who understand that their worth resides within, and not in some damsel in distress fairytale ending. Rainbow Hands by Mamita Nainy When a young boy paints his nails with his mom’s nail polish, he discovers the most important thing of all: the magic of being his true self. As the long late summer day stretches ahead of them, a young boy eagerly looks forward to his favorite time―painting-your-nails time. He know that when he dips into those magical bottles of nail polish, he will discover a color to express his every mood and feeling. Purple is the color of magic and mystery. White is the color of endless possibilities. At times, his papa frowns and says, "What have you done to your nails?" At other times, he says, "Why don’t you paint on paper instead?" But the little boy knows that painting his nails makes his hands look beautiful. This color-filled story celebrates the joy of finding out who you are and embracing the courage to be yourself. Peanut Goes For the Gold by Jonathan Van Ness Peanut Goes for the Gold is a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flair. Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut. This upbeat and hilarious picture book, inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood guinea pig, encourages children to not just be themselves—but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves. Mixed (A Colorful Story) by Arree Chung In the beginning, there were three colors . . . Reds, Yellows, and Blues. All special in their own ways, all living in harmony―until one day, a Red says "Reds are the best!" and starts a color kerfuffle. When the colors decide to separate, is there anything that can change their minds? A Yellow, a Blue, and a never-before-seen color might just save the day in this inspiring book about color, tolerance, and embracing differences. What is a Refugee? by Elise Gravel Who are refugees? Why are they called that word? Why do they need to leave their country? In this simple, graphic and bold picture book for young children, author/illustrator Elise Gravel explores what it means to be a refugee. This book is the perfect tool to introduce an important and timely topic to children. At Heights Cooperative Preschool, we believe in the educational power of play! We do not separate our curriculum into discrete blocks of time for math, language, etc. Rather, children learn about themselves and the world around them through investigation and discovery, and through art, dramatic play, and social interactions.
Important areas such as literacy and numeracy development are introduced and woven through all activities. Research shows that children learn best through play, using their bodies in active learning. We provide many learning opportunities through meaningful play. But what is play-based learning? What Is Play-Based Learning? Play-based learning is a teaching method that focuses on the use of games and play to help children learn. It has been shown to be an effective way to engage children in class, improve their academic performance, and even decrease levels of stress. Play-based learning methods work by immersing children in the material they are being taught. This can be done through game-based activities, which help to stimulate children’s interest in the subject matter, or through hands-on activities that give them a real-life experience with the material. In a preschool setting, for example, teachers may use play to introduce new concepts such as numbers or letters. By playing together, children learn the skills needed to understand the information being presented. Why Is Play-Based Learning So Effective? There are a number of reasons why play-based learning is an effective method of education. First, play is a natural way for children to learn. When they are engaged in fun activities that relate to the material they are being taught, they are more likely to remember what they have learned. Second, play fosters creativity and imagination. By allowing children to explore and experiment with new ideas, they are more likely to come up with new solutions to problems. This type of thinking is essential for problem-solving skills and for learning HOW things work. Third, play helps children build social skills. By playing together, children learn how to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively. They also learn how to cooperate and share resources (such as toys or materials). These skills can be used in everyday life, as well as in school settings where teamwork is required. Fourth, play provides children with a sense of accomplishment. When they achieve something positive through play-based learning activities, it can boost their confidence and self-esteem. This kind of positive reinforcement can help them stay motivated throughout the learning process. Play-Based Learning in the Classroom There are a number of ways to incorporate play-based learning in the classroom. In our classrooms at Heights Cooperative Preschool, we have designated spaces for students to learn in many different ways. For circle time, students gather together for stories, songs, and other engaging activities. In a cozy corner, one or two students at a time can take a quiet break and enjoy a book or toy. Our classrooms also incorporate dramatic play spaces, including real-life models such as a kitchen and table, a store, and other environments where children can model what they have seen adults do in daily life. Many of our students aren't reading books yet, but our early literature spaces include letters and words for children to practice with in fun ways. Incorporating loose parts and blocks gives the children an opportunity to create their own games and rules, teach those games to other students, and play together without being limited by pre-designed game rules. Sensory areas help students get to know different materials and sensations, and can be extremely soothing and self-regulating! And creativity is also a great way for kids to explore learning through play, when they can see the result of mixing paint colors or using different types of craft materials. How to Choose the Right Games and Activities for Students There are a number of factors we take into account when choosing play-based learning games and activities for our students. These include their level of development, prior knowledge, and interests. 1. Level of Development. Certain activities are better suited for older students, while others are more appropriate for younger students. For example, activities that require working with numbers or letters may be better for 3rd or 4th grade students, while a game about making ice cream might be more appropriate for pre-kindergarteners. 2. Prior Knowledge. It's important to choose games and activities that challenge your students without overwhelming them with too much information at once. For example, a game about counting to 20 can be a great introduction to counting, but it might be too difficult for kids who haven't learned their numbers yet. 3. Interests and Hobbies. One of the best ways to engage your students is to find out what their interests and hobbies are! This way, you can find games and activities that align with those interests and help them learn in a fun way! If you're not sure which games and activities are best for your class, check out our online resource library. In there, you'll find a variety of play-based learning games and activities that can help you enhance your students' learning experience. How to Encourage Children To Participate In Play-Based Learning Sessions One of the best ways to encourage children to participate in play-based learning sessions is to make them feel comfortable. This means providing them with the right environment and making sure that the games and activities are easy to follow. We encourage children to participate in play-based learning sessions by:
Play-Based Learning is at Your Fingertips In this article, we've discussed how play-based learning can be used in the classroom to enhance learning and engagement. We've also provided tips on how to choose games and activities that are suitable for students, how to encourage them to participate, and how to make the sessions as comfortable as possible. By implementing play-based learning into the classroom, we can improve engagement and enhance student learning. Overall, play-based learning is a great way to engage students and help them learn more effectively. By using the tips provided in this article, you can even create dynamic and fun sessions at home that will have a positive impact on your children’s learning! Dramatic play is a form of child development that helps children learn how to be creative, express themselves and connect with others. It can also be used as therapy for children who are struggling with emotions or behavior issues. Our classrooms at Heights Cooperative Preschool feature dramatic play centers where students can play out and model real-life experiences in the home, while shopping, and more.
What Is Dramatic Play? Dramatic play is a type of fun that helps kids learn how to be creative and express themselves. It helps them connect with others and develop their skills in problem solving, communication, and critical thinking. We include dramatic play in our classrooms but it's also extremely easy to set up dramatic play opportunities for children at home to continue their education. Why It's Important For Children To Practice Drama Dramatic play is important because it helps children learn how to regulate their emotions and behavior. It can also help them develop social and communication skills. The benefits of dramatic play for children include:
Frequent dramatic play can help kids prepare for later schooling and life experiences. It's a great way to boost their self-esteem and encourage them to try new things. Dramatic Play at Home There's no need to be an expert to get started with dramatic play. In fact, you can set up dramatic play opportunities for your children in just a few minutes. You'll just need some props and some imagination. You may want to continue this important aspect of play at home by setting up a dramatic play space in your home, inviting family and friends over to act out stories, or buying/building playsets that include different activities like cooking, shopping, gardening, or going to school. Our classrooms at Heights Cooperative Preschool are designed specifically for dramatic play so your child will have plenty of opportunities to explore his or her creative side while developing social skills, but the play doesn't have to end when the school day does! Be creative with your props and set up situations that challenge your child's abilities. This will help keep their interest high. And always let them know that they can always tell you if they're feeling overwhelmed or if they need some time off from the play activity. You can also use dramatic play as a fun way to explore your child's interests and teach important life skills at the same time! You can take advantage of opportunities that arise throughout the day; for example, when you’re cooking dinner, you could have your child act out the different steps in the recipe. Or, when you’re doing laundry together, you could have them role-play different scenarios from their day. The possibilities are endless. What Activities Are Best For Your Child When Playing Dramatic Play? There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the types of activities your child enjoys playing will vary depending on their age and interests. However, some common activities that can be used in dramatic play include:
How To Encourage Creative Thinking In Your Child Through Dramatic Play Studies have shown that dramatic play is one of the most important activities for children during their development. It helps them learn how to think creatively, problem solve, and communicate. So why is this so important? For one thing, it helps your child develop empathy and understanding for others. They will also learn how to take charge of their own life by practicing problem-solving skills. In addition, dramatic play can help young children learn how to emotionally express themselves. If you're looking for ways to encourage creative thinking in your child through dramatic play, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you provide opportunities for your child to explore different scenarios and settings. This way, they will have plenty of opportunities to practice thinking on their feet and come up with creative ideas. Second, be sure to praise your child when they come up with innovative solutions to challenges or when they exhibit strong communication skills during roleplaying sessions. By following these tips, you can help your child practice dramatic play safely and get the most out of this important developmental skill! |
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