Sensory-Rich Activities Aren't Just Sensory Play
When we think about sensory activities, most of us probably think of slime, kinetic sand, water play or something involving a lot of mess. But there are plenty of other ways for children to engage their senses too. They just aren't usually labelled that way.
Children are taking in sensory information all the time. The feel of sand between their fingers, the smell of freshly baked food, exploring nature or getting up close with insects all give them opportunities to see, touch, smell, hear and experience the world around them.
Here are a few to look out for.
1. Get Their Hands on Different Textures
Children can explore textures in all sorts of activities. Think about the difference between smooth clay, sticky dough, soft fabric and rough natural materials. There’s plenty for little hands to discover when they get to squeeze, press, stretch and shape things themselves.
For children who naturally enjoy touching and making things, that hands-on experience can be part of what makes an activity so enjoyable.
Look for: art and craft, cooking, building and nature-based activities.
2. Movement Counts Too
Some kids just can't sit still for very long. Give them something to climb, jump over or move through, and suddenly they're much more interested.
Running, climbing, balancing, dancing or moving through different spaces all give kids a chance to use their bodies in different ways. They have to work out where to step, how to balance and how to get from one place to another.
So if your child is always on the move, don't assume they need to sit down and focus more. They might simply enjoy activities that let them move while they learn and explore.
Look for: sports, adventure, dance, active play and movement-based experiences.
3. Give Them Something to Figure Out
Some activities become much more interesting when children don't know exactly what is going to happen next.
Building something that keeps falling over, mixing things together to see what happens, testing different materials or figuring out how to make something work all require children to pay attention and make decisions along the way.
You don't always have to show them how to do it straight away. Let them have a go first, even if they get it wrong. A little trial and error can make an activity much more interesting than simply following instructions.
Look for: science, STEM, building, engineering, cooking and problem-solving activities.
4. Let Them Get Close to the Real Thing
There's a difference between learning about something and actually getting to experience it.
Reading about animals is one thing. Watching one move right in front of you is another. Looking at pictures of plants is different from getting your hands into soil. Learning about the sea is different from exploring the shoreline and seeing what lives there.
These experiences give children something real to respond to. They can look closer, ask questions and make connections as they go.
Look for: farms, animal experiences, marine activities, nature, outdoor adventures and hands-on discovery.
5. Let Them Make Something
There’s something different about an activity when children get to create the end result themselves.
It could be a piece of art, something they've built, a dish they've helped prepare or something they've designed. Along the way, they are choosing materials, deciding what goes where and figuring out how to turn an idea in their head into something they can actually see and touch.
It doesn't have to look perfect. In fact, letting children make their own choices rather than copying a finished example can make the experience much more interesting.
Look for: art and craft, cooking, design, building, pottery and creative activities.
6. Take Them Somewhere Different
Sometimes, simply changing the environment can make children notice more.
A new place comes with different sounds, sights, textures, smells and things to explore. Even an activity your child has done before can feel different when it's happening somewhere unfamiliar.
You don't need to plan an elaborate day out every time. Try a new park, explore a different part of Singapore, visit somewhere they've never been or introduce them to an activity that's outside their usual routine.
Look for: outdoor adventures, nature, cultural experiences, workshops and new activities.
7. Follow What They Naturally Gravitate Towards
You may already have a good idea of what catches your child's attention.
Maybe they touch everything. Maybe they are happiest when they're moving. Maybe they can spend ages watching ants, taking things apart or making up elaborate creations from whatever they find around the house.
Pay attention to those little clues.
Instead of trying to get every child interested in the same activities, start with what they already enjoy and give them more opportunities to explore it. The best activity could simply be the one that matches what your child is already curious about.
It Doesn't Have to Be Called Sensory Play
You don't have to look for activities that are specifically labelled “sensory” to give your child a rich sensory experience.
Instead, think about whether they get to touch, explore, make choices and work things out for themselves.
Let them take their time, follow what catches their attention and do things a little differently from what you had in mind.
You may just find that the activities they enjoy most were sensory-rich all along.
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