IN Bethel Park Summer 2017

INDUSTRY INSIGHT S PARENTING THE IMPORTANCE OF SENSORY PLAY ensory play includes any play activities that encourage a child to explore materials that stimulate the senses. These activities can range from yoga or dancing to sand play or finger painting. Adults are often hesitant to offer a child opportunities to participate in sensory play as this type of play can be messy and loud, or could result in disruptive behavior. However, with a few simple rules, a thoughtfully prepared environment and enough time, the benefits of sensory play are invaluable. Sensory play enhances the way in which children react to their environment through visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory and gustatory perceptions. Young children have a physical and emotional desire to see, hear, touch, smell and taste things that are within reach and new to them. As children grow, the need for exploring materials within their world continues. Sensory exploration enhances cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral development. FOSTERING SENSORY PLAY INDOORS The outdoors naturally supports children’s development as they explore their environment with all their senses. However, when the weather or other conditions inhibit outdoor play, opportunities for similar exploration should be fostered indoors. This will take more creativity and preparation on the part of the adult. Many natural objects such as pinecones, flowers or stones can be brought inside for discovery and play. Your sensory table can be utilized for more than just sand or water play. Try filling it with other natural materials such as snow, dirt, bark, fall leaves or pine needles. (Hint: If you don’t have a sensory table, use a substitute “reservoir” that can serve the same purpose. Open-ended art experiences can also foster sensory exploration. YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE START. SPONSORED CONTENT NOW ENROLLING > ALL AGES, INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN! Tour your local Goddard School and experience why it’s the best preparation for social and academic success. PETERS TOWNSHIP (VENETIA) 724-941-6464 PITTSBURGH (UPPER SAINT CLAIR) 412-564-3600 GoddardSchool.com The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2016 Finger painting, for example, is an appropriate activity that stimulates multiple senses with the unique smell and feel of the starchy paint. It is just as fun to smear paint all over your hands as it is to spread it on the paper! Fill sensory tables with natural materials that children can explore. SENSORY PLAY WITH HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS Indoor exploration can encompass a variety of sensory activities. Adults can create sensory play activities that meet the child’s sensory needs using common household materials. For example, the following simple indoor activities promote sensory development and can be set up easily by parents or teachers: VISUAL • Paint with water on tissue paper. Use eyedroppers to encourage fine motor skills. • Mix baking soda and colored jello powder, then slowly pour in vinegar and watch as it fizzes up. • Repurpose wrapping paper and ribbon remnants by gluing them onto a piece of paper. AUDITORY • Create a variety of sound effects using pots, pans, stainless steel and wooden utensils. • Read a familiar book, leave off the last word of a rhyme and ask children to complete the phrase. KINESTHETIC • Tape bubble wrap around children’s feet for a unique walking experience. • Try painting with your feet. Put the paper on the floor, but remove the children’s shoes and socks before painting. • Practice yoga poses. • Construct an indoor obstacle course using couch cushions, blankets, pool noodles and hula hoops. • Pretend to move like an animal and ask children to imitate the movement. OLFACTORY • Create a smell laboratory using spices from the kitchen. • Play “Guess that Scent” using variety of lotions, like sunscreen, hand soap, dish soap and toothpaste. GUSTATORY • Taste and compare sweet versus salty food items, such as mini marshmallows and pretzel sticks. • Play “Guess that Flavor” using ice cream or smoothie flavors. • Take a bite from a variety of apples, such as Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Gala and Fuji. PROVIDE ENOUGH TIME Finally, remember that all exploration takes time. If children are to become attuned to and engaged with their environment, they will need time to explore, discover and connect with all their senses. When this is encouraged, challenging behaviors naturally lessen. Children learn to self-regulate, communicate their ideas and are ready to absorb new information. Most importantly, children will find a joy and enthusiasm for learning that they will carry with them throughout their lives. This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo. Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®, located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township, 724.941.6464 and 655 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair, 412.564.3600. Goddard offers both full- and part-time infant/preschool/kindergarten programs. For more information, visit www.goddardschools.com/Pittsburgh. Bethel Park | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 51

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