Plus, in what other point in life do you get the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the exploration of new materials using most of your senses without judgment? (And, in what point in life can you do this without needing to clean up the big mess that you make afterward?!).
Research shows that sensory play - with no preconceived knowledge or expectations - is critical during the early childhood years. As children work together and talk through the process of exploring new materials, cooperative and problem-solving skills are promoted as well as essential opportunities for linguistic development. For example, some children might love the different textures while their friend does not. Or a friend might describe a substance using completely different words or phrases. Oftentimes, we need to take turns or even share materials throughout the process, which requires complex conversational and problem solving skills. As a result, children begin to see that others may have different viewpoints than their own and start to develop a rich vocabulary that can then be transferred to others areas of learning.
When students are encouraged to make authentic observations, their cognitive abilities to make decisions, ask questions, and reflect on their learning are sharpened. Inquiry and evaluation are naturally embedded in the sensory play process. Because of its appeal to 'test the limits' for some children, the self control 'muscle' is also exercised rigorously during sensory play.
Sensory play also encourages fine motor development. Sometimes materials are small and hard to catch. They might have a texture that makes simply picking them up difficult (water beads are amazing). Sometimes materials change from liquid to solid, which requires a considerable amount of hand strength to pull apart (oobleck is tons of fun). Whatever the experience, sensory play is essential in developing the pincer grasp and hand strength necessary for future writing.
For me, the creative aspect of sensory play is what it's truly all about. Process-based activities provide the open-ended learning experiences that children need to gain confidence in the classroom and in life. While I take certain precautions to ensure that students are comfortable (setting out aprons, providing spoons for the reluctant learner), I think it's incredibly important to allow young children to immerse themselves in these sensory experiences with few limitations.
When we restrict play ("Don't get your clothes messy!") or place our own labels on learning experiences ("Yuck! I don't like that stuff!"), we are essentially robbing children of necessary opportunities to develop confidence, autonomy, and self efficacy in all areas of development (cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social/emotional). On the other hand, when we allow children to explore their world with wholehearted enthusiasm (or not), we send the message that exploration and higher thinking is important. We give the child the power to place value on the learning experiences. Those 'little things,' like dirty clothes, aren't that big of a deal. Establishing a love for learning, play, creativity, and thinking outside the box IS a big deal. That's what I want my students to take away from the sensory experiences that I provide in the classroom.
"Whoa! It's hard like concrete!"
"I wish I could take this home!"
"Look! It's alien goo!"
"This kinda reminds me of pudding."
"It's making craters! Like the moon!"ð‘‚½
More reading on the subject of sensory play in early childhood:
Look, Listen, Touch, Feel, Taste: The Importance of Sensory Play
Why is Sensory Play so Important? (this article provides some great home opportunities for sensory play)
Developing and Cultivating Skills Through Sensory Play
