Sensory-based activities are a great way to keep kids engaged while supporting their development. These activities use touch, sound, sight, and movement to make learning more fun and interactive. Plus, they’re easy to set up at home with materials you already have.
In this guide, we’ll explain how sensory-based activities help kids learn, and we’ll share some simple ideas you can try with your child.
Why Sensory-Based Activities Are Important for Development
Sensory-based activities do more than entertain kids—they also support their learning and growth in key areas:
- Boost Brain Development: When kids explore through their senses, they form new connections in their brains. This helps with memory, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Improve Focus and Attention: Sensory play can help kids concentrate, making it easier for them to stay engaged with learning tasks.
- Enhance Fine Motor Skills: Many sensory activities, like playing with slime or squeezing playdough, strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers, which are important for writing and self-care tasks.
- Reduce Anxiety and Calm Kids: Some sensory activities, like using a calming bottle, can help kids relax and regulate their emotions.
How Sensory-Based Activities Boost Language Skills
Sensory-based activities are also a fantastic tool for helping kids develop language skills. Here’s how they make a difference:
- Hands-On Learning: When children can touch, feel, and see what they are learning about, it helps them understand and remember new words.
- Expands Vocabulary: Playing with items of different textures (like sand or water) helps children learn descriptive words like “soft,” “bumpy,” or “wet.”
- Encourages Communication: Sensory play can prompt children to talk about what they’re experiencing, which is great for building their speaking and listening skills.
Examples of Sensory-Based Activities for Language and Learning
Here are some sensory-based activities you can easily set up at home. They are not only fun but also great for boosting your child’s development.
| Activity | What You Need | What It Helps With |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Bins | A bin filled with rice, beans, or sand and small objects to find | Improves focus, vocabulary (naming objects) |
| Playdough Play | Homemade or store-bought playdough | Builds fine motor skills, teaches descriptive words (soft, squishy) |
| Sensory Walk | Mats with different textures (soft, bumpy, rough) | Improves balance, introduces new sensory experiences |
| Calming Bottles | Plastic bottle with water, glitter, and beads | Helps with self-regulation and calming |
| Obstacle Course | Pillows, chairs, or other items for jumping, crawling, and balancing | Combines physical movement with speech practice |
Using Sensory-Based Activities in Speech Therapy
Sensory-based activities are often used in speech therapy to help children improve their communication skills. The hands-on nature of these activities helps children stay focused, which makes it easier to practice speech sounds and language concepts. Here’s how you can use sensory activities to boost speech and language skills at home:
- Use Playdough for Articulation Practice: As your child shapes the playdough, work on specific sounds like “s” or “sh.” You can say words or phrases while molding the playdough together.
- Create a Sensory Bin for Vocabulary: Fill a bin with rice and hide small objects inside. As your child finds each item, ask them to name it or describe how it feels.
- Sing Songs with Movements: Choose songs that include actions (like “The Wheels on the Bus”). This helps with following directions and learning new words.
Age-Appropriate Sensory-Based Activities
Children of different ages can benefit from sensory play, and you can adjust the activities to suit their developmental stage. Below are some ideas for different age groups.
| Age | Sensory-Based Activity | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Babies | Soft toys, crinkly books | Explore with hands and mouths, introduces textures |
| Toddlers | Messy soap foam play | Develops touch sensations, encourages messy play |
| Preschoolers | Sensory walks with textured mats | Improves balance, teaches about different surfaces |
| Older Kids | Making calming bottles | Encourages relaxation, improves focus |
How to Tell If Sensory Activities Are Effective
To see if sensory-based activities are helping your child, watch for signs of engagement and progress:
- Is your child happy and focused? If they’re enjoying the activity and staying engaged, that’s a good indicator it’s working.
- Do they use new words or skills? If your child starts using new words or showing improved motor skills during play, that’s a sign the activity is making a difference.
- Are they more calm or focused afterward? Sensory play can help children calm down, so if your child seems more relaxed after an activity, it’s a great outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory-Based Activities
What are some easy sensory activities for preschoolers?
You can try calming bottles filled with water, glitter, and small beads. Preschoolers love shaking them and watching the glitter settle, which helps them focus and calm down. Playdough is also a hit—kids can squish, roll, and shape it for hours of fun.
How do sensory activities help kids with autism?
Sensory play can help children with autism by improving focus, attention, and self-regulation. These activities allow children to explore textures and materials in a safe way, which can reduce anxiety and help them adapt to new sensory experiences.
What are examples of sensory motor activities?
Sensory motor activities combine movement with sensory input. An obstacle course where kids crawl, jump, and balance on different surfaces is a great example. Finger painting is another fun option that combines touch with fine motor skills.
Conclusion
Sensory-based activities are a wonderful way to support your child’s development in a fun and interactive way. Whether you’re helping your child improve their language skills or just looking for a way to keep them entertained, these activities offer endless opportunities for growth and learning.
So, why not try a few of these activities today? They’re easy to set up, and your child will love them!
Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.
