Encouraging sensory development in young children is not only a fun and engaging way to play, but serves as the foundation for all learning.
While sensory play has been around since the beginning of time and often occurs naturally for young children, many parents voice confusion about what exactly sensory play is and how it can benefit their child. The first 3 years of life are a time of rapid growth and development for a child. As children grow from infants to toddlers to preschoolers, they are able to take in vast amounts of information and turn it into working knowledge about the world.
(Text Reference- https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/sensory-play )
Sensory play offers children a unique opportunity to engage with the world in a way that helps them grow and develop. This kind of active play helps to create connections in the brain that allow for increasingly complex thoughts and tasks. Play also supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, and fosters social interaction and peer engagement. Sensory play, known for helping children develop mindfulness skills, can also be excellent for helping to calm a child who may be feeling anxious or angry. Sensory play builds observational skills and abstract thinking and encourages experimentation.
Resources by Alberta Health Services:
JPFRC team offers “Baby Sing and Sensory” program virtually for parents of children 0-18 months. All our programs are free of cost. Check out our calendar to learn more.
Cabrini
16811 88 Avenue NW
780-489-2243
The Orange Hub
#413 10045 156 Street
587-635-1776
Family Resource Network: 587-635-1775
Staff of Jasper Place Family Resource Centre are here to support you in any way we are able. Any form of aggressive, offensive, intimidating or disrespectful behaviour towards our team, verbal or written will not be tolerated
