Toddlers are notoriously curious creatures. They want to know why the sky is blue, how a bird can fly, and why they must go to bed at night. This limitless curiosity can be exhausting for parents, but it is an important part of development. Through their never-ending questions, toddlers try to make sense of the world around them. They build their own understanding of how things work and gaining the ability to think abstractly. This is where sensory activities for toddlers can come in handy!
One way that toddlers learn is through sensory exploration. This means they use their senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound) to investigate the world around them. It’s how they learn about hot and cold, soft and hard, wet and dry. And it’s why they love to put everything in their mouths!
As a parent, you can encourage your toddler’s sensory exploration with some simple activities. Here are eight sensory activities that your toddler will love:
Play with putty or slime
Putty or slime is an excellent sensory activity for toddlers as it helps to develop fine motor skills. By squishing, stretching, and molding the putty, toddlers use their small muscles to improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Putty is also a great activity as it can be soft, squishy, firm, and bouncy. It’s an excellent way for toddlers to explore different textures and materials. It also promotes imaginative play. Toddlers can use their putty to create shapes, animals, and objects.
Finger painting
Finger painting is another sensory activity that helps develop fine motor skills. It also allows toddlers to explore different colors and textures. When painting, encourage your toddler to mix colors and experiment with different techniques, such as using their fingers or a paintbrush. You can also add some sensory elements, such as sand or glitter, to make the experience even more sensory-rich.
Play in a sensory bin
Sensory bins are great for toddlers as they provide a contained environment for exploration. You can fill the bin with sensory-rich materials, such as sand, water, rice, beans, or noodles. The options are endless! Sensory bins also promote imaginative play. Toddlers can use the materials in the bin to create all sorts of scenes and stories.
Exploring sensory bags
Sensory bags are similar to sensory bins, but they are usually made from clear plastic bags so toddlers can see the contents inside. You can fill sensory bags with any materials, such as water beads, sand, rice, or beans. Again, the options are endless!
Water play
Water play is another excellent sensory activity for toddlers. It allows them to explore different textures and temperatures. They can feel the warmth of the water on their skin or the coolness of the water as it splashes around them. Water play also promotes the development of fine motor skills as toddlers use their hands to pour, scoop, and splash the water.
Playing with sensory balls
Sensory balls are designed to provide tactile stimulation and sensory input for toddlers. They are usually made from a soft, pliable material that is safe for little ones to chew on. The different textures and patterns on the ball’s surface can help develop fine motor skills. In addition, the colors and shapes can help stimulate visual perception. Sensory balls are also often filled with a variety of materials that make a rustling sound when they are handled. This can help encourage auditory processing and language development.
Sand play
Most people associate sandplay with fun in the sun at the beach. However, sandplay can also be an essential part of a toddler’s development. Through sandplay, toddlers can learn about concepts such as cause and effect. It also helps them develop fine motor skills as they dig and scoop. In addition, sandplay can help toddlers express themselves creatively and work through any emotions they may be feeling.
Music and movement
Music and movement are two sensory activities that go hand-in-hand. Listening to music can help stimulate a toddler’s auditory processing. And, moving their bodies to the beat can help develop gross motor skills.
There are a variety of ways that toddlers can enjoy music and movement. For example, they can dance around the living room or play instruments along with their favorite songs. You can even make your own instruments out of everyday items, such as rice in a container or pots and pans.
These sensory activities will provide your toddler with endless hours of fun and exploration. Not only are these activities sensory-rich, but they also promote your toddler’s holistic development!
At Akers Academy, we ensure that your child is learning with all five of their senses and rely on self-discovery to recognize unique boundaries and independence. Our toddlers enjoy a day as busy as they are—outside play, circle time, center-based learning, meals, and of course a much-needed afternoon nap. Visit us to learn more!
