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What Are Sensory Activities?

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Summary

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Sensory activities are exercises that engage our senses of touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing to promote learning and healthy development. These activities can take many forms, like playing with different textures, outdoor activities, or creating art, and are especially important for children to improve their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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How do sensory activities benefit children?

Sensory activities can benefit children by helping them develop their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, social and emotional skills, and cognitive abilities, while also promoting exploration and discovery.

How can sensory activities be used in therapy?

Sensory activities can be used in therapy to help individuals with sensory processing disorders or other sensory-related conditions to improve their ability to process sensory information and develop effective coping strategies, while also promoting relaxation and stress relief.

Can sensory activities be used with individuals with special needs?

Yes, sensory activities can be especially beneficial for individuals with special needs, as they can help improve sensory processing skills and promote healthy development. Occupational therapists often use sensory activities in their work with individuals with special needs.

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Scientific Definition

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Sensory activities are fun and engaging exercises that stimulate our senses, which include touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. These activities can improve our ability to process sensory information and develop sensory-motor skills. Sensory activities can take many forms, such as playing with sensory bins, experimenting with different textures, engaging in outdoor activities, or creating art using other materials. The goal is to encourage exploration and discovery through various sensory experiences. Sensory activities can benefit people of all ages but are especially important for children. Engaging in sensory play can help children develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. It can also be an enjoyable and fulfilling way to learn about the world around us. Overall, sensory activities provide a fun and interactive way to improve sensory processing skills and promote healthy development in children and adults alike.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Sensory Activities

Meet Susie, a curious and imaginative girl who loves exploring the world through her senses. Here’s how sensory activities come to life for Susie:

  • Sensory bins: Susie spends hours playing with colorful rice, feeling its texture run through her fingers and listening to the sound it makes as she scoops and pours.
  • Texture exploration: Susie enjoys touching different materials like soft feathers, bumpy seashells, and squishy clay, letting her imagination soar as she discovers new sensations.
  • Outdoor adventures: Susie embraces nature, feeling the cool grass beneath her feet, smelling the flowers, and listening to the birds singing, immersing herself in the wonders of the outdoors.
  • Artistic expression: Susie lets her creativity flow by using playdough to sculpt imaginary creatures, experiencing the satisfying squishiness and vibrant colors.
  • Scented experiences: Susie delights in the sweet aroma of scented playdough, fragrant candles, and blooming flowers, creating a multisensory experience.
  • Listening activities: Susie dances and sways to music, feeling the rhythm in her body and listening to the different sounds of various instruments.

In Susie’s world, sensory activities open doors to endless exploration, imagination, and joyful learning.

How Do Sensory Activities Work?

Sensory activities work by engaging our senses and promoting sensory processing skills. They can take various forms and offer numerous benefits. Here are some examples and explanations:

  • Sensory bins: Containers filled with materials like rice, sand, or water that encourage tactile exploration.
  • Texture exploration: Engaging with different textures such as soft fabrics, bumpy surfaces, or squishy materials.
  • Outdoor activities: Exploring nature, playing in the sand, jumping on trampolines, or swinging on a swing set.
  • Art with different materials: Using items like clay, playdough, or finger paints to create and experience different sensations.
  • Exploring scents: Using scented playdough, candles, or flowers to stimulate the sense of smell.
  • Listening activities: Engaging in music, nature sounds, or listening to different instruments.
  • Taste exploration: Trying various flavors, textures, and temperatures of food.

These activities enhance sensory processing skills and provide enjoyable opportunities for learning and development. Goally, our tablet, enhances sensory activities with apps for schedules, AAC, and learning. It fosters life skills, language development, emotional regulation, and social skills.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 15, 2023. It was updated on July 20, 2023.

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