Children have a wide range of developmental needs. Did you know that one crucial developmental need is sensory play?
As commonly believed, sensory play isn't only about touch. In fact, it involves any activity that stimulates any (or all!) of the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste.
There are endless benefits to sensory play, including the building of nerve connections in the brain and the encouragement of problem-solving skills.
Are you a parent or caregiver looking to provide sensory toys in your home or classroom? Keep reading to discover 4 sensory toys for children with tactile needs!
What Are Sensory Toys?
From the moment children are born, they have a desire to explore their world. Sensory toys not only help them achieve that but also build vocabulary, fine motor, and relaxation skills.
Sensory play isn't limited to just one group of children. It's for all children.
Oftentimes, when people think about sensory toys, they name the basics: sand/water tables and playdough. Here are 4 sensory toys that are unique and cater to all of the senses!
1. Growing and Changing Water Beads: Orbeez
Orbeez water beads are great for sensory play that involves touch. What are Orbeez? They are water-absorbent beads that grow just by adding water.
Once grown, they become squishy and slimy medium-sized beads. Orbeez are often referred to as water marbles!
These are fantastic options for sensory play because children will have the opportunity to experience new textures.
2. Common Household Items
You read that right! Common household items can double as sensory toys. With how diverse they are in color, size, and shape, your children are sure to absorb new vocabulary.
These items can be as common as measuring cups or even include kitchen items from a playset.
Even though these aren't specifically targeted towards sensory play, children can still gain exposure to the exploration of their senses.
There are plenty of ways for you to expand on this knowledge and incorporate all kinds of household items into your child's sensory toolbox.
3. Dimpl Digits
The Dimpl Digits sensory toy is an experience that even adults would enjoy. Also serving as a fidget toy, the Dimpl Digits is a wheel of numbers 1-10, each their own color of the rainbow that pops when pushed in.
The numbers are presented as their numerical and as their word. For example, the number seven is written out with the 7 number symbol above it.
On one side of the Dimpl Digits toy, the numbers are in English. Flip it over for the same numbers but in Spanish! This toy surely builds vocabulary, counting, and classification skills.
4. Busy Boards
This sensory toy has no age limit. Busy boards are a lovely way to ensure that your child is being exposed to all of their senses.
You can either make or buy a busy board. If you choose to make one, you can have a theme, or just add random items.
Some items commonly found on busy boards include:
- Pom poms
- Paper clips
- Beaded necklaces
- Squishy, foam stickers
- Feathers
- Bath loofahs
- Pipe cleaners
- Buttons
- Door knockers
- Popsicle sticks
Stimulate Your Child's Sensory Development
With these 4 fantastic sensory toys, you'll be exposing your child or students to all of their senses. Promoting sensory play in your home and the classroom is essential for sensorimotor development.
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