If you have or work with young children, you’ve probably come across the term “sensory” which is often associated with sensory play or sensory toys, or sometimes even to describe kids. Yep, that’s right! Kids are sometimes referred to as “sensory.”
In early childhood when we refer to a child as “sensory” we usually describe someone who craves a variety of different sensations which often manifests in being fidgety, not being able to sit still, touching everything or even chewing on inappropriate objects such as pencils or sleeves. In other words, a child who is “very sensory” is perceived as frequently seeking out sensory experiences extensively.
Sensory is defined as relating to sensation or the physical senses; transmitted or perceived by the senses.
Growing up we all learned that we have five senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision). Occupational therapists learn about another two: the sense of movement and the sense of deep pressure. Humans need to feel the right amount of sensations and be able to process them accordingly in order to function and participate in their daily lives. Everyone’s nervous system is different and so we all need a different amount of sensations to feel okay.
Many childhood educators and therapists believe that there has been a huge influx in children who exhibit sensory seeking behaviors due to lack of outdoor play and free time, more screen time, and increased academic expectations of younger children. In other words, children are not receiving the amount of movement and sensory stimulation that they need in order to function and learn.
Through play and physical activities (running, swinging, sliding), children receive sensory experiences naturally. With kids lacking opportunities for free play, more and more, typically developing children are now being perceived as “very sensory.”
The theory behind sensory toys and sensory play is that if we provide children with sensory experiences in their daily lives more consistently and as naturally as possible, children will be less likely seek to out sensations in less appropriate ways.
In an ideal world, children would have the freedom for endless opportunities to play in nature, run around, climb playground equipment, etc. However, the reality is that that is not realistic for many children and parents. While playgrounds, parks, and nature should be incorporated into children’s lives when possible we know that it can’t be all the time. So, not to replace but to add to real-life sensory play, we can introduce kids to sensory toys that can provide them with the sensory input that they need.
Often times, when we think of sensory toys and sensory play we refer to toys that stimulate the sense of touch, (sensory bins, play-doh, finger paint, etc). However, a sensory toy can be any toy that stimulates any one of our senses. For example, a trampoline provides the sensation of movement, crawling through a tunnel can provide the feeling of deep pressure, a scented marker stimulates the sense of smell, a sour or sweet candy can stimulate the sense of taste, music stimulates the auditory sense, etc. Well rounded sensory play should involve all of the senses (maybe not at the same time), but children should be exposed to a variety of sensory experiences throughout the day.
Here are some examples of toys that stimulate every one of our senses.
Please note: I am a participant of the Amazon Services Associates Program and have included “affiliate links” for all the toys. This means that when you click the pictures or links provided and make a purchase, I receive a small commission on the toy at no extra cost to you. You can read more about the Amazon Associates Program here.
Sense of movement and deep pressure: Trampoline, swings, running and jumping games, scooters, yoga, climbing, etc.
Sense of touch: Play-doh, finger paint, sand, bubbles, feeling textures (soft, hard, bumpy), putty, etc.
Sense of smell: Scented markers, scented stickers, smelling flowers, smelling different foods, etc.
Sense of hearing: Songs, musical instruments, rattles, etc.
Sense of taste: Sour, sweet, different textures, etc.
Sense of Vision: kaleidoscopes, colors (markers, paint, crayons), gears, marble runs, etc.
Please note: Too much of anything is never good. It is important to monitor children and their reactions. For example, too much swinging or too much visual stimulation may have a negative effect.