A fun journey that develops all the senses of babies and toddlers
Sensory games are one of the most effective ways of learning, allowing babies to explore their environment. Not only are they fun, but they also support mental, emotional and physical development. So, why are sensory games important? Here is a detailed explanation and suggestions for games that can be easily implemented at home.
1. Supports Brain Development
Brain development is very fast in the first years of babies. Sensory games enable them to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell together. In this way, the synaptic connections of the brain increase and learning capacity increases.
Example: You can make both visual and tactile exploration by hiding toys in a colourful jelly box.
2. Strengthens Fine Motor Skills
Games such as sorting pasta and finding small objects in rice develop small muscle groups. This is the basis for future skills such as holding a pencil and buttoning buttons.
Recommendation: Make small balls of coloured dough and let the child crush them with his/her fingers.
3. Increases Attention and Focus
Sensory play increases the child's attention span and improves problem-solving skills. Activities such as finding an object or mixing liquids increase patience.
Event: Play a game of find the toys in the lentil box.
4. Supports Language Development
New words and concepts such as colour and texture used during play expand the child's vocabulary. Communication skills develop.
Recommendation: "Is this soft or hard? What do you think it smells like?"
5. Supports Emotional Order
Sensory games help children to calm down. It has a relaxing effect especially after a tantrum.
Example: Foam games, water transfer activities support relaxation.
6. Triggers Imagination and Creativity
Building games with sensory materials enables children to create different scenarios. They can create unlimited play worlds with materials such as flour, water and coloured stones.
Recommendation: Play finger drawing on a floured tray.
7. Easily Prepared at Home
You can prepare sensory games with simple materials at home. No extra toys are required.
Ingredients: Yoghurt, starch, pasta, ice, shaving foam, coloured beans.
8. Strengthens Parent-Child Bonding
Sensory games played together make the child feel safe. Spending quality time with the parent supports emotional development.
Recommendation: Establish a 15-20 minute sensory play routine every day.
Simple Sensory Play Suggestions You Can Try at Home
Lentil Box You can hide small toys inside and play a game of finding them.
Water and Ice Transfer: Different textures are felt when carrying water in plastic containers.
Coloured Dough: Tactile and visual development is provided while making shapes with dough.
Foam Games: Surfaces can be painted with shaving foam, it is soothing.