Sensing the World: The Power of Sensory Play in Early Childhood Education

Imagine a toddler's fingers sinking into a bowl of cool, soft jelly. The giggle that escapes as the texture squishes between their hands is more than a moment of joy, it's a window into how children explore, learn, and grow. This is the magic of sensory play: a gateway to brain development, language growth, emotional regulation, and so much more.

In early childhood education, sensory play is not a luxury or a bonus activity. It's a developmental necessity. From water tables to musical instruments, from light panels to textured pathways, the materials and experiences we offer children in the early years shape their ability to engage with the world.

In this article, we’ll explore what sensory play really is, why it matters, and how educators and families can harness its power to support children’s holistic development.

Understanding Sensory Play in Early Childhood

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play refers to any activity that stimulates a child’s senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing, movement (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioception). These activities are often open-ended, child-led, and deeply engaging.

Why Sensory Experiences Matter

During the first five years of life, a child’s brain develops faster than at any other time. Sensory experiences directly support the growth of neural pathways, helping children make sense of their environment. Educational philosophies like Montessori and Reggio Emilia emphasize sensory-rich learning because it respects a child’s natural way of discovering the world.

Connection to Canadian Early Learning Frameworks

Across Canada, early learning frameworks emphasize the importance of sensory exploration as essential to holistic development. For example, How Does Learning Happen? (Ontario) highlights "Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression"—all of which are nurtured through rich sensory play. Similarly, Flight (Alberta) and other provincial frameworks recognize sensory engagement as foundational to play-based learning and responsive, child-centred practice.

What Canadian Frameworks Say About Sensory Exploration in Early Childhood

1. Holistic Development Through Senses

Across all frameworks, sensory play is recognized as essential for supporting multiple domains of development:

• Cognitive (cause and effect, problem-solving)
  
  
• Physical (fine/gross motor through tactile and proprioceptive play)
  
  
• Emotional (self-regulation through calming sensory experiences)
  
  
• Social (co-play, sharing sensory materials)
  
  
• Language (describing textures, smells, sounds)

Across Canada, early learning frameworks recognize sensory play as a vital component of holistic development in young children. Whether it's the squish of playdough, the rhythm of a shaker, or the feel of sand slipping through fingers, sensory experiences are seen not just as play, but as powerful learning moments that support cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth.

In Ontario, the How Does Learning Happen? framework highlights four foundational conditions for learning: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. Sensory play is closely aligned with these conditions, particularly engagement and well-being, by offering opportunities for active exploration and emotional regulation. Through sensory-rich environments, children are encouraged to investigate materials, test ideas, and express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them. Educators are invited to observe children’s interests and provide open-ended materials that extend their sensory experiences.

In Alberta, the Flight framework emphasizes viewing children as "mighty learners and citizens." It names "playing with the senses" as a core way children make meaning of the world. Sensory exploration is seen as a pathway for nurturing well-being, building relationships, and fostering identity. Educators are encouraged to engage in co-inquiry, participating alongside children as they explore sensory materials, and to document children’s actions, questions, and discoveries with curiosity and care.

British Columbia’s Early Learning Framework also places a strong emphasis on sensory-rich play, especially through its focus on aesthetic and creative experiences. The framework encourages educators to design environments where children can engage with materials using all their senses, exploring sound, light, texture, movement, and form. This sensory engagement supports not only learning through play, but also emerging communication, creative expression, and understanding of the physical world.

In other provinces, such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, early learning principles echo these ideas. Sensory play is widely recognized for its role in self-regulation, language development, inclusion, and responsive environments. It is particularly valuable for supporting diverse learners, including those who are pre-verbal or who process information differently, offering non-verbal pathways to understanding and connection.

Ultimately, across all Canadian frameworks, sensory exploration is not an “extra,” it is foundational. It helps children construct knowledge, express emotions, build relationships, and make sense of their place in the world. By offering thoughtful, responsive opportunities for sensory play, educators support each child’s full and unique learning journey.

The Developmental Benefits of Sensory Play

1. 1. Cognitive Development

Sensory play builds problem-solving, memory, and decision-making skills. When children experiment with materials like pouring, sorting, or building, they are forming hypotheses and testing outcomes.

2. 2. Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Whether threading beads or navigating an obstacle course, sensory play helps children refine hand-eye coordination, strengthen muscles, and gain confidence in their physical abilities.

3. 3. Language and Literacy Skills

Descriptive language blooms when children engage in sensory experiences. Educators can scaffold learning by naming textures (“soft,” “scratchy”), actions (“scooping,” “rolling”), and feelings (“tingly,” “cozy”).

4. 4. Emotional Regulation

Sensory play is naturally calming. For children who feel overwhelmed or dysregulated, engaging the senses can offer grounding, comfort, and a way to self-soothe.

5. 5. Social-Emotional Learning

Group sensory activities build cooperation, sharing, and empathy. When two children co-construct a sandcastle or take turns in a musical rhythm game, they practice negotiation and connection.

Core Types of Sensory Play and Examples

Tactile Play (Touch)

• Materials: Playdough, rice bins, water beads, fabric swatches
• Activities: Texture hunts, mystery bags, finger painting

Auditory Play (Hearing)

• Materials: Shakers, rain sticks, musical instruments
• Activities: Sound matching games, rhythm circles, echo songs

Visual Play (Sight)

• Materials: Light tables, mirrors, colored blocks
• Activities: Color sorting, shadow tracing, kaleidoscope exploration

Olfactory and Gustatory Play (Smell & Taste)

• Materials: Spices, herbs, edible dough
• Activities: Scent matching, baking, tea mixing

Vestibular and Proprioceptive Play (Balance & Body Awareness)

• Materials: Swings, balance beams, heavy blocks
• Activities: Rolling, jumping, pushing/pulling games

Cross-Sensory Play

• Mud kitchens, water walls, sensory walks
• These integrate multiple senses for rich, immersive experiences

How to Create a Sensory-Rich Early Years Environment

Indoor Environments

• Designated sensory tables
• Low shelving with accessible materials
• Calm corners with soft lighting and tactile tools

Outdoor Environments

• Sand and water play
• Nature paths with rocks, sticks, and leaves
• Sound gardens with chimes and bells

Low-Cost and Natural Materials

• Cornflour, lentils, ice, sponges
• Repurposed household items: muffin tins, scoops, trays

Inclusivity and Accessibility

• Provide options for children with sensory processing differences
• Offer headphones, fidget tools, or gloves
• Create quiet areas for decompression

Trauma-Informed Approaches to Sensory Play

Children with trauma histories may respond to sensory input differently. A trauma-informed sensory approach:

• Honors boundaries: Always ask before engaging in touch-based activities.
• Offers choice: Let children decide which materials feel safe.
• Focuses on regulation: Use sensory tools in calm-down kits (e.g., weighted blankets, scented putty).
• Avoids overstimulation: Choose neutral colors, soft lighting, and natural sounds.

By creating a safe, responsive sensory environment, educators support healing, trust-building, and emotional resilience.

Family Engagement and Sensory Play at Home

Bridging the Gap Between Home and Nursery

Parents may not always understand the educational value of sensory play. Educators can:

• Share photos and learning stories
• Explain the skills being developed
• Provide take-home sensory activity cards

Simple Sensory Ideas for Home

• Oatmeal playdough
• Scented rice jars
• Water play with cups and sponges

Equity in Access Sensory play doesn’t require expensive toys. Everyday kitchen items, garden soil, and recycled containers can spark just as much wonder.

Common Myths About Sensory Play

Myth 1: It’s Just Messy Fun Truth: Sensory play builds foundational brain architecture and supports whole-child learning.

Myth 2: It’s Only for Toddlers Truth: Preschoolers and even school-age children benefit from complex sensory exploration like potion-making, sculpture, or sensory storytelling.

Myth 3: It’s Too Expensive Truth: The best sensory materials are often free: water, dirt, fabric scraps, and kitchen staples.

Elevating Sensory Play in Early Years Practice

Sensory play isn’t just a trend, it’s a research-backed, child-centered approach to early years education. It supports the whole child: body, brain, heart, and spirit.

As educators, our role is to advocate for, protect, and expand access to rich sensory experiences in our settings. This week, try adding one new sensory element to your environment and watch the children’s joy and curiosity take flight.

Let’s sense the world with them.

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