Enriching Education: Why Sensory Play is Important

Sensory play is an important part of a child's development and can begin at a young age. Playing with different types of textures and objects can help your child build new ways of talking about the world! Edushape recently launched two new toys: Baby Sensory Balls and Textured Pop Blocks. To celebrate we would like to share just a few of the important ways Sensory Play is important in a child's development.

Sensory Play is Important for Learning how to Communicate 
When children have time for sensory play, they are able to work on important skills like communication. How? By listening (and giving) commands, being introduced to new vocabulary by parents and teachers, and learning new concepts like words that describe the objects. In their own way, children are also asking questions through sensory play.

Gross Motor Skills develop from Sensory Play 
Gross motor skills are developed when children move their bodies because it helps coordinate large muscle groups. Moving around to stack Textured Pop Blocks or playing with Sensory Balls helps develop this important skill.

It's calming! 
Bored on a rainy day? Too cold to run around outside? Sensory play is a great way to keep children occupied and provide stimulation. If a child is overstimulated, these fun activities can be calming and fun at the same time.

Did you know? Edushape created the 1st Sensory Ball in 1997 The original Sensory Balls were introduced to the world by Edushape in 1997. Over the years we developed more than a dozen colorful and different ball designs for all ages, including the award winning Fun Z Balls. Edushape Sensory Balls, perfect from birth, are not only fun to hold and squeeze, but the textured surface also makes them a perfect teether. The lightweight balls are also fun to chase. Little hands love to explore! Edushape believes all children are explorers at heart, and every touch is part of learning.