Sensory toys are a great way for children to learn and develop. When they use toys and instruments made for sensory play, they learn important skills such as problem-solving, curiosity, language skills and motor skills. In this article, we take a look at several different types of sensory toys and instruments that are beneficial for children.
Sensory balls
You can buy a vast range of different sensory balls that can be fantastic for children to interact and play with; the balls come in different sizes and shapes, and each has a different texture. Children will enjoy squeezing, rolling, bouncing, throwing and playing with sensory balls. You can use sensory balls in a variety of different games designed for your child’s age group.
Sensory play mats
Many companies design play mats specifically for sensory play; these mats are designed in lots of different bright colours to help children develop their vision and recognition of colours. In addition, sensory play mats have different textures that children find interesting to touch and interact with as they learn and grow. These play mats can be used on their own to provide a place for sensory play, or they can be combined with other sensory toys.
Toys for chewing
When children get to a certain age, they put everything they find in their mouths; this is their way of learning and figuring out more about the item or object. There are specific toys that are built for children to chew and explore with their mouths. These toys are completely safe for children to chew and can provide relief for children who find chewing soothing or those that are teething. Always make sure you check the age range for any toy to make sure it’s suitable for your child. Some chew toys may be dangerous for very small children or babies.
Moving toys
Toys that move, spin and rotate are great for sensory stimulation and play. Children will be interested in the moving parts and watch them closely as they move in a particular way. This can be helpful for developing children’s visual tracking skills as well as keeping them entertained and captivating their attention for a short while.
Musical instruments designed for children
There are several different musical instruments that are designed for children; these include children-sized drums, a slide whistle, maracas, keyboards and xylophones. Each of these instruments can introduce children to different sounds and the concept of music. Children love to make noise, and by using musical instruments, they can begin to learn about rhythm and improve their coordination skills. Adding a few children-friendly instruments to their selection of toys can be a great way to encourage sensory play.
Water toys
Playing with water is another fun activity for children that helps them to develop and learn. There are many different types of water toys you can purchase, from water play tables, to squirt guns and sprinklers. Paddling pools can also be great for sensory play outside when the temperature rises. Children often love splashing around in the water as a way to burn off their energy. However, water can be incredibly dangerous to children; therefore, you should always ensure you supervise your children closely whenever they’re playing with water toys; it only takes a few seconds and a very small amount of water for a child to drown.
Reflective toys
Reflective toys and objects can also be used for sensory play; children will love looking at the reflective material and seeing themselves in the object. You can buy many different types of reflective toys, including reflective balls, discs that go on the wall and handheld mirrors for children to see their own reflections.
In conclusion, sensory toys and instruments play a crucial role in children’s learning and development. They provide opportunities for children to explore and engage their senses, encouraging skills such as problem-solving, curiosity, language development, and motor skills. When using sensory toys, it’s important to ensure they are age-appropriate and that an adult provides proper supervision to ensure safety during playtime, especially when it comes to water toys. By incorporating sensory toys and instruments into children’s playtime, parents and caregivers can support their overall development while providing enjoyable and stimulating experiences.
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