The toddlers headed outside on a sunny September day and went directly to the sandbox. Mattea and Sashwath lead the water activity with the realization that they can control the flow of our outdoor water faucet just by pushing on the top of the tap. They push the top and to the delight of many this created a steady stream of water.
Danny and Anvi smile as this stream provided them the opportunity to dip their hands in the sand and water that was accumulating at the bottom of the water trough into the sandbox. Cohen smiles as he picks up and throws the sand again and again.
Inside the toddlers are presented with a paint activity. Harlow starts off using the roller to paint but then as she notices it gets on one finger, she then begins to run her hands through the paint then rubbing the paint up her arms. Lastly, she holds up her hands and arms in front of her looking at the colour that this has now been spread on her hands and arms.
Hudson uses the small scoops to scoop up the goop in our sensory bin then watches as the goop transforms from a solid to a liquid then holds the container higher to watch the liquid pour from one container to another.
Zhara independently goes to the shelf and comes back to the table with the playdough along with a large basket of rollers and cutters. She gives each child at the table a large piece of playdough and they begin to manipulate their pieces from flat to a number of balls then using the rollers to roll it flat, cutting a shape with the cutters then once again using their hands to squish it, then roll the dough back out again.
Sensory or messy play has many benefits for toddlers. Science is experienced through cause and effect exploration while math concepts such as volume and quantities are learned through pouring and mixing. Problem solving skills are developed as they learn and discover new ways to explore with the items they are given. When they can make choices on their own they learn to develop independence.
Sensory activities such as squishing, textures, and touching increase their fine motor skills as well as improving their hand eye coordination.
The sensory materials all are open ended materials allowing for creativity in the children that has no limits and they are free to explore on their own. Social skills are developed when they are given a group activity that requires them to share take turns and cooperate with each other.
The toddlers continue to look forward to the many sensory opportunities they are given each and every day as it provides a calming atmosphere of learning and fun for all.
