Play Move Improve Podcast: Essential Sensory Skills for Children's Development
Episode Summary
In this informative episode, Robyn Papworth, an exercise physiologist and developmental educator, discusses the importance of sensory skills in children's development. She highlights eight essential sensations and provides practical activities to enhance these skills.
- Many children today struggle with basic sensory skills that weren't a concern a decade ago.
- Eight essential sensations: visual, auditory, taste, smell, touch, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception.
- Modern lifestyle changes, including increased screen time and reduced outdoor play, are impacting children's sensory development.
- Sensory integration is crucial for fine motor skills, self-regulation, and overall learning.
- Visual: 3D objects, natural light, searching for hidden objects
- Auditory: Various sounds, music, guessing games with different noises
- Taste: Encourage trying different foods (consult professionals if concerned)
- Smell: Use herbs, essential oils, and everyday scents to stimulate memory and calm
- Touch: Provide various textures through sensory tubs, gardening, and cooking activities
- Vestibular: Head movement activities like dancing, spinning, and looking up/down
- Proprioception: Jumping, hopping, crawling, and other pressure-inducing movements
- Interoception: Awareness of internal bodily sensations like hunger, thirst, and temperature
- Create sensory tubs with various materials (sand, water, corn flour, etc.)
- Use recycled shampoo bottles for smell activities
- Incorporate outdoor play to experience different temperatures and textures
- Discuss bodily sensations during meals and drinks
- Engage in gross motor activities to stimulate the vestibular system and proprioception
Proper sensory development is crucial for:
- Self-regulation and emotional control
- Focus and attention in class
- Fine motor skills development
- Overall learning and development
Robyn Papworth is an exercise physiologist, developmental educator, speaker, author, and mother of three. She is passionate about empowering parents and educators to support children's development through engaging play activities.
- Try one of the suggested activities and share your experience
- Reach out to Robyn for more ideas or support
- Join our free online community for more resources and discussions: Play Move Improve Online Community
- Website: playmoveimprove.com.au
- Leave a review on iTunes or Spotify
Remember, supporting your child's sensory development can be fun and easy with these simple, everyday activities!
