Are they really on to something? You bet they are!
Those sensory playgroups you've stumbled upon, enjoyed, or even just considered attending? They're doing wonders for our kids. They've got their sights set firmly on the transformative play schema, and it's a game-changer.
Not only are they making our lives as parents a tad easier (let's face it, the idea of colouring pasta can also feel like an Everest-sized task, especially with the cleanup looming), but they're also offering a goldmine of learning opportunities for our little ones.
Defining Sensory Play
Sensory play refers to any activity that stimulates a child's senses — touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing. It involves providing opportunities for children to explore and engage with materials of various textures, temperatures, and properties. Examples include playing with sand, water, playdough, rice and beans.
Defining the Transformative Schema:
The transformative schema is a term used to describe a stage of cognitive development where children are fascinated by transformation and change. Children in this stage are interested in exploring how objects can be altered, manipulated, and transformed. They enjoy activities like pouring, mixing and washing as they seek to understand the world around them through hands-on exploration.
DIY or Playgroup or Both?
If you're the DIY type, you've probably bookmarked a plethora of underwater, animal-themed, or Easter-themed sensory play ideas, eagerly awaiting the chance to give them a whirl. And if getting crafty isn't your cup of tea, you've likely scoured the town for a playgroup that's got you covered.
I've always been a firm believer in the power of sensory play for our little ones. Having spent time in the classroom, I've witnessed firsthand just how captivated our kids are by chemistry which in turn supports the transformative play schema.
Now, don't get me wrong - I'm all about nature, mud soups, and bush potions. But there are days when I crave the comfort of being indoors, enjoying the air conditioner or cozied up by the wood burner, engaging in sensory play with my little one.
Before using this wooden kit in our home, I was the mud kitchen Mumma - using household items only ... but now I can see the excitement of having both options available.
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