Sensory play is a cornerstone of early childhood learning. It allows children to explore the world through their senses, helping them build mental connections that form the foundation for learning and development. In early education settings, sensory experiences are highly valued as they directly support developmental goals in the EYLF, making them an essential part of a child’s daily routine.
Within Montessori education, sensory exploration is woven into everyday learning through purposeful activities that encourage independence, concentration, and a deep connection to the environment. This approach ensures that children are not only engaged but also developing skills that will serve them throughout life.
What is Sensory Play
Sensory play refers to activities that stimulate a child’s senses – touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. It may also include movement, balance, and spatial awareness. Activities such as playing with sand, water, playdough, or even listening to different sounds are all forms of sensory play.
The purpose of sensory play is far more than entertainment, it is the foundation for growth and development. Through these early explorations, children learn how things work, problem-solve, and express creativity, all while strengthening neural pathways that support language, mathematics, and social skills. Sensory play fosters brain development, enhances motor skills, promotes language and cognitive growth, and supports emotional well-being, giving children the building blocks they need for lifelong learning.
Examples of sensory play include:
- Playing with sand, water, or clay
- Exploring different textures such as fabric, beads, or leaves
- Listening to music or natural sounds
- Finger painting
- Scented play dough
- Engaging in cooking activities that involve tasting and smelling
- Balancing on beams or climbing structures
- Exploring paths with different textures
- Mud kitchen play with natural materials
- Water play with slices of citrus fruit and leaves
- Frozen water with flowers
By combining fun with learning, sensory play supports holistic child development in a natural and engaging way.
What is Montessori Sensory Theory
Doctor Maria Montessori placed great importance on the role of the senses in early childhood, recognising them as the foundation for intellectual growth. She observed that children pass through sensitive periods where their desire to explore through the senses is heightened. Providing carefully prepared environments during these stages allows children to internalise knowledge more deeply and meaningfully.
In the Montessori approach, Sensorial Education emphasises that children learn best by actively engaging all their senses, particularly in the first six years of life. Purposefully designed materials within a prepared environment help children classify, compare, and differentiate, laying the groundwork for abstract concepts in mathematics, language, and science.
Examples of sensorial materials include the Pink Tower for visual discrimination, sound cylinders for auditory refinement, texture boards for tactile exploration, and smelling jars for olfactory awareness and vocabulary development. Other iconic tools, such as the Brown Stair and geometric solids, guide children from simple to complex experiences and prepare the mind for later academic learning.
Through this purposeful work, children strengthen brain development, refine perception, and build independence and confidence. Just as importantly, sensorial education nurtures curiosity, concentration, and a lifelong love of learning, enabling children to make sense of their world and approach new challenges with joy.
Key Benefits of Sensory Play
| Developmental Area | How Sensory Play Helps |
|---|---|
| Cognitive | Enhances problem-solving, memory, concentration, and decision-making skills. |
| Physical | Develops fine and gross motor skills through hands-on exploration. |
| Emotional | Supports self-regulation, builds resilience, and provides calming sensory input. |
| Social | Encourages communication, cooperation, and sharing during group play. |
| Creative | Sparks imagination, curiosity, and open-ended exploration. |
Other Benefits
- Supports language development by introducing descriptive vocabulary
- Encourages creativity and imagination
- Fosters a sense of calm and well-being through repetitive play
Sensory Play Activities for Babies & Toddlers
| Activity | How to Do It | Materials Needed | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Play | Fill a shallow tub with water. Allow children to splash, pour, or float toys. | Shallow tub, cups, plastic toys | Babies & Toddlers |
| Texture Walk | Lay out different surfaces (mat, grass, fabric, bubble wrap) for children to walk on. | Various textured materials | Toddlers |
| Sensory Bottles | Fill bottles with rice, glitter, beads, or coloured water. Shake and observe. | Clear bottles, fillers like rice or glitter | Babies & Toddlers |
| Playdough Fun | Roll, squish, or shape playdough to build strength and creativity. Add a few drops of your favourite scent such as lavender or mint for added sensory exploration. | Homemade or store-bought playdough | Toddlers |
| Sound Shakers | Use sealed containers filled with beans or rice. Shake to hear sounds. Add rhythm and beat to encourage children to develop their auditory sense. | Small sealed containers, fillers | Babies & Toddlers |
| Scented Exploration | Provide herbs, citrus peels, or scented playdough for smelling. | Herbs, fruit peels, scented playdough | Toddlers |
| Taste Test | Taste test different flavours such as citrus, salt, sugar, and vegemite to encourage children to classify what they taste and expand their vocabulary. | Strong flavours such as lemon, vegemite, vinegar, soy, salt, sugar, cinnamon. | Preschool |
Why is it Important for Children to do Sensory Play?
Sensory play is important because it helps children make sense of the world. It supports the development of motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions. For babies and toddlers, it provides the first step toward independence, as they explore cause and effect (e.g., water splashes when tapped).
When paired with Montessori and EYLF practices, sensory play becomes more than fun. It forms a structured pathway for holistic development that benefits children long-term.
How to Incorporate Sensory Play into Daily Routine
Parents and educators can make sensory play part of everyday life with simple strategies:
- Set up a sensory play station at home with rotating activities
- Include sensory-rich foods in meals (different textures and flavours)
- Encourage outdoor exploration such as playing in the garden or at the beach
- Use household items like measuring cups, fabrics, and kitchen tools for safe play
- Create calm-down sensory jars or bottles for emotional regulation
Sensory Play FAQs
- What age is best for sensory play?
Sensory play is suitable for all ages, starting from infancy. Babies engage through touch and sound, while toddlers and preschoolers explore more complex activities.
- Is sensory play messy?
Some activities can be messy, like water or paint play, but this is part of the learning process. Mess-free options such as sensory bottles or sealed bags are also available.
- Does sensory play help with language development?
Yes. Describing textures, colours, sounds, and actions introduces children to new vocabulary and communication skills.
- Can sensory play help children with additional needs?
Absolutely. Sensory activities are often used in therapy to support children with sensory processing challenges, autism, or developmental delays.
- How often should sensory play be included?
Daily exposure is ideal, even in short bursts of 10–15 minutes. Consistency helps reinforce learning and development.
Bringing It All Together
Sensory play paves the way for a rich and meaningful educational journey at Montessori Academy. It is much more than fun – it provides children with opportunities to explore textures, sounds, sights, and movements, strengthening their bodies, minds, and emotions. Families can easily incorporate these activities at home and in childcare settings, particularly with the guidance of Montessori childcare principles that emphasise sensory-rich learning. The Montessori approach highlights how hands-on exploration and engagement with the environment lead to deeper concentration, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.
In addition, these experiences support the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence and self-confidence in children. By giving them the freedom to experiment, make choices, and explore their surroundings, we empower them to become active participants in their own education. Whether at home or in a Montessori Academy classroom, such opportunities nurture resilience, curiosity, and the ability to problem-solve, skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
For more inspiration, check out more sensory play activities to keep your child engaged and thriving. At Montessori Academy, sensory-based learning is one of many meaningful experiences within our curriculum that encourages children to actively explore, discover, and grow as part of their holistic development.