- by Admin
How Early Years Sensory Play Supports Brain Development at Wimbledon Day Nursery
The first five years of a child’s life are when the brain builds its strongest foundations. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, we know that early years sensory play is one of the most powerful ways to nurture this development. Through touch, sound, sight, taste, and movement, children explore the world around them, and every experience helps strengthen vital neural connections for lifelong learning.
In this blog, we’ll look at what sensory play is, how it is woven into nursery life, and why it plays such a key role in supporting children’s growth and brain development.
What Is Early Years Sensory Play?
Early years sensory play refers to activities designed to engage children’s senses: touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. These hands-on experiences nurture curiosity and create opportunities for learning in fun, natural ways.
Let’s look at the different ways sensory play is introduced into children’s daily experiences.
Simple Activities That Stimulate the Senses
From exploring textured materials to water play and musical activities, sensory play can be as simple as children squishing dough or shaking rattles. Each experience encourages exploration.
How It Connects to Daily Nursery Routines
At Wimbledon Day Nursery, sensory activities are woven into routines. Snack time, outdoor play, and story sessions all involve sensory elements that help children process the world around them.
Why Sensory Development in Nursery Matters
Sensory development lays the groundwork for strong brain connections and future learning.
Here’s how sensory input influences key areas of early growth and development.
Building Brain Connections Through Sensory Input
Neural pathways strengthen when children explore different textures, sounds, and movements. This supports memory, attention, and critical thinking.
Supporting Communication and Language Skills
When children describe what they feel, hear, or see, they practise new words and develop stronger language skills.
Encouraging Problem-Solving and Creativity
Sensory play prompts curiosity. Whether mixing colours or experimenting with sand and water, children learn cause and effect naturally.
Benefits of Sensory Play in Early Childhood
The benefits of sensory play in early childhood reach far beyond fun — they build vital skills.
Below are some of the most important ways sensory play supports children’s overall development.
- Emotional regulation and social skills: Sensory activities help children calm their emotions and learn to share, building social awareness.
- Fine and gross motor development: Scooping, pouring, or squeezing materials strengthens small hand muscles, while large play activities improve balance and coordination.
- Confidence and independence: By experimenting and making discoveries on their own, children become confident learners ready for school and beyond.
Sensory Play at Wimbledon Day Nursery
We ensure children experience a wide variety of sensory opportunities every day, with a strong focus on nurturing both curiosity and learning. Our purpose-built sensory room offers a calming environment where children can safely explore lights, textures, and sounds. Alongside this, our trained staff carefully guide sensory experiences to suit each child’s unique learning style. By weaving sensory play into our early years education curriculum, we help children grow into confident, creative, and independent learners.
Wimbledon Day Nursery: Building Bright Futures Through Sensory Play
Early years sensory play is more than a fun activity; it is a building block for healthy brain development, communication, and emotional growth. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, we celebrate every discovery children make through sensory learning.
Give your child the best start in life with a nurturing, sensory-rich environment. Contact us today to learn more about how we support your child’s growth every step of the way.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main purpose of sensory play?
To engage children’s senses, helping them build brain connections and develop essential life skills.
Q2. How does sensory play support language development?
It encourages children to describe textures, colours, and actions, expanding their vocabulary.
Q3. Is sensory play suitable for all ages in nursery?
Yes, from babies to preschoolers, activities can be adapted to suit every developmental stage.
Q4. What are examples of sensory play at home?
Simple activities like playing with sand, finger painting, or listening to music all count as sensory play.
Q5. Why is sensory play important in early years education?
It nurtures curiosity, creativity, and resilience, laying the foundation for future learning.