The Superpower of Squish: Why Sensory Play is Vital for Your Child

Ever handed a toddler a perfectly good toy, only to watch them become utterly fascinated with the cardboard box it came in? Or noticed how the simple act of squishing play-doh can turn a grumpy mood into a calm one?

That, right there, is the magic of sensory play. It’s not just about making a mess (though that’s often a happy side effect!); it’s one of the most crucial activities for building a healthy, happy, and resilient brain.

At Thrive, we believe that hands-on, sensory exploration is not just ‘playtime’—it’s the essential work of childhood. Let’s dive into what sensory play is and why it’s a cornerstone of our approach to early years education.

So, What is Sensory Play, Really?

In short, sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses. We often think of the main five: touch, taste, sight, smell, and sound. But it also includes two others that are vital for development:

• Vestibular sense: Our sense of balance and movement. (Think spinning, swinging, and hanging upside down).
• Proprioception: Our awareness of our body in space. (Think pushing, pulling, and squeezing).

Engaging these senses helps children process information about the world around them. It’s how they learn whether something is hot or cold, rough or smooth, heavy or light. It’s foundational learning at its most fun.

Building a Better Brain, One Squish at a Time

When a child engages in sensory play, they aren’t just having fun. Their brain is firing on all cylinders, creating a complex network of connections that will support all future learning.

Creating Complex Neural Pathways

Think of your child’s brain as a new city. Every time they have a new sensory experience—like plunging their hands into a tray of cool, wet spaghetti or listening to the crunch of autumn leaves—a new road is built in that city. The more varied the experiences, the more intricate the road system becomes. These neural pathways are the foundation for more complex tasks later on, like problem-solving, memory retention, and creative thinking.

The Foundation for Language and Motor Skills

Sensory play and language development are deeply connected. When a child feels something slimy, smooth, or bumpy, they are learning the concepts behind the words. At Thrive, our practitioners narrate these experiences, giving them the vocabulary to describe their world: “Wow, that foam feels so light and fluffy!”

Similarly, activities like scooping, pouring, and squeezing are brilliant for developing fine motor skills. They strengthen the small muscles in the hands and fingers, preparing them for holding a pencil and writing their name when the time is right.

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Sensory Play and Emotional Regulation

Have you ever noticed how a child can become completely absorbed in pouring water from one container to another? Sensory activities can be incredibly grounding and calming. The repetitive, focused nature of many sensory tasks helps children process their big feelings and anxieties.

This is a powerful tool for helping children learn to self-soothe and manage their emotions. For a child feeling overwhelmed, the deep pressure from squishing play-doh or the predictable flow of a sand timer can be incredibly therapeutic. It gives them a healthy outlet for their energy and helps them develop crucial self-regulation skills that are essential for success in school and in life.

Sensory Play in Action at Thrive

Walk into any Thrive nursery, and you’ll see sensory learning everywhere! It’s woven into the fabric of our day.

• The “Tuff Tray” Universe: Our sensory trays are legendary! One day they might hold a bubbly “potion-making” station, the next they might be a prehistoric world with dinosaurs in sand, or a farm scene with animals, tractors and trees.
• Exploring Nature’s Toolkit: We are huge believers in the benefits of outdoor play. Making mud pies, feeling the textures of bark and leaves, listening to birdsong, and smelling flowers after the rain—nature is the ultimate sensory playground.
• Culinary Creations: We incorporate sensory exploration into snack time and cooking activities. Feeling sticky dough, smelling baking bread, and tasting new fruits are all fantastic sensory experiences that also help to build healthy eating habits for young children.

Bring the Sensory Fun Home! 

You don’t need expensive toys to create rich sensory experiences. The best sensory play often comes from everyday items. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Bathtime Fun: Add extra bubbles, a few drops of food colouring to the water, or different types of sponges and cups for pouring.
• Kitchen Explorers: Give your child a baking tray with a thin layer of dry rice, lentils, or pasta and some spoons and pots. They will be occupied for ages!
• A Box and Imagination: A large cardboard box can be a rocket ship, a cave, a car—anything! Give them some crayons or paint and let them go to town.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to nursery activities to encourage creativity and imagination at home.

Ultimately, sensory play is about letting children lead the way. It’s about embracing the mess, celebrating curiosity, and giving them the freedom to explore the world with their whole body.Want to see our sensory explorers in action? Contact your local Thrive nursery to book a tour and see the learning come to life!