Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning


Play And The 8 Sensory Systems

Play And The 8 Sensory Systems

Description

From squishing sticky sensory play concoctions to spinning on the swings, play helps children wire and connect their brains and nervous systems. This session examines how that process works, looks at the body’s 8 sensory systems, and offers ideas for supporting play that nourishes those systems.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the role of Play in wiring the brain and nervous system
  • Learn about the human body’s 8 sensory systems
  • Acquire ideas for supporting play that nourishes all 8 sensory systems

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
  • Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
  • Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
  • South Dakota | Learning Environments
  • Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
  • CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction03 minutesMonologue
The Brain-Body-Play Connection15 minutesDiscussion
Play And The 8 Sensory Systems40 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion02 minutesMonologue

Related Resources

This session is based in part on content from these sources (affiliate links):

  • Let Them Play
  • Let’s Play
  • Let’s All Play

Content Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Age Group Focus

  • Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
  • Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
  • School Age (5 years to 12 years)
  • Adults

Target Audience

  • Family Child Care Providers
  • Child Care Center Teachers
  • Child Care Center Directors
  • Head Start Teachers
  • Head Start Administrators
  • Early Head Start Teachers
  • Service Coordination Staff
  • Technical Assistance Specialists
  • Home Visitors
  • Parents