Why Sensory Play Matters: A Therapist's View
Sensory Play Isn’t Just Messy, It’s Brain-Building!
If your kid's room is anything like mine, it occasionally resembles a war zone. But instead of my usual "clean this up" lecture, I've started looking at that messy play differently. Turns out, there's are science-backed reasons those slime battles, filling Barbie’s pool with water, and rice spills are actually GOOD for kids.
Our brains learn through experiences. Young children are wired to explore the world through touch, sight, smell, even taste! If you haven’t heard of them before, Sensory Bins are a great way for kiddos to get their hands dirty while receiving that sensory input that they crave. Sensory bins are a powerhouse because they:
Build Brain Connections: Every scoop, squish, and pour strengthens pathways in the brain that control fine motor skills, problem-solving, and even future academic skills.
Calming Power: Sensory input can be incredibly regulating for kids who feel overwhelmed or crave extra stimulation.
Make Learning FUN: When it feels like play, kids stay engaged longer, which supercharges their development.
Sensory Bins:
A Multi-Sensory Playground: At its simplest, a sensory bin is a container (plastic tub, baking tray, anything!) filled with materials that stimulate the senses.
Textures Galore: Think sand, water beads, uncooked rice, dried beans, feathers, shaving cream...the possibilities are endless!
Themed or Open-Ended: Some bins are focused (ocean theme with blue water, toy fish), while others are a mix for imaginative play.
Why Sensory Bins Are Amazing:
Brain Builders: Sensory play is how young children learn! Touching, squeezing, pouring – it wires their brains for everything from motor skills to understanding the world.
Calming and Focusing: For some kids (and adults!), the tactile input is deeply soothing. It can help with self-regulation and melt away anxiety.
Building Blocks of Learning: Messy play seems random, but it leads to sorting, counting, early science concepts (things float vs. sink), and language as they describe what they're doing.
Creative & Low-Cost: You don't need fancy toys. Kitchen items, nature finds, recycled materials...this is about exploration, not expense.
Bonus Benefits:
Contained Mess: While cleanup is needed, it's usually easier than if those materials were scattered all over!
Kids of All Abilities: The open-ended nature makes them great for kids with developmental delays, or simply those who need extra tactile input.
Sensory Bins: Level Up By Age
Babies & Toddlers: Start simple! Water bin with scoops and toys, edible "mud" (yogurt + cocoa), textured fabrics. Safety is key - ALWAYS supervise!
Preschoolers: Get thematic! Dyed rice "ocean" with sea creatures, construction site bin (dried beans, mini trucks). Encourages pretend play too.
Big Kids: Science time! Oobleck (cornstarch + water) is mind-blowing, "slime" variations, even a frozen excavation bin with hidden toys. Yes, I just recommended that sticky, stretchy, nasty slime that makes huge messes every. single. time.
Beyond the Mess: Pediatric Therapy Tips
No Fancy Gear Needed: Plastic tubs from the store, items from your kitchen...creativity counts, not cost! I tell all of my th
Spill Zone: Shower curtain or old sheet under the bin contains the fun...and your sanity.
Switch It Up: Rotate the bin's contents regularly to keep the novelty factor.
It's About HOW they Play: No right or wrong! If they're focused and engaged, they're learning, even if it doesn't look like your Pinterest vision.
Sensory Play + Therapy = Powerful Results!
As an SLP who practices sensory integration methods, I use it strategically for kids with developmental delays, sensory processing differences, and a wide range of challenges as it can boost coordination, focus, and SO much more.
Think your child might benefit from a deeper dive into sensory play? Our pediatric OTs offer parent consultations to personalize ideas for your child's unique needs.
Let's get messy for a reason!
Author
Lauren E. Ouellette, M.A., CCC-SLP
Spoken Word Children’s Therapy
