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SENSORY EXPLORATION: What's This?
The child uses all of his/her senses to explore objects. S/he gazes, listens to, smells, touches, bats, grabs, pulls at toys and begins to move towards them. Play materials are first looked at, then touched and finally brought to mouth to further explore. Children having difficulty manipulating toys may prefer highly reactive toys. In this stage young children explore all objects in the same ways with repetitive movements.
Observe to find out what most interests the child. Some children are motivated by toys with a specific sensory characteristic (color, sound or texture). Others may "shut down" when presented with too much stimulation. And others still may prefer toys with multiple characteristics. Look for toys that are easy for the child to interact with: to grab, hold, hang onto and move, that they can play with in several positions and that promote new discoveries.
SENSORY EXPLORATION: SUGGESTED TOYS
Original Skwish– (Manhattan Baby) |
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Colors, textures and the shape of this toy make it appealing. This toy can be picked-up in a variety of ways from many positions. This toy is lightweight and can be explored as a rattle or used to roll across the floor. When it is squished flat it bounces back to its original shape. The play possibilities are endless!
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Octivity Time – (Lamaze) |
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Children will be drawn to this colorful octopus character with a smiling face. Ten engaging features including clinky rings, spinning starfish, and mirror. This toy has versatility to appeal to many children with many interests.
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Splash Activity Boat – (Mama's and Papa's) |
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This adaptable activity center changes from a play mat to a boat with sides to support sitting up. It can be used inside or out with detachable toys and hidden surprises. Materials, colors and sounds invite discovery!
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Gripper Shaker – ( Woodstock Percussion) |
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Children will love the maraca sound of these eggs. The large egg shaker has a super easy-to-hold handle, making it a great choice for big and small hands. Shake it or bang it on a table – discover many ways to make sounds. Safety-tested for all ages.
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Mirror Mirror – (Small World Toys – IQ Baby)
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There are so many ways to use this toy. It can be hung from the crib so mirror faces child or placed on the floor in different positions for play on belly or in sitting. Turn over for more activities-- fish to hide in water, two flaps lift plus a three piece animal sorter--each making a different sound.
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