Sensory play is a remarkable tool that engages a child's senses, promoting cognitive, physical, and emotional development. It's not just about exploring and manipulating various textures and materials; it's also a gateway to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. Edx Education, a leading provider of educational resources, offers a range of tools that facilitate these enriching experiences.
Explore five captivating sand and water play activities that harness the potential of sensory play to foster social and emotional development, all while integrating elements of STEAM.
Emotion Sandscape
The Emotion Sandscape is an interactive activity that encourages children to express and discuss their emotions while engaging in sand play. To add a STEAM twist, you can include some simple physics and engineering concepts. Start by filling a large sensory tray with sand and provide children with a variety of small figurines representing different emotions. As children create scenes in the sand using these figurines, Rainbow Pebbles®, Themed Counters they can narrate stories related to each emotion, fostering their emotional intelligence. Simultaneously, you can discuss the principles of balance and gravity as they build sand structures to support the figurines, incorporating STEAM education into the play.
Collaborative Sand Sculpting
Collaborative play is an excellent way to enhance social skills and teamwork, which aligns perfectly with the goals of STEAM education. Set up a space with Edx Education's sand moulds and tools and invite children to work together to create a magnificent sand sculpture. This activity encourages communication, negotiation, and compromise as children share ideas, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal. As they collaborate, they learn to manage their emotions and solve problems, all while exploring geometry and engineering concepts in the context of building sand sculptures.
Mindful Water Pouring
Mindfulness is a powerful practice, and by incorporating some science and technology, this activity can become even more educational. Edx Education's water play resources can be used to create a calming mindfulness activity. Fill transparent containers with water and provide children with a ladle or small cup. Encourage them to pour water gently from one container to another, focusing on the sound, sensation, and movement of the water, fostering mindfulness. You can also incorporate a discussion on the principles of liquid dynamics, like how water flows and responds to different actions, adding the 'S' and 'T' from STEAM.
Sensory Storytelling
Sensory play combined with storytelling is a powerful way to engage children's imagination and express their thoughts and feelings. To make it more STEAM-focused, select a captivating story and choose relevant sensory materials. Incorporate some elements of art and creativity by having the children draw or paint pictures related to the story. This approach enhances engagement, comprehension, and emotional connection to the story while also nurturing artistic expression, bringing the 'A' into STEAM.
Nature-inspired Zen Garden
Creating a miniature zen garden with sand and natural materials provides a serene space for children to practice mindfulness and encourages artistic expression. Place a shallow tray filled with sand and add small rocks, twigs, and leaves. Encourage children to arrange these elements mindfully, creating patterns and designs that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This activity promotes relaxation, focus, and emotional well-being, with a subtle touch of art, bringing the 'A' into STEAM.
Sensory play activities offer a wealth of opportunities for children's social and emotional development, as well as mindfulness practices. Edx Education's innovative resources enhance these experiences by providing tools that engage children's senses and stimulate their cognitive and emotional growth, all while incorporating elements of STEAM.
From exploring emotions and collaborative sculpting to practising mindfulness and sensory storytelling, these activities empower children to understand and manage their emotions, work cooperatively, cultivate mindfulness, and explore STEAM concepts. By incorporating these five sensory play ideas into educational settings, parents and educators can contribute to the holistic development of children and create meaningful STEAM-based learning experiences that last a lifetime.
Visit www.shopedx.co.uk to explore the range of educational products Edx Education has to offer and kickstart your child's learning journey today!
Heather Welch, Edx Education