Self-awareness is your awareness of the world, which you experience through the five senses (sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell). Pay attention to your sensory impressions and be aware of those five ways that the world comes to you.
Deepak Chopra, Indian-born American author and alternative-medicine advocate.
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Hello,
I wish today to recommend about Sensory Toys for toddlers!
Recent child development research suggests sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which helps the brain develop. These experiences are basically food for the brain. They lead to more complex learning tasks, so that children are able to do more complex learning,” according to EduGuide, a nonprofit whose mission is to boost student achievement.
Since I learned myself the NDFA approach that basically uses our senses to help with hyper or hypo sensitivity, I am a strong believer in sensory toys for toddlers. Lots of people think those are just toys with a twist but I think they actually help the development of young brains.
We interact with our world through our senses. Sensory play, using our children five senses: touch, hearing, sight, taste, and smell, helps in their development. Sensory toys have a great influence on the learning, experiences and brain development and that I fully understand after a year of studying anatomy as well as the process of learning and growth.
Here are 5 reasons why sensory play is beneficial:
- builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
- supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.
- aids in developing and enhancing memory
- great for calming an anxious or frustrated child
- helps children learn sensory attributes like hot, cold, sticky, dry, sweet, salty, bitter…
Sensory toys are specially curated toys for children and aim to engage their attention, physically & cognitively. These elements have bright colors and unique sounds that will engage more than one sense at a time.
Sensory toys for toddlers have two main factors that make them so amazing:
The first one is stimulation; they stimulate your children’s brains.
Second is cognitive development, playing with them sharpens other skills that your children may require for growing up.
Each sensory toy is for toddler designed to focus on:
- Sight: Quirky designs curated with bright colors, contrasting tones and other ways to promote visual engagement.
- Touch: Unique materials create an interesting feel that makes a child curious
- Sounds: Bells whistles, chimes and other auditory means to grasp the attention
- Smell: aromas that are soothing and evoke curiosity
- Taste: Safe materials that give pleasing taste or an interesting flavor.
There is a wide variety of sensory toys for toddlers in the market today that can accelerate your child’s brain development.
Sensory toys do more than just stimulate a baby’s developing senses; they sharpen some developmental skills and enhance fine and gross motor skills. Together with these toys, a child can explore the world in a way that’s fun and rewarding!
I am happy to share here my 15 favorite sensory toys for toddlers and children that will make playtime more fun while you know you are helping brain development!
2- Kinetic Sand:
This is super squishy and easily moldable sand, which will help your little ones channel their creativity and create stunning pieces of work.
3- Follow Your Nose Bingo Game for Age 4+
I actually have this one at home. Beautifully done and the smells stay for years!!
4- My Little Cabbage: Memory and Tactile Game with Finger Puppets
I have this one to and know it personally. Beautiful 3 games in 1!! puppets to hide, play with colors, match tactile cards!
5- It’s Alive Slime Lab for 8+ y. old
Another one we tried here. All kids love slime so lets make it interesting!
6- Stretchy String Fidget:
This is a great toy that presents visual and tactile stimuli. Their wriggly fun nature makes them a favorite.
9- Set of 5 Tactile Discs
Top company as far as tactile products. I love it as it works on the feet and not only through our hands!
11- Sandwich Mix Up- Speedy Tactile Shape Recognition Game for Ages 4 -10 Years
Another game i know personally as well as the beautiful sisters behind this company! You have to be quick and guess thanks to your touching sense, match the sandwiches! Works on tactile feel and rapidity!
12- Water Beads Rainbow Mix
This is fun to grow! fun to watch, fun to feel, but less fun to clean! best to let them dry so they get small again!
13- Busy Board for Toddlers:
Equipped with puzzles, numbers, and other activities for the brain, this toy will sharpen your child’s cognitive skills while keeping them engaged.
These are just great ideas! Now I know what else to give my son! Thank you so much!