Play to Learn

    Recall a joy-filled moment in your childhood. Use the first memory that comes to mind. Chances are you recalled a sensory-rich experience with someone you loved. Perhaps playing on a beach, running through a sprinkler, swinging on a swing set or sledding on a snowy day. You probably did not recall looking at flashcards, watching television or printing the alphabet. 

    Lisa Winter, Lee’s Summit School District certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), agrees. “I remember my grandpa bouncing me on his knee. There were no TVs or expensive toys, just a lot of eye contact and laughter. Your imagination is priceless,” she says. 

    A. Jean Ayers, occupational therapist and founder of the sensory integration theory, explains that the tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems make the foundation upon which other sensory processing, motor and self-help skills plus behavior and academic learning are built. Parents of young children can lay a strong foundation for learning by engaging their children in play-based, sensory-rich activities.

Tactile Activities

The tactile system is activated when our skin comes into contact with stimuli. Some beneficial tactile experiences are:

• Sand boxes

• Mud puddles

• Running through a sprinkler

• Finger or pudding painting

• Shaving cream

• Playing or drawing in corn meal

• Play dough or Moon Sand

• Tubs of uncooked beans, rice or pasta

Vestibular Activities

Receptors for the vestibular system are in our inner ear and activated by movement. We use the vestibular system to understand where our body is in space and maintain our balance. Vestibular activities include:

• Swinging

• Sliding

• Running

• Dancing

• Gliding on a scooter

• Sledding

• Somersaults

• Rocking in a rocking chair

• Hanging upside down

Proprioceptive Activities

The receptors for the proprioceptive system are in our muscles and joints. We use this system to plan our movements subconsciously. Some examples of proprioceptive activities are:

• Swinging on monkey bars

• Hanging on rings

• Jumping on a trampoline

• Climbing a tree or ladder

• Rough and tumble play

• Deep tickles

• Playing in a ball pit

• Crawling through a tunnel

• Crab and bear walks 

    When the basic sensory systems receive input, the brain is alerted and children are better able to attend and recall information later. Pairing early academic activities with tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive input can improve a child’s ability to learn and retain information. For example, children may practice drawing shapes in various tactile media such as corn meal, shaving cream or wet sand. They may memorize the alphabet while singing and dancing or jump on a trampoline while learning letter sounds. 

    Most children are naturally drawn to sensory-rich experiences. Your child may have an uncanny ability to turn most experiences into sensory play. 

    Deanna Thorne, a Lee’s Summit School District occupational therapist, says, “Play is an ‘occupation’ or meaningful and purposeful activity our profession truly values, and we OT's always say play is how children learn.” 

    Help your child expand their sensory play by providing opportunities for the activities listed above. Have fun, and know that you are deepening your bond with your child while building a strong foundation for learning.

Trisha Morris lives is an occupational therapist living in Raymore, Mo with her husband and two daughters.