As children in Olney communities begin to explore the world around them, they engage in a myriad of experiences that shape their cognitive, physical, and emotional development. One crucial aspect of early childhood development is sensory play. Attending preschool in Olney, MD exposes them to this type of play. It involves engaging the senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste—in various activities that stimulate a child’s curiosity and foster holistic growth. Sensory play is not just a source of entertainment; it is an essential tool that contributes to the overall well-being of preschoolers. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of sensory play, its benefits, and highlight strategies and examples to introduce preschool kids to the world of sensory experiences.
Kids attending preschool in Olney benefit from sensory play activities in various ways. Sensory play refers to any activity that stimulates the five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Preschool programs encourage children to use their senses to explore, create, and discover new things.
Sensory play can involve materials of varying textures, temperatures, and consistencies, as well as opportunities for movement and exploration. In essence, sensory play emerges as a cornerstone of preschooler development, touching every facet of their growth.
By engaging in sensory play in preschool programs, children embark on a holistic journey that nurtures their cognitive abilities, hones their motor skills, enriches their language development, fosters creativity, strengthens social skills, and supports emotional well-being. It lays the groundwork for a well-rounded, successful future, including:
Given that sensory play holds such importance in the lives of preschool-age children, it’s important to strategize and introduce them (the kids) to it. Simply presenting kids with a variety of toys and play materials doesn’t constitute a workable sensory play strategy. Here are some tips and techniques that parents may use to help their children engage in sensory play:
Through engaging their senses, preschool kids not only learn about the world around them but also develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills. By incorporating a variety of strategies and activities that stimulate different senses, caregivers and educators can provide a rich and stimulating environment for preschoolers to thrive. Sensory play is more than just fun—it’s a fundamental building block for holistic development in the early years.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.