Are there 5 or 7 Sensory Skills?
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Allow MamaBerry To Unravel It for You..
Bathing time isn't just about getting clean; it's an entire sensory adventure waiting to unfold for your baby or young child! Ever noticed how babies love the sensation of water on their skin or how kids invent endless games during bath time? It’s all connected to sensory skills development. In this post, we'll dive deep into how the simple act of taking a shower can be a sensory playground for your little ones, and which toys can amplify these benefits.
1. Tactile Sensing: The World of Touch
Every droplet of water that hits the skin sends a myriad of sensations. Warm water can relax the muscles, cold can invigorate and alert the senses, and the combined flow offers a gentle massage. This is tactile sensing in action.
Toy Tip: Sponge animals are perfect! When dry, they’re hard, but once they soak up water, they become squishy. Babies can squeeze them, feel the water ooze out, and even learn about absorption!
2. Temperature Awareness
Understanding the difference between warm and cold is a fundamental sensory skill. Warm water can be comforting, while brief exposure to cooler water (under safe supervision) can be refreshing and invigorating.
Toy Tip: Color-changing bath toys that respond to different water temperatures can be both fun and educational.
3. Proprioception: Body Awareness
Showers help kids understand water pressure, allowing them to feel the force of water on different parts of their bodies. This helps in developing an understanding of their body parts and their relation to the space around them.
Toy Tip: Squirt toys are excellent tools. They can fill up with water, and kids can learn to control the force with which they squirt, honing motor skills and understanding cause and effect.
4. Auditory: Sound Revelations
The sound of running water, the splash when it hits the tub, or the giggles and squeals all contribute to auditory sensory development.
Toy Tip: Water drums or bath flutes can create music in the shower, teaching kids about tones, rhythms, and melodies.
5. Visual Skills: Color & Motion
Watching water cascade, bubble, and swirl around can be mesmerizing for little eyes. This strengthens visual tracking skills.
Toy Tip: Floating bath toys or toys with spinners can make the water's motion more evident. Colorful toys that bob around can also keep those little eyes tracking movement.
6. Olfactory Sensing: Scented Adventures
Although this might be more relevant during bubble baths, the smell of fresh water, soaps, or bath bombs can introduce a variety of scents, stimulating the olfactory senses.
Toy Tip: Scented rubber duckies or bath toys made from materials that can absorb child-safe essential oils can offer a gentle introduction to new smells.
7. Vestibular Skill: Balancing Acts
Sitting upright, leaning forward to grab a toy, or standing under a shower (with supervision) can help improve a child’s balance and coordination.
Toy Tip: Bath boats can be great. As they wobble and float, kids can learn about balance and motion.
Conclusion:
While showers and bath time are essential for hygiene, they offer so much more when seen from a sensory perspective. The next time your child dives into the tub, remember that it's not just about cleaning off the day's dirt; it's about diving deep into a sensory exploration. And with the right toys, you can ensure that this exploration is both fun and beneficial for your child's overall development. So, let's make a splash in the world of sensory learning!
