SENSES – The Foundation of Learning!

The world is a fascinating place to learn. To make sense of it, we need to engage with it as much as possible, using as many senses as we can. All seven senses—sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste, the sense of balance, and proprioception (also called kinesthesia)—are the starting point of every form of learning.

So how does it work? It’s all about SENSORY INTEGRATION!

The senses collect raw information from our environment and send it to the brain. The brain must analyze and organize this, recall and compare it with earlier experiences and memories, and then send the final message back to the body to create the right response.

Sensory integration promotes the overall development of children. That’s why it is absolutely crucial to expose them to a sensory-rich diet with a variety of experiences, to provide the stimulation that the brain is craving! GO MULTISENSORY!

Finding the balance

With all the information being provided, the brain has to work hard to maintain a balance between too much and too little. This is when you can observe children’s preferences and behavior patterns—when the brain asks for more or less of a certain type of stimulation or experiences. In other words, sensory integration is one of the hinges in the formation of individuality.

How can we best support this?

• Follow the child’s lead.
• Be open to different ways of discovering.
• Let’s be sensory explorers.
• Let children find the learning instead of placing the learning right in front of them.

The Little Gym Haarlem is a place where multisensory stimulation is guaranteed. Every time your little one enters our gym, it’s a magical experience of bright colors, guiding music, countless different textures, shapes, materials, and learning new ways of moving.

Until we’re back on September 4, you can do sensory activities at home. Here are 25 sensory activities you can do at home with your child (in English).

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