A high-quality early childhood classroom is rich with opportunities for children to engage their five senses, especially touch. Research shows that when babies and young children explore through tactile experiences, they build vital brain connections, strengthen fine motor skills, and support emotional and cognitive growth.
Sensory play is often described as “food for the brain.” When children squeeze playdough between their fingers, dip their hands in paint, or pour rice between containers, they’re doing more than playing; they’re activating neural pathways. Tactile play fosters cognitive growth, encouraging children to ask questions, test ideas, and solve problems, such as how to transfer water from one container to another without spilling. These tasks build focus, persistence, and independent thinking.
Tactile sensory activities engage two often-overlooked sensory systems: proprioception (body awareness) and the vestibular system (balance and movement). These systems help children understand how their bodies move through space, apply force appropriately, and stay balanced, all foundational skills for physical confidence and classroom participation.
Hands-on experiences like mixing slime, using simple tools and exploring textured materials strengthen small muscle groups and fine motor coordination. These simple, enjoyable activities prepare children for later skills like writing, measuring and self-care.
Research from Clemson University (Raven & Wenner, 2023) found that science-based sensory play, such as handling snow, clay, or ice, nurtures curiosity, language development, and physical exploration. As children describe what they feel, they enrich their vocabulary and gain tools to express emotions and needs.
In a 2024 study by the University of Hong Kong (Fan, Chong, Li et al.), researchers found that incorporating multi-sensory materials alongside traditional toys in preschool classrooms increased engagement and learning outcomes.
As with all components of the Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten curriculum, educators follow the research to enrich our ever-evolving learning environments. In every classroom at LPP, a creative and engaging sensory bin invites students to explore and interact with new materials daily.
Whether children are finger-painting with shaving cream, exploring bins filled with beans, or measuring ingredients for play-dough, these sensory-rich activities build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, one squishy handful at a time.
