7 Elements of Play & How They Impact Learning in the Classroom
Element #7: Sensory Development

by Deborah Stevens-Smith View Bio & Jami Murdock View Bio

Deborah Stevens-Smith

Dr Deborah Smith has taught at Clemson University for 28 years in the College of Education. She teaches elementary physical education methods to preservice teachers with a focus on enhancing play in the classroom. Dr. Smith is a professor in the College of Education at Clemson University, Clemson, SC. She can be reached at stevens@clemson.edu.

Jami Murdock

Jami Murdock has been an early childhood educator for over 25 years with a focus on using play to prepare children for upcoming educational experiences. She operated an “in home” daycare center for 13 years and has been teaching preschool for the past 12 years. She has experience working with children on the autism spectrum and sensory processing dysfunction. Jami presents on “How Important are Playground Activities to a Child’s Success in the Classroom.” Her passion is her family and her work with children. She can be reached at jamimurdock@yahoo.com. Visit www.abcreative.net for more information on the author's work

In order to achieve efficient brain development, the integration of movement and sensory experiences during the early developing years is necessary . The seventh and final element of play discusses how sensory experiences through play can stimulate excitement, calmness, and alertness that contribute back to the classroom learning environment.

"Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning." – Mr. Rogers

Playgrounds provide a variety of sensory experiences for children as they learn to order and adjust their senses as they move. The different textures present on the playground from the sand to the smooth metal on the slides, to the feel of the grass, provides a smorgasbord of sensory experiences.

WHAT IS A SENSORY EXPERIENCE

The definition of sensory experiences is an object or action that encourages children to use one or more of the senses – sight , sound, smell, touch, taste, balance, and movement.

BENEFITS ON THE PLAYGROUND:

1. Children rely on sensory input to learn about the environment; it also builds neural connections that support thought, learning, and creativity.
2. Sensory experiences support tactical learning. Touch activities require the use of muscles while jumping on a trampoline, crab walking, running a three-legged race or obstacle course, playing leapfrog or hopscotch, tossing and catching games, and tug of war.
3. It also helps to develop a child's auditory system.
4. Visual processing skills help children move their eyes in a specific direction, developing eye fitness for reading and tracking skills. This aids in differentiating between object size and similarities. It also aids in interpreting and understanding visual cues like catching a moving object or tracking a ball in flight.

BENEFITS IN THE CLASSROOM:

1. In short, sensory stimulation, builds neural connections in the brain, supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving and social interaction skills, enhances memory, calms an anxious or frustrated child, helps child learn sensory attributes, and learning through experience!
2. Tactile development is important because it helps children determine cold, wet, hot, sharp, etc.
3. Developing the visual and auditory system is crucial for learning. The normal classroom has tons of sensory stimulation that includes the sound of children talking, the teacher giving instructions, the walls filled with papers, colors, and decorations in the room, music, and movement.

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