My son, who I must admit is closer to three than two now, (cue small tear) is what a teacher or occupational therapist would call a sensory seeker. While at times he avoids certain new sounds, touching new people etc. he most often seeks out movement and other intense sensations. He doesn't just run, climb and jump. He runs into the couch, climbs up the windowsill and crashes into a six foot wide foam crash pad. Over the last 18 months, I have invested in the crash pad, a roller coaster toy, mini trampoline and even created sensory tables with kinetic sand (Get the knock off at Michael's) and shaving cream. Since most of the preschool years are dedicated to world exploration, I recommended investing some time and money into sensory play items. You can find many of these items gently used on Facebook garage sale sites as well.
Sensory exploration means different things. You can invest five minutes and bounce your child on an exercise ball while they sing their ABC's and 123's, or buy a plastic sweater box and fill it with sand, beans or rice and bury some small toys for your tot to discover. Either way, you are allowing them to get their energy out and regulate their bodies and brains.
Even if you don't want to invest the cash quite yet, items you already have will definitely help fulfill their sensory needs and often help build fine motor skills. This is especially important, because we know those hand muscles need to be developed to make for successful writing skills later on. Paint with mud or shaving cream on a picnic table or in the shower. Make homemade play dough, as helps with following two step directions, costs pennies and engages your toddler's senses of smell, sight and touch. Sometimes taste as well, Haha! Check out some of my little "seekers" favorite activities that I love as well.
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