Little Hands, Big Discoveries: The Importance of Sensory Play
We've been busy making some changes at Tots Are Us recently, and one of the things we're really excited about is our newly rearranged baby room, complete with its very own sensory corner!
We wanted to create a lovely space where our youngest children can explore, discover and experience the world around them through their senses. Somewhere they can investigate different textures, colours, sounds and materials at their own pace, following their natural curiosity.
Sensory play is something we're really passionate about at Tots Are Us, and while it might sometimes look like children are simply making a mess or playing with everyday objects, there is actually so much learning happening behind the scenes.
From the moment babies are born, they're learning about the world through their senses. They explore by looking, listening, touching, moving and, quite often, putting things in their mouths! These early experiences help them begin to understand their surroundings and develop important skills that will support their learning as they grow.
Something as simple as feeling a soft piece of fabric, listening to the sound of a wooden spoon tapping a pan or watching bubbles float through the air can spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
Sensory play also supports children's physical development as they reach, grasp, squeeze and manipulate different objects. It encourages communication and language as we introduce words such as soft, rough, smooth, cold, squishy and crunchy, and it can provide wonderful opportunities for children to concentrate, problem-solve and explore independently.
One of the things I particularly love about sensory play is that you don't need expensive toys or specialist equipment to create fantastic learning opportunities at home. Young children are naturally curious, and sometimes the simplest experiences can capture their attention the most.
For older toddlers, homemade playdough is a lovely way to encourage sensory exploration. Squashing, rolling, squeezing and pressing the dough helps strengthen little hands while encouraging creativity and imagination. It's also something you can easily make together at home, turning the preparation into part of the fun!
Why not try making your own playdough?
It's really easy, inexpensive and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen!
You'll need:
2 cups of plain flour
½ cup of table salt
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
Approximately 1–1½ cups of warm water
A few drops of food colouring (optional)
How to make it:
Mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar together in a large bowl.
Add the vegetable oil and food colouring.
Gradually add the warm water, mixing until the ingredients come together to form a soft dough. You may not need all the water.
Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough until it's smooth. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
Let your little one explore! Add rolling pins, large cutters or other suitable utensils and see what they create.
Store your playdough in an airtight container in the fridge and discard it if it becomes discoloured, develops an unusual smell or shows signs of mould.
A little safety reminder: Homemade playdough contains a high amount of salt and is not safe to eat. It is best suited to children who understand not to put it in their mouths, with close adult supervision throughout. Avoid it for babies and children who are still likely to taste or eat the dough.
Of course, sensory play doesn't always need to be a planned activity. Children experience the world through their senses throughout the day, and giving them time to explore, investigate and discover things for themselves is incredibly valuable.
At Tots Are Us, we believe that children learn best when they're given opportunities to explore, experiment and follow their own interests. Our new sensory corner is another way we're creating an environment that encourages exactly that.
We're really looking forward to watching our youngest children enjoy their new space, make discoveries and develop their confidence through play.
And if you're looking for a nurturing nursery in Seaton Burn, North Tyneside, where children's curiosity, individual development and learning through play are at the heart of what we do, we'd love to welcome you to Tots Are Us. Please get in touch to find out more about our childcare places or arrange a visit to see our setting for yourself 💛
Written by Claire Maskey for Tots Are Us 9th November 2026. Ofsted registered.
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