Why is Sensory Play Important?
- Gail Miles Posted On Jan 16, 2023 | Learn
Tactile fidget toys and tools are an effective way to help children calm down and focus in the classroom and at home. Gail Miles is a play specialist and teacher with extensive experience in education and working with children with special needs. In this blog post, she explores why is sensory play important, and how the sensory experience of playing with fidget toys and tools can help children.
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What is sensory play?
From birth to early childhood, children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. Young children have a physical and emotional desire to see, smell, hear, touch, and taste things that are within reach and new to them. As a child grows, the need for exploring materials continues.
Sensory play is one way that helps children to explore materials through stimulating their senses. It enhances the way in which a child reacts to their environment through visual (sight), auditory (sound), kinaesthetic (touch), olfactory (smell), and gustatory (taste) perceptions.
Why is sensory play important?
Through research, it is seen that children and even adults learn best and retain the most information when their senses are engaged. It is also crucial to brain development as it helps to stimulate the neurons in the brain to make connections and helps with development in all areas of learning.
It also leads to a child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks and supports cognitive growth, language development, motor skills, social interaction and problem solving skills. Furthermore, it allows a child to refine their limits for different sensory information and helps the brain to create stronger connections to process and respond, as well as aiding in developing and enhancing memory.
Using fidget toys and tools
Everyone fidgets in one way or another throughout the day, and there are lots of different reasons for this. A child may show their feelings and emotions through fidgeting; tapping on something, chewing their clothing, twirling their hair or sometimes through an inability to sit still. They may be feeling anxious, bored, or frustrated or for some, it can be because they are struggling to concentrate and focus.
Fidget toys are great sensory tools for children who are ‘seeking’ extra sensory input they may otherwise not be receiving from their environment. This is referred to as a ‘high threshold’ to neurological input, and as such the more input they get, the more alert and organised their minds can be. Fidget toys are used to provide the amount of sensory input needed that they require at that time, to calm and balance their nervous system or to provide the sensory input needed in a less distracting way.
How fidget toys and tools help development?
- By using a fidget toy, a child may be able to better ‘filter out’ excess sensory information in their surroundings and within their own body, which is causing them distraction, and instead encourages this sensory information to be focused on through using a fidget toy in their hands.
- Scientists have shown through research that through using these fidget toys it can increase the blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in concentration during decision-making tasks; making it feasible for a child to return to their task and pay attention after they have had this fun ‘mental break’.
- They also support children who may need to self-regulate, but they can also be used for calming or alerting, to promote focusing and attending and to increase tactile awareness of fingers/hands, as well as developing motor skills and increasing muscle development too.
- There are a variety of different fidget toys available from the way they look, to the way they feel, and the way in which they support.
- Toys within this fun tactile play kit can be used to help children manage their anxiety too. They can be used in the classroom or at home to keep little hands busy and to meet their sensory needs at that time.
- Fiddle, fidget, pop, and squish along with toys from Learning Resources. Try the classic Sensory Fidget Toy Kit for kids, the Ten-Frame Sensory Bubble Poppers which combine a bubble popper and base ten frame in one handy fidget tool, and My Feelings Rainbow Fidget and more.
About the author
Gail Miles is a Play Specialist and qualified teacher, with extensive experience in Education (specialising in Special Needs) and is a huge advocate for open-ended, play-based learning. Hoping to support parents and other professionals she shares examples of different types of play on her Instagram page (@the_playful_expert) to provide different examples for children to learn through daily. She loves to create and inspire others to be creative, which is shown in some of her Tuff tray plays through creating her own artwork for her own children to enjoy. This inspires their creativity to flow, and they use different resources in non-traditional ways to have fun with and learn! She also shares simple learning through play examples too – go check out her page now to see!
Shop Learning Resources sensory play fidget tools and toys. You’ll find fun ways to keep little hands busy and learning.
What is Social Emotional Learning? An Introduction for Parents
We all want to see our children succeed in life and reach their full potential. But did you know that academic success is just one piece of the puzzle? Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a crucial component of your child's overall development, and it's important to support it from an early age.
In this article, we'll dive deeper into what SEL is, why it's important, and most importantly, how you can support your child's SEL development at home. Whether you're a seasoned parent or a new one, there's always something new to learn about supporting your child's growth and well-being.
Explore our other social emotional learning content:
What is social and emotional learning?
What exactly is SEL? It refers to the skills and abilities that enable individuals to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. These skills are not only essential for personal wellbeing but also for academic success and future career success.
How can you as a parent support your child's SEL development? It may sound daunting, but there are simple and practical ways to do so. From modelling healthy expression of emotions to teaching problem-solving skills and encouraging gratitude, there are plenty of opportunities to incorporate SEL into your everyday interactions with your child.
Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) and SEL
Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) and SEL are closely related concepts, and while they are often used interchangeably, SEL is technically a part of PSED’s wider framework. Both PSED and SEL focus on the development of skills and competencies that are essential for success in various aspects of life. PSED’s key pillars include:
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Regulation
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-Making
PSED refers to the process of acquiring and refining the skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to navigate and thrive in social and emotional contexts. It encompasses a wide range of domains, including self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, empathy, and resilience.
SEL, on the other hand, is a more specific approach to PSED that focuses on promoting social and emotional competence through deliberate instruction and practice. It involves teaching students a set of core social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
The importance of social emotional learning in today's world
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, social and emotional learning (SEL) has become more important than ever before. With the rise of social media and technology, children are increasingly connected to the world around them, and as a result, face new and complex challenges when it comes to their emotional and social well-being.
One major reason why SEL is crucial in today's world is because it teaches children important skills that go beyond traditional academic subjects. For example, SEL can help children learn how to regulate their emotions, manage stress and communicate effectively with others.
Additionally, in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse and globalised, SEL can help children develop empathy, respect and understanding which is essential for healthy interpersonal communication and relationships.
Finally, as the world becomes more interconnected, strong social and emotional skills are becoming increasingly important for career success. Employers are looking for candidates who are able to collaborate effectively with others, manage their emotions, and communicate well. By teaching children these skills from an early age, we are setting them up for success in the future.
Overall, social and emotional learning is vital in today's world because it helps children develop the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Social emotional learning: benefits in brief
- Improved academic performance: Children who receive SEL instruction often show improvement in academic performance, particularly in areas such as reading, maths, and science.
- Building positive behaviours: SEL can help children develop self-control, manage their emotions, and make responsible decisions. These are valuable skills both at school and beyond.
- Enhanced social skills: It teaches children important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy which can help them build positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family members.
- Increased resilience: SEL can help children develop resilience, or the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. This is an important skill that can help children navigate the ups and downs of life.
- Improved mental health: It can help children manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges as well as reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders later in life.
- Enhanced career readiness: As mentioned earlier, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with strong social and emotional skills. By developing these skills through SEL, children are better prepared for success in the workforce.
The impact of social emotional learning on academic achievement
Research has found that students who participate in SEL programmes are more likely to have higher grades and test scores than those who do not. This is because SEL helps to improve students' motivation, engagement, and focus, which in turn leads to better academic performance.
SEL helps to create a positive classroom environment that supports learning. Students who feel safe, connected, and respected are more likely to be successful academically. SEL also helps to reduce behaviour problems and absenteeism, which can interfere with learning.
In the UK, SEL is gaining recognition as an essential component of education, and many schools have implemented programs to teach it to children. Parents can also support their children's SEL by encouraging and modelling positive behaviours and emotions at home.
The impact of social emotional learning on mental health
Studies show that SEL has a positive impact on the mental health of young children. When children participate in SEL programmes, they develop important social and emotional skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and positive communication. These skills help children to better understand and manage their emotions, which can improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.
SEL programmes also create a safe and supportive learning environment, which is important for the mental health of young children. When children feel safe and supported, they are more likely to feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking help when they need it. This can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, and an increase in overall mental wellbeing.
Furthermore, SEL can help children to develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. This sense of belonging and connectedness can have a positive impact on mental health, as children feel more supported and less isolated.
It is also worth noting that SEL programmes can help to prevent mental health problems from developing in the first place. By teaching children important social and emotional skills, SEL can help to build resilience and coping mechanisms, which can reduce the development of mental health problems later in life.
How is social emotional learning taught?
Teaching social emotional learning can be done in many ways, and it's an ongoing process that requires patience, practice, and consistency. Methods include:
- Starting with self-awareness
- Teaching empathy
- Promoting positive relationships
- Developing responsible decision-making skills
- Modelling positive behaviour
And there are countless ways to incorporate SEL into daily life, for example:
- Emotion identification: One important aspect of SEL is teaching children to identify and label their emotions which can be done through activities such as drawing emotion faces, playing ‘feelings charades’, or simply asking children to describe how they're feeling in different situations.
- Problem-solving: Another key aspect of SEL is teaching children how to solve problems in a responsible and respectful way. Role-playing, group brainstorming sessions, or encouraging children to come up with their own solutions to everyday problems are great ways to support this.
- Gratitude: Practising gratitude is a great way to promote SEL and positive emotions. This can include keeping a gratitude journal, creating a gratitude jar, or simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're thankful for.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for promoting SEL and reducing stress and anxiety and can be achieved through guided meditations, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment.
- Collaborative learning: SEL also emphasises the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Group projects, team-building games, or simply encouraging children to work together to solve problems or complete tasks are great activities.
Challenges in implementing social emotional learning
While social emotional learning (SEL) is important for the overall development and success of children, implementing it in the classroom can come with its own set of challenges. Problems include:
- Limited resources
- Resistance to change
- Limited understanding of SEL
- Balancing academic and SEL goals
- Adapting to diverse student needs.
- Challenges in assessing and measuring social emotional learning
- Another challenge in implementation is measurement. Assessing and measuring social emotional learning (SEL) can be challenging due to the complex and multifaceted nature of social and emotional development.
Here are some common challenges that may arise when assessing and measuring SEL:
- Subjectivity: SEL is often subjective, meaning that different individuals may interpret and evaluate social and emotional competencies differently. This can make it challenging to create standardised assessments that accurately measure SEL skills.
- Multiple dimensions: Social and emotional development encompasses multiple dimensions, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making and measuring all of them can be complex and time-consuming.
- Limited assessments: There are relatively few standardised assessments available to measure SEL skills, and some assessments may not accurately measure all dimensions of social and emotional development.
- Cultural and linguistic differences: SEL assessments may be culturally and linguistically biased, making it difficult to accurately measure the social and emotional competencies of diverse student populations.
- Limited teacher training: Teachers may not have the training or knowledge needed to accurately assess and measure SEL skills which can lead to inconsistent assessments and unreliable data.
- Resistance to change from traditional education models: While social emotional learning (SEL) has been shown to have numerous benefits for students, there may be resistance from educational institutions and parents for several reasons.
- Misunderstanding of SEL: There may be a lack of understanding about what SEL is and how it can benefit students. Some educational institutions and parents may view SEL as a ‘soft’ skill that is less important than academic achievement.
- Concerns about time and resources: Implementing SEL programmes may require additional time and resources, which can be a concern for schools and parents who are already stretched thin.
- Fear of change: Implementing SEL programming may require changes to existing curriculum and teaching practices which might be unsettling for some educators and parents.
- Belief that SEL is the sole responsibility of parents: Some parents may feel that it is their responsibility - and possibly prerogative - to teach their children social and emotional skills, not the role of teachers and the school. What do you think?
- Cultural and linguistic differences: Schools may struggle to adapt SEL programmes to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse student populations.
How parents can support social and emotional learning
Unsurprisingly, parents have an important and powerful role in successfully delivering SEL and helping their child develop. As a parent, why not try some of the following strategies:
- Prioritise SEL: Make a conscious effort to prioritise your child's social and emotional development alongside their academic success. Recognise the importance of SEL and how it can benefit your child in the long run.
- Model SEL skills: You are your child’s first and most important teacher and your own behaviour is an effective way to help your child build SEL skills. For example, you can model healthy expression of emotions by saying things like "I feel upset right now because..." and then explaining why. You can also model conflict resolution skills by calmly and respectfully resolving disagreements with your child or others.
Encourage your child's self-awareness
- Ask about feelings: Encourage your child's self-awareness by asking them about their feelings. For example, you can ask "How are you feeling today?" or "What's on your mind?"
- Help them name emotions: Help your child name and label their emotions. For example, you can say "It looks like you're feeling sad right now. Is that how you're feeling?"
- Validate feelings: Validate your child's feelings by acknowledging them and letting your child know that it's okay to feel different emotions. For example, you can say "It's okay to feel angry sometimes. Let's talk about what's bothering you."
Teach problem-solving skills
- Identify problems: Help your child identify problems by asking questions like "What seems to be the problem?" or "What's causing you to feel this way?"
- Brainstorm solutions: Brainstorm potential solutions with your child by asking questions like "What are some things we can do to solve this problem?" or "What have you tried before that worked?"
- Evaluate solutions: Help your child evaluate the potential effectiveness of each solution by asking questions like "How do you think this solution will help solve the problem?" or "What are the pros and cons of each solution?"
Foster social connections
- Encourage positive relationships: Encourage your child to build positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family members by modelling positive social behaviour, being respectful and kind to others, and helping your child navigate social situations.
- Teach social skills: Teach your child social skills, such as active listening, cooperation, and conflict resolution. For example, you can model active listening by giving your child your full attention when they speak, and then summarising what they said to show that you understood.
- Practise gratitude: Express appreciation: Encourage your child to express appreciation for the people and things in their life by asking them to name things they're grateful for or encouraging them to write thank-you notes.
- Model gratitude: Model gratitude by expressing your own appreciation and by reminding your child of things you're grateful for. For example, you can say "I'm grateful to have such a wonderful family" or "I'm grateful for the beautiful weather today."
Encourage mindfulness
- Teach mindfulness techniques: Teach your child mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help them regulate their emotions and reduce stress. You can guide them through deep breathing exercises or find kid-friendly meditation videos online.
- Model mindfulness practices: Model mindfulness practices by taking deep breaths when feeling stressed or overwhelmed. For example, you can say "Let's take a few deep breaths to help calm down" or "I like to take a few deep breaths when I feel stressed, it helps me feel better."
Overall, supporting SEL in children requires intentional effort and ongoing practice. By prioritising their child's social and emotional development, parents can help them develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
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