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Sensory experience through play - research project
From early on in their lives, babies, toddlers and young children use their senses (hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste) to make sense of the world around them. We know from researchers that the sensory experiences, which the children enjoy in their environment, shape their brain and influence their development and learning. We also know that, over the years, children have fewer opportunities for play which offers sensory experiences; TV, computers and console games and the increased fears of child safety outdoors may mean that children’s sensory experiences through play have decreased.
With this in mind, in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University, (and part funded by the East of England Development Agency) we are researching children’s sensory play experiences through observations and questionnaires. A key aspect of the research is investigating children’s responses to Treasure Baskets, baskets of sensory rich natural and everyday objects that are believed to be great for brain and physical development and encouraging problem solving and creativity.
Phase One Results
An overwhelming 82% of those surveyed believe that play has changed. Reasons for this range from technological advances, more things for children to choose from, the media being influential as to what children want to play with and children having less freedom to explore outside.
The research showed that the majority of children are playing indoors, and this is considerably higher when compared to where their parents used to play. Only 24pc of the parents played indoors. With less children having the opportunity to play outdoors, they are not provided with the experience to explore the world of outdoor play which has been an integral part of parents childhoods when they have recalled their favourite memories.
Although parents recalled their favourite and memorable experiences from being outside, it seems their children have less opportunity to be apart of this. 68pc of parent’s most memorable experiences were recalled outdoors. They recalled vivid, descriptive memories of being outside in the woods, making rose petal perfume and mud pies. Such sensory experience has had a powerful influence on what parents have remembered favourably and yet it would seem that children today are missing out on this.
However those children who have been involved in sensory play and the use of treasure baskets have had a positive response. Parents and practitioners alike described the children exploring at their own pace and using their senses to investigate, “fascinating to watch his reaction to the different textures especially the smelly things.”
The research has showed that play has changed, children playing less outdoors and having less opportunity for sensory play yet the majority of childhood memories were recalled from being outside.
If you would like to participate in Phase 2 of this groundbreaking research project, please contact us
It is hoped to extend this pilot project with further detailed observations. If you would like to find out more about how you and your child/setting can be involved in phase 2 of this project please contact us at research@playtoz.co.uk.
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