Touching Station Summary
In this station families will catch and watch the bubbles float in the air. They will also use foam paint to draw on construction paper.
Cognitive Benefits
Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks (Educational Playcare, 2016).
Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction (Educational Playcare, 2016).
This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory (Educational Playcare, 2016).
As children manipulate objects and explore through their senses, they are developing key strategies to problem solving (Kostelyk, 2020).
Social and Emotional
Sensory play is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child (Educational Playcare, 2016).
Kids learn about the world around them and their own senses and body responses through the senses (Kostelyk, 2020).
Children who learn through play get more enjoyment out of it and thus, want to do more of it (Kostelyk, 2020).
At Home Strategies
Bubbles! Grab your hand mixer, dish soap, water and food coloring to make this foamy soap that will entrance your child. Spoon it into a tray or low plastic bowl and add plastic animals or bath toys for even more fun (Cullen, 2020).
Using ice trays from your freezer, liquid watercolor and tap water, make ice cubes and then head outside with some big sheets of white paper and watch kids use them like crayons to make their own masterpiece (Cullen, 2020).
References
Cullen, G. (2020, June 3). DIY All Day: 20 Sensory Play Ideas for Babies & Toddlers. Retrieved June 11, 2020, from https://redtri.com/ideas-for-sensory-play-with-baby/slide/4 
Educational Playcare. (2016, October 20). Why Sensory Play is Important for Development. Retrieved June 11, 2020, from https://www.educationalplaycare.com/blog/sensory-play-important-development/#:~:text=Sensory play supports language development,an anxious or frustrated child 
Kostelyk, S. (2020, February 19). The Importance of Sensory Play for Children. Retrieved June 11, 2020, from https://www.thechaosandtheclutter.com/archives/the-importance-of-sensory-play-for-children