As a mama of two toddlers (one with more sensory irregularities) I am the first to admit: we can't do it alone.
There are many ways to navigate sensory regulation at home (that's for another article) but for now, I’d like to address the caregivers who enter our space and are bursting at the seams with some of the same questions:
- “Is filling a sensory bin with messy noodles considered sensory play?”
- “Well, yes it is...my toddler loves it”
- “Can you tell me more about what therapeutic sensory play does for my child?”
- “YES, I CAN, come on in!”
Welcome! Our unique space is created to elicit physical, emotional, and social response- while allowing your children to be free as a bird. The experience of sensory activity promotes learning and exploration. It is scientifically proven to effect these parts of the human brain and nervous system:
- Vestibular System: AKA “The Human Balance System”- signals to the brain about motion, equilibrium and spatial orientation. If both sides of the vestibular system are functioning properly, they send symmetrical impulses to the brain for a proper reaction.
- Proprioceptive: Information from the muscles, joints, and skin involves sensory receptors that are sensitive to stretch and pressure.
- Vision: The rods and cones in the eyes alert the brain of what we see.
All THREE of these components work together-if one is off, it can throw the other areas for a loop. We see this in children with sensory regulation disorders, autism, & ADHD. We also see an imbalance in the natural development of infants and toddlers as they learn and grow more self-aware.
Many of us adults have sensory irregularities or sensory anxiety. With repetition in the proper environment, it becomes easier for impulses to travel along that nerve pathway and that’s when we see automatic movements/reactions take flight. The use of sensory play enhances:
- Critical Thinking Skills: Working to problem solve. Creating new neural pathways that are actually GROWING the prefrontal cortex of the brain-- the part of your brain responsible for memory and decision making!
- Social Development: As children bump into those around them, they will be given the opportunity to feel empathy. Or if someone gets in front of them in line for the slide, they may learn how to stand up for themselves.
- Gross & Fine Motor Skills: Gross (large muscle movements- saucer swinging, pulling themselves up the roller slide, running, crawling) & fine motor skills (Small muscle movements- weaving, legos, pouring).
- Emotional Development: Our space is often used for role playing scenarios. A visit to our vet station with your furry friend, helps kiddos prepare for when their furry friend really needs a checkup. It may look like regular ol’ playing to you, but below the surface the brain and spinal cord are ‘singing praises’ by creating nerve connections (motor & sensory) that will be beneficial for a lifetime.
At Spirited Sprout, we have created a safe space for this type of exploration and with that it is important to understand that each piece of equipment, including its height, texture, function, and color, was selected with a purpose.
Please note - Therapeutic Sensory Play is not to be confused with Sensory Integration Therapy. SI Therapy should be administered by an occupational therapist.
Jillian F. Pediatric OT with Milestone Therapy says “there is nothing more refreshing than visiting and treating at Spirited Sprout. It offers a multi sensory approach that allows for engagement, regulation and the power of free choice play. Having Spirited Sprout as a resource in the community is a step forward for sensory based play and is a true asset to the children and families who use it.”
So, BACK to your first question about the squishy noodles in a bin: If your child loves that activity, they will love Spirited Sprout. If your child is repulsed by the squish between their fingers, they too, will love Spirited Sprout.
A way to play, for EVERY little Spirited Sprout!
Spirited Sprout is located at 136 WAXHAW PARKWAY, SUITE D in WAXHAW, NC 28173. You can book your reservation to play HERE
