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5 Reasons Sensory Play is Vital for Children’s Development


At Share My Ability, we believe that play is more than just fun – it’s a way children learn about the world around them. For children, engaging the senses is the ‘fuel’ the brain needs to develop, grow, and process information. Here are five reasons sensory play is a vital part of all-abilities play and how our specialised equipment helps bridge the gap. 

 

 1. It Builds Nerve Connections in the Brain

When a child engages in a multi-sensory environment, it stimulates the pathways between neurons. The more they explore, the stronger these connections become.  

  • In Action: Our Bubble Tubes provide a mesmerising visual and tactile experience. As children watch the changing colours and feel the gentle vibration of the water, their brains are hard at work mapping out cause-and-effect and visual tracking. 

 

 2. It Supports Language Development

It might seem strange to link ‘touching’ with ‘talking,’ but sensory play is a massive driver for vocabulary. As children experience new textures, sounds, and sights, they naturally begin to use descriptive words like vibrant, rhythmic, smooth, or bubbly.  

 

 3. It Enhances Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Sensory play often involves two key internal senses: proprioception (body awareness) and the Vestibular system (balance). Developing these is crucial for everything from sitting upright in a chair to picking up a pencil. 

  • In Action: The Liberty Swing is a game-changer for sensory benefits. It allows children, including wheelchair users to experience the physical sensation of swinging – activating the vestibular system in a way that is often inaccessible in standard playgrounds. This movement helps improve spatial awareness and core stability. 

 

 4. It Provides ‘Emotional Regulation’

For many children, especially those with sensory processing sensitivities, the world can feel overwhelming. Sensory play can be incredibly calming or ‘grounding.’ Repetitive motions or soothing visual stimuli help lower cortisol levels and allow a child to find their centre. 

 

 5. It Encourages Social Interaction and Inclusion

When we design for all-abilities play, we create a space where children can interact on a level playing field. Sensory equipment often acts as a ‘social bridge,’ where children can share a common experience regardless of their physical or communicative barriers. 

 

The Science of Integration at Share My Ability

Every piece of equipment in our space is chosen with a purpose. Whether it’s the calming glow of our sensory rooms or the exhilarating movement of our inclusive swings, we are dedicated to providing the sensory input every child needs to thrive. 

 

Sensory play isn’t just fun, it’s a necessity for a developing mind – book a Play Session Today! 

 

References: 

  1. Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
    Goodstart Early Learning  
  2. Raising Children Network 
  3. Occupational Therapy Helping Children 
  4. Emerging Minds Australia 
  5. CELA (Community Early Learning Australia) 

Waiver and Release Form Share My Ability

Issued August 2021

Please read the following terms carefully. By participating in any class, activity or using any equipment provided by Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation (the Owner) you consent to, and agree to release the Owner from liability according to, these terms. Unless the Owner notifies you otherwise, this waiver and release will apply to all activities undertaken by you at Share My Ability (the premises).

You acknowledge that:

  • are over 18 years of age (if not, a parent/guardian must sign on your behalf)
  • understand that the using equipment provided by, and/or engaging in activities at, the premises is a form of physical activity and that there are inherent risks in undertaking any form of physical exercise
  • have disclosed, or will disclose to the Owner prior to commencing your session, any pre-existing conditions that may place you at a higher risk of injury or inhibit your ability to participate in certain activities or using certain equipment, this includes, but is not limited to:
    • injuries, pain or recent surgery
    • pregnancy or if you have recently given birth
    • respiratory or heart conditions or high blood pressure
    • physical condition or lack of mobility which may prevent safe use of the equipment
  • agree to notify the Owner and its Representatives (staff members) if you experience any pain throughout the session and will immediately stop participating in the session if requested by the Owner or its representatives
  • acknowledge that, based on information you provide, the Owner may decide not to allow you to participate in a session or activity, or use a certain piece of equipment, or may require you to provide a medical certificate affirming that you are able to participate in a session or activity or use a certain piece of equipment before allowing you to join, at the Owner’s sole discretion
  • acknowledge that recommendations or instruction provided by the Owner or Representatives may not be tailored for your particular skill or ability level and it is your responsibility to assess whether you are able or want to participate in all or part of a session or activity
  • acknowledge you are solely responsible for ensuring that your physical environment is suitable for your participation in any session or activity; and
  • agree that sessions may be recorded by the Owner for quality control or promotional purposes. If you do not consent to the Owner using video or still images taken during the session for promotional purposes, please notify the Owner in writing.

 

To the extent permitted at law, you release and hold the Owner (and where applicable its, directors, employees and representatives) harmless from any liability, cost, expense, damages or claims (including claims of negligence) arising from or which may be suffered or incurred in connection with your participation in any sessions or activities provided by the Owner.