Sensory Systems and Learning – Toys for Preschool Kids (2024)
Activating the sensory systems is important for learning in preschool children. Play is the work of the child. So many learning skills develop during play. Preschoolers need a variety of play activities that give them large amounts of sensory information.
My favorite part of being an occupational therapist is helping adults find appropriate activities for children to foster their brain development. The sensory systems are the foundation for a child’s development.
The Sensory Pyramid of Learning is a great visual to share how a balance of sensory activities helps preschoolers develop sensory motor and perceptual motor skills. The sensory systems are at the base of the pyramid, showing how these important sensory systems are are a strong foundation for learning.
I have spent most of my occupational therapy career educating adults on the sensory systems and learning.
It’s so important to provide kids with a variety of sensory activities for all of the sensory systems through play and daily activities. Preschoolers learn best through sensory experiences!
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose what’s best. I’m here to help you!
Below are occupational therapy sensory systems and learning toys and activities. [Important Note: you will not find techy or many battery operated toys, they’re not good for growing brains!]
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Occupational Therapy Sensory Systems and Learning: Vestibular Input (Movement) and Proprioceptive Input (Muscle and Body) Toys for Preschoolers
Preschool children need movement input for their vestibular system to activate the movement canals in the inner ear. Movement activities help them process sensory input from all of the other systems and has a huge impact on sensory development.
Movement activities increases alertness, focus, and attention in preschoolers. It helps give their bodies information about position in space and helps with their sense of balance. Movement increases muscle tone and bone density.
Activities that stimulate the vestibular system also improve the control of the eye muscles (ocular motor control.)
Proprioceptive system activities for preschoolers gives important sensory input to the muscles and joints. These simple everyday activities
such as heavy work, joint compression, and deep pressure activities improve the sense of body awareness in preschoolers. This in turn also helps with motor control and motor planning during gross motor and fine motor tasks.
Proprioceptive activities have a powerful calming effect on the central nervous system. This organizing input improves sensory regulation and increases focus and attention.
In addition, movement and physical activities for preschoolers enhance emotional well being and they make learning fun!
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Occupational Therapy Sensory Systems and Learning: Tactile System Toys for Preschoolers
The skin is the largest organ in the body. Preschool children benefit from whole body tactile input as as well as tactile input for the hands.
Children’s tactile receptors in the hands receive tons of sensory input, considering their small size compared to the rest of the body.
Using hands on activities and the sense of touch significantly helps with learning in preschoolers.
For more sensory toys for the hands, as well as hand strengthening and hand skill development toys, check out 93 Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills. Find toys and activities such as Squigz, stringing bead sets, an easel, and lacing & tracing activities that also support visual development.
Occupational Therapy Sensory Systems and Learning: Visual System Toys and Games for Preschoolers
Preschool children should have strict limits on screen use. Please make sure you are doing your part to offer Screen Time Alternatives to Support Development. Screens give too much input for a child’s brain
.
Visual activities help support visual skills, visual perceptual skills, and hand-eye coordination needed for reading readiness and for Pre-Writing Skills.
For more visual motor occupational therapy activities for preschoolers, check out:
- Improve Scissor Skills (With Worksheets for Cutting Practice)
- Super Simple Fine Motor Activity With Construction Paper
- 33 Sensory Preschool and Kindergarten Writing Activities
- Dexterity in the Hands: 43 In-Hand Manipulation Activities & Games to Improve Handwriting
Occupational Therapy Sensory Systems and Learning: Auditory System (Hearing) Toys and Games for Preschoolers
Preschoolers hear from sound waves that travel through the auditory system. They also need to makes sense of and process sounds and sound sequences.
Fun auditory games and activities can be a part of everyday tasks during play and learning.
In addition to these ideas, audiobooks and audio stories can be found on Amazon’s Audible Plus. You can start with a free trial or membership.
The post, Simple Auditory Activities to Improve Learning and Reading, also shares some more games and activities to help preschoolers process auditory input.
Additional Toys and Games for Preschoolers
I hope you enjoyed the occupational therapy recommendations for your children.
There are so many different ways to help a child’s sensory system develop optimally. Sensory opportunities are available each day for preschool children.
For more information to help young children develop, check out:
- Best Educational Toys and Games for Kids 5-10+ – toys and games are categorized under different skill areas. (Visual skills, auditory skills, strategy, and motor.)
- 81 Outdoor Games and Sensory Activities for Kids – find gross motor and movement activities for indoor or outdoor recess or for at home. The post includes easy DIY games, movement games, and gross motor coordination games.
- Art Project & Crafts for Kids – A Great Way to Support Learning and Development – this post shares fun and important arts and crafts for kids. There are so many great indoor, quiet, mindful ideas… be sure to check them out!
- How to Improve Reading with 15+ Visual Skills Activities – more visual activities and games… they’re so important for learning!
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