Sensory integration plays a big role in the development of young children, especially in the development of babies and toddlers.
The importance of sensory activities
Because senses kick the brain and muscles into action, sensory activities strengthen not only the the body, but the brain as well.
How does it work?
Touch is the first stepping stone to your baby developing academic skills.
Cells in the skin send signals to the brain regarding texture, temperature and pain. Thus, a baby does not learn just by looking, but by touching and feeling the different signals sent by the skin.
Remembering boundaries
As a mom or caregiver, you still need to set boundaries when it comes to touching (and tasting) as a means for your baby to explore the world around him. It is important that you teach your baby from an early age the difference between touching or tasting something that is safe and something that is potentially dangerous.
Simple sensory activities
Simple games and activities can improve your baby’s sensory integration and skills. At Pienkvoet-Pret, 
we encourage our moms to boil up a pot of spaghetti for a fun sensory activity. The texture of the cooked (and cooled) spaghetti will stimulate your baby’s sense of touch, encouraging him to manipulate the strings with his fingers. The spaghetti will also encourage him to grab. By learning how to grab, your baby will be able to engage in more play – whether by himself or with you.
To introduce colour (another great way to stimulate your baby’s senses), add a dash of food colouring to the boiling pot of spaghetti. Primary colours are a great idea.
About the Author: Pienkvoet-Pret is a holistic and integrated method of fine and gross-motor education for babies and toddlers. For more information, visit www.pienkvoetpret.co.za. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pienkvoet-Pret/120438064636105?sk=timeline
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