At the age of one, children are naturally curious and eager to explore their world, and sensory activities play a key role in fostering exploration and learning. Engaging in activities that involve the five senses can help little ones draw connections between sensory experiences and language development, object identification, concentration, problem-solving, and communication. Moreover, sensory activities allow sensory-seeking kids to develop sensory modulation skills to better regulate their emotions and reactions.
As a parent, it’s crucial to use this time to bond with your child. Sensory activities presented in a fun way encourage them to interact with you for longer, which helps create stronger bonds. Here are the top 10 must-try sensory activities for 1-year-olds:
Exploring textures
Exploring textures is one of the most valuable sensory activities you can do with your 1-year-old. Inviting them to feel various fabrics, gritty bubble wrap, and smooth stones can stimulate their brain. It allows them to become familiar with items around the world.
Moreover, this activity will help create strong neural connections between motor skills and the senses. Having these ties increases your child’s ability to succeed in later milestones. These include movement, self-care tasks, and imitation. This activity also encourages language development by giving your 1-year-old a chance to use words when interacting with tactile objects and comparing new textures with something they are already familiar with. Try introducing your little one to a few textures daily and enjoy exploring them together!
Sensory bottles
Sensory bottles are a unique way to spark your 1 year old’s imagination and engage them in sensory play. These bottles provide an engaging visual element as objects move around in response to shaking or turning the bottle. Sensory bottles can also be used to teach concepts such as cause and effect, gravity, and spatial awareness.
To create these bottles, fill clean plastic containers with water, glitter, small trinkets, or other interesting items of your choice!
Sensory bins
Sensory bins are an excellent activity for children of all ages but especially for 1-year-olds! Sensory bins provide an opportunity for exploration and give kids control over their learning environment. Sensory bins can include various materials such as sand, rice, beans, and different items to create a tactile experience. These activities stimulate the senses by providing texture, sound, and sight. They are also great for inviting parent-child interaction and help foster bond-building between you and your little one!
Musical games
One-year-olds love music! Incorporate music into sensory play. Use instruments or sing songs that have movements such as clapping hands and swaying back and forth. They will also enjoy listening to music from various cultures worldwide, as it helps open their minds to new sounds and experiences. In addition to being an excellent way to improve language development, musical games also provide a great opportunity to practice gross motor skills.
Sensory walks
Going outside for a sensory walk will help your 1-year-old to explore their environment and introduce them to new sights, smells, and sounds. Sensory walks also allow you to talk about the things you see, smell, and hear, as it allows for parent-child interaction in a natural setting. Introducing kids at this age to outdoor activities will help fuel their curiosity for exploring nature and develop their language skills!
Finger painting
Finger painting is a great sensory activity that your 1-year-old will love. Taking the time to dip their fingers in paint and create an abstract work of art on paper is an excellent way to foster creativity, encourage motor skill development and develop fine-motor skills. A bonus? Finger painting is also fun to practice early writing as kids can learn how to draw simple shapes such as circles or lines.
Sensory balls
Sensory balls are a great tool for allowing your 1-year-old to explore different types of materials. Sensory balls come in all sorts of textures, shapes, and sizes, which makes them ideal for stimulating the senses. Sensory balls can also be used for practicing hand-eye coordination, developing grasps, and gaining strength through squeezing. Sensory balls are also a great way to practice counting, as kids can learn to recognize numbers by counting the number of sections on the ball!
Stuffed animals
Stuffed animals offer an excellent way for your 1-year-old to explore soft textures and gain comfort from something familiar. They help foster imaginative play and give children a sense of security when playing alone or with others. Stuffed animals can also teach feelings, emotions, pretend play, and more!
Bubble baths
Bubble baths are not only fun but they provide a great sensory opportunity for your little one! Not only do bubbles provide physical, and tactile stimulation. They can also introduce your child to new smells and help to develop their sense of touch. Bubble baths also provide an excellent way for parent-child interaction, as kids can learn how to pour and mix the different ingredients that go into making bubbles.
Bubble blowing
Create a bubble-blowing station for your 1-year-old! This activity encourages visual and tactile stimulation, as well as fine motor skills. Your little one will love watching the bubbles float away in the breeze and practice their hand-eye coordination as they try to catch them.
Bubble blowing is also an excellent way for kids to practice their breathing techniques. This can help calm down during moments of frustration or anxiety.
By incorporating sensory activities into everyday playtime, you can help your 1-year-old explore the world around them and experience new sensations. They’ll develop valuable skills they’ll be able to use in school and beyond!
At Carepointe Academy, we ensure that children experience the fun of learning by exercising their creativity and discovery through both structured and free-choice activities that allow their natural curiosities to emerge in an accepting and nurturing Christian environment. Visit our website to learn more!
