Children learn through movement.  Children in any setting need to have the opportunity to move in order to develop fully.  Complex learning is improved when a child is in a sensory enriched environment meaning all sensory systems are stimulated through play and activities.  See our link on sensory integration for information on sensory systems.  It has been researched and is also seen in orphanage settings the result of an environment that has been deprived of sensory stimulation.  Children have low response time, delayed motor skills, decreased strength, less desire to play or interact, Failure to Thrive and lower cognition levels. 

Children need the opportunity to run, jump, climb, roll, swing and play.  Children in sensory enriched environments tend to be healthier, do well in school and have the coordination and agility to participate and do well in organized sports. 

A sensory enriched environment includes:

Movement activities (running, climbing, jumping, playing ball, tumbling)

Movement through music (learning through movement increases body awareness, the ability to follow directions, timing and sequencing).

Tactile activities (hands on with different textures as children learn through feeling) 

• Writing in shaving cream, pudding, yogurt

• Imaginative play through dress up (various textured hats, play mustaches, gloves, funny socks, large heavy shoes)

Heavy work activities (develops the child’s ability to grade pressure and is also useful to calm hyperactive or aggressive children) 

• Have child run errands for teacher. 

• Have child carry items in a milk crate or box that are weighted but not too heavy for the child.

• Push on walls or door in game play (let’s push the walls down today!

• Have children sit back to back and try to push the other out of the circle.

• Wheelbarrow walk, animal walk games.

• Roll child in large bean bag and apply pressure (Pretend play that the child is going to be a burrito or taco).

Down time:  We all need time to unwind and slow down allowing our bodies to calm down.  Implementation of the following activities into the child’s environment allows the child time to calm down and allows the brain to reorganize if over stimulated.

• Create a small area where there is little noise and the lighting is low. An example is to have a kid tent with pillows where the child can go if overstimulated.

• Provide headphones to listen to soft music. Headphones may also be used if the child is easily distracted by noises in the classroom.

Nutrition:  To develop fully, children need to develop healthy eating habits at a young age.  Provide opportunity for children to make healthy snacks and learn about their bodies.  Limit fruit juices, candy, sodas and chips.  Provide fresh fruits and vegetables.