Page 9 - LESSION 10.pmd

Care of Children in Early Years

that appears playful. Initially, they use their body as they throw their arms and
legs to make demands. They begin to make sense of the world around them as
they grow through the exploration of new textures, materials and resources. Notes
Sensory play encourages discovery and independent thinking, as well as inspiring
imagination and creativity. Research shows that sensory play can benefit children’s
development and learning.

• Brain development emerges from engaging in sensory play that influences
learning, memory and ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
• Language development is also rooted in play, helping children learn new
ways of talking about the world. New experiences, objects, listening to songs
and jingles encourages language development and skill to communicate
effectively with others whilst playing.
• Fine and gross motor skills are enhanced as children identify objects by
touch during tactile sensory play, which helps them develop their fine and
gross motor skills such as squeezing, pulling, pushing and throwing.
• Cognitive growth is supported by sensory play enhancing their thought
process, understanding and reasoning. Manipulating new materials allows
understanding of new concepts.
• Social interaction is fostered by group activities. A positive sensory play
environment encourages children to interact and work with others effectively,
which is essential for their development. They begin to share their ideas
and build new relationships. Sand or water play or painting together are
popular ways of encouraging social interaction as children sit around and
mess with materials.
• Active sensory play helps children become more self-aware and body-aware,
which helps them develop a better sense of space around them.

10.4.5 Rhythms and Caregiving

Routines are important because they give children a sense of security and control
over their environment. Routines allow children to be emotionally prepared for
changes that are to come. They protect children from unexpected changes as
familiar schedules or routines or familiar objects bring in a sense of continuity
and permanence and soothe children in times of change. Babies do not understand
morning or evening but it is through caregiving practices that they learn about
time, sequencing and permanence. Elders in the family often make comments
that sound astounding and unbelievable such as, “This baby cries in the evening
if the father is late from work” or tell the mother, “Better come by 4 pm. After
that, your child gets restless.” Such comments are from mere observations and
leave you wondering about the capacity of baby, barely four months or six months
old, to function in real time. It is the biological clock and rhythms that cause
children distress if there is too much change in their routines. Familiar objects
and careful following of care routines help children develop stable emotions and

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 9