From Squidoo we read the following:

Sensory Learning is essentially the ability to incorporate different senses either alone or in combination to heighten and reinforce the learning process.

From Scholastic.com we learn about Maria Montessori (pioneer in matters of sensory learning):

Instead she showed them ways to develop their own skills at their own pace, a principle she called "spontaneous self-development." Her classroom had low cubbies where children could take out and put away their own supplies, child-size furniture, a garden and pets for them to care for, and assorted objects to encourage children to teach themselves.

Click here to take a tour of my own home, in which I provide numerous photos that demonstrate a child-friendly layout.

From dirt and sand to mud and water - kids love to participate in these numerous "s" activities (as I call them):

squish, squash, splash, smash, sift, stack, sort

Allowing them the freedom to explore their word gives them a chance to problem solve, ask and answer questions of their own making, challenge themselves, build self awareness and in turn...self esteem.

Getting messy and dirty needs to be a part of a child's routine; daily, if and when possible. "The world is your classroom" as they say!

Look below at the photographs: sensory learning in action:

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kid Perks and Personal Child Stories. She has a background in early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.