Young Children Learning with all Five Senses

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During the first 3 years of life, childrens' brains experience dramatic changes through the use of their five senses. The brain takes in the external world through its system of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. This means that infant social, emotional, cognitive, physical and language development are stimulated during multisensory experiences. Infants and toddlers need the opportunity to participate in a world filled with stimulating sights, sounds and people.

As a parent or childcare provider there are many things you can do to create a multi-sensory environment. Some examples are:

Use quiet and soft music to calm infants and toddlers and rhythmic music to get them excited about moving.

Create a texture book and board that includes swatches of different fabrics for infants and toddlers to feel.

Describe the foods and drinks that you serve your infants and toddlers. Use words associated with the flavor and texture, such as: "Oranges are sweet and juicy."

Remember that lighting affects alertness and responsiveness. Bright lights keep infants and toddlers alert; soft lights help infants and toddlers to calm down.

Remember to focus on the five senses as you interact with your young children. Offer them opportunities to see, hear, smell, touch and taste. When you do this you are helping your children to wire their brains.

For additional information on Early Brain Development, request Nature, Nurture and Early Brain Development GH 6115, University of Missouri Extension.

Nina Chen, ChenN@missouri.edu
Regional Specialist, Human Development
Jackson County, Missouri
University of Missouri Extension