Welcome back for day 5 of simple sensory play with ice! So far we have shared a tactile ice bin , vestibular ice toss, a scented ice lab and a ice relay game. Today we will share Auditory play ideas you can try today! Sensory play is such an important part of early childhood. Not only can it be vital in speech, language, and cognitive development, it also plays a key role in helping children organize their world and allows them to integrate the input to develop a healthy sensory system. That is why I am excited to part of the Sensory Play Blog Hop, hosted by my new favorite blog, Sensory Activities for Kids. My goal is to bring you simple sensory play by using the same material throughout the whole series. One material for 7 activities engaging 7 sensory systems.
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Sensory System
Auditory
Benefits of Auditory Sensory Play
The Auditory Sense is responsible for a child’s sense of hearing. Not only does this sense directly relate to a child’s ability to hear but also to their ability to process the information they are receiving. It allows us to distinguish differences in sounds (soft to loud), tune out background/ environmental noises, and decipher specifics in the sounds we hear. Auditory input is directly related to a child’s ability to attend and focus and understand what they are being told.
Auditory play provides an opportunity for a child to learn variations in volume, recognize specific sounds and attend to specific input while other noises are surrounding them.
Auditory play is the foundation for tasks such as following multiple step directions, distinguishing letter sounds, parts of words, and later reading and writing development.
Materials Needed for this Simple Sensory Play
Ice
Recycled Materials {cans, carpet squares, lids, plastic containers, bottles, etc}
Optional Materials:
Tongs
Scoops
Instructions for this Simple Auditory Sensory Play
Setup for this play idea is simple and easy. I set up all of the materials on a bin outside on our deck and pushed it into a corner. The boys immediately called it a “sound lab” and were intrigued by the invitation to play.
For this simple play, I did not give them much direction, as I wanted to see what and how they would explore the various materials with the ice to produce sound. The only directive I gave them was to try to determine which material produced the most pleasant sound (which, of course, can be very relative).
The first thing Bones (6) did was try out the carpet. Splat. No sound. He was amazed. Isn’t funny how children need to explore the things that we as adults know already. He tried several times and just couldn’t get the ice to produce a sound.
So then he moved on to trying a few shakers. He put the styrofoam trays together, put the ice in a tin can, and even filled our favorite plastic bottle with ice. Then he shook, shook, shook. He loved seeing the difference between the materials. The tones, the volume, and the rhythms.
The next part was my absolute favorite part. We set up a recycled xylophone of sorts. We started with our largest container and then reduced the size as we went. We also tried a variety of materials. Bones immediately set to work to make music.
Even Super B got in on the action. The boys took turns making music and investigating the sound lab to produce noises and create variations on the same sound.
This vestibular play can be played with or without the scoop. If you have a child who has tactile sensitivities, they might not enjoy the feel of the cold ice. You may notice that Legoman (8) used a spoon to play with the ice because of his tactile sensitivities.
The important thing to remember about any sensory play is to gauge it, monitor your child, and assess what your child responds well too. You might need to adjust the material you play with, the time you play, or the method of play. The main goal is to have fun while providing your child with important sensory input.
Did you know sensory play could be so easy and so beneficial? It doesn’t have to take expensive materials and complex plans to make it work.
Click more to read other posts from our Simple Sensory Play | Ice Series! Be sure to check back tomorrow for more icy sensory play.
More Resources for Auditory Sensory Play
Central Auditory Disorder | Kids Health
Auditory and Visual Sensitivities | Golden Reflections Blog
Activities for Auditory Perception | Shirley’s Preschool Activities
18 Auditory Activities | Bonnie Terry Learning
Follow Dayna :: Lemon Lime Adventures’s board Sensory Play on Pinterest.
Today more than 5 other bloggers are sharing their ideas for audtiory sensory play that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to hop over to Sensory Activities for Kids to read all about them.
What is your favorite auditory sensory play idea? I would love to hear! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribe by email. I can’t wait to hear your ideas.
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