Sensory Discovery
In this chapter, we will help students understand the value and educational purpose of young childrens sensory exploration and how to intentionally provide appropriate materials and curriculum to support it. Understanding the development of sensory perception and all the ways in which our senses provide us with important information about the world is key to any aspiring teachers future ability to create meaningful sensory curriculum. Initial Discussion Post (5 points) Post your initial reply to the topic by Wednesday night at 11 PM. Think of a sensory experience that you especially enjoy (a hot bath, walk in the woods, the feel of sand on your bare feet, putting up a Christmas tree). What do you feel or think of as you recall this experience? What might be some implications of this memory for your work with young children? Extra Credit – post a video of you, your children, friends, family members experiencing some sensory motor activities. (+5) Play with a sensory material (sand, water, or dough). Notice how everyone plays with it. As you play, talk about the sensory aspects of the experience. What can you conclude about the value of this play from this experience?
