Let imagination run wild: Sensory play helps build nerve connections in the brain and encourages the development of language and motor skills in children.
Kids in Seymour have a chance to indulge in some brain-boosting play with new sensory workshops at the Seymour Community House.
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The workshops, run by early childhood educator Krystal Russell, are all about open-ended play with primarily natural materials that engage different senses.
Attending a workshop, you can expect to see tables of foraged flowers and herbs, succulents and shells, water, bubbles and glitter alongside some bowls, ladles, mixing spoons, muffin trays, play dough and farm animals.
A crazy combination, no doubt, but from here the children take the reins and let their imaginations run wild.
Ms Russell said the workshops were designed for children aged up to 5 years old as a way of having fun and engaging their creative sides.
“Developmentally it offers a way for sensory-seeking children to be creative. It gives them an expressive outlet,” she said.
“It’s about keeping it open-ended so we aren’t leading them to anything, they are creating their own thing out of what we have provided.”
“It gives them the freedom to explore at their own pace, get amongst it and get messy … and you can leave the cleaning up to us.”
Play is what you make it: From birth to early childhood, children use their five senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them.
The first workshop was held on April 6 and while some children were hesitant at first, they soon warmed to the experience.
The sunny weather meant that tables could be set up outside and parents watched on as the children brought to life their mind’s creations.
Ms Russell said the sessions were a great chance for parents and caregivers to connect with other parents and get in touch with other community house services like occasional ‘take a break’ childcare.
Hoping for the sessions to become a fortnightly occurrence, Ms Russell has prepared for the next sensory workshop to be held on May 25 at 2pm.
The sessions are only $10 per child and the best part of it is the clean-up will be done for you.
To find out more, visit the Seymour Community House Facebook page here.
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