Youngsters explore in sensory playtime
A father intently listens to his daughter’s ideas during sensory playtime at Madison Public Library. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Mountains made of shaving cream? A splash of paint by the next Picasso? A new session for open play at Madison Public Library allows children to engage all of their senses.
For “sensory playtime,” librarians set up stations for water play, story time, painting and indoor snow on Oct. 28. “Children explored through sight, sound, touch and smell,” youth services librarian Maggie Allen said.
“Not only is it a great new experience for children, but this kind of play encourages parental interaction, which can naturally encourage the children with cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and creative skills,” Allen said.
During this playtime, most parents sat cross-legged on the floor to interact with their son or daughter.
Allen and youth services librarian LeAnna Whitaker have followed the news about the importance of sensory experiences with toddlers and preschoolers. They plan to offer special extended sensory playtimes periodically year-round instead of regularly scheduled storytime.
They’re using messy materials, like paint and shaving cream, so many parents avoid having this playtime at home. “Letting the library host it is a positive. Sensory playtime with other children is huge in really working on those social and linguistic skills,” Allen said.
In addition, they hope to adapt crafts/activities during regular storytimes to incorporate sensory activities.
“Not all children are in a classroom environment at the toddler/preschool age. So storytimes and these playtimes are a wonderful opportunity to allow your child a chance to engage with their peers,” Allen said.
“We also want to make a commitment to ensuring that we’re serving the community to the best of our ability. These information sensory playtimes allow children of different skills and personalities to mix and mingle without parents worrying,” Allen said.
They plan to schedule another sensory playtime during winter months. “Our aim is to at least offer the sessions quarterly,” Allen said. “Keep an eye out for advertisements, or you can subscribe to our monthly email events newsletter for kids at mallen@hmcpl.org.”
For more information, email to mallen@hmcpl.org or lwhitaker@hmcpl.org.
