Children in the Bumblebee Room at Knowle West Nursery School have been deeply engaged in hands-on sensory play, using their fingers to explore a wide range of materials. Through these experiences, children have been talking together about colour, texture and smell, and sharing how different materials make them feel.
Mixing water and foam to create potions sparked curiosity and encouraged children to experiment with cause and effect as they poured, stirred and watched changes happen. Making porridge for the Three Bears using oats supported imaginative play while also developing early mathematical thinking through scooping, filling and comparing amounts.
Washing animals and practising filling and emptying containers helped children build independence and coordination, as well as extending their language as they described what they were doing. Painting with their hands gave children the freedom to explore mark-making in a sensory way, strengthening fine motor skills and offering opportunities for self-expression.
These activities support children’s communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development, while nurturing confidence and a love of exploration through play.
