See Beyond the Mess. Recognise the Learning.
Do your tamariki love exploring playdough, sand, shaving foam, paint, cornflour gloop and other sensory materials? Do you struggle to link this play to Te whāriki learning outcomes and teach intentionally to extend children’s learning?
Sensory play is far more than a fun, messy experience. Every squeeze, pour, mix, scoop and observation provides opportunities for children to investigate, develop working theories, solve problems, build language and explore mathematical and scientific concepts.
This practical two-page guide helps you recognise the rich learning taking place during sensory play and confidently respond through intentional teaching.
Page One clearly links sensory play experiences to relevant Te Whāriki learning outcomes, helping you recognise what children are learning as they explore materials with their hands and senses.
Page Two provides practical intentional teaching strategies, rich vocabulary, open-ended questions, schema examples and simple extension ideas that help you deepen children’s investigations and extend their learning.
No lengthy theory. No searching through curriculum documents. Just practical guidance you can use tomorrow.
Perfect for:
- Early childhood teachers
- Student teachers
- Team leaders
- Centre managers
- Relievers
This resource will help you:
Instantly recognise the learning taking place during sensory play.
Understand how sensory play supports Te Whāriki learning outcomes.
Recognise common schemas and understand what children may be exploring through repeated play.
Introduce rich scientific, mathematical and descriptive vocabulary.
Ask purposeful questions that encourage observation, prediction and investigation.
Confidently extend children’s curiosity through practical intentional teaching strategies.
Save valuable planning, observation and assessment time.
Whether children are squeezing playdough, pouring sand, mixing shaving foam, exploring paint or investigating cornflour gloop, this guide provides practical, curriculum-aligned ideas that help you turn everyday sensory experiences into meaningful learning opportunities.
Created by ECE Insights Consulting for Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood educators.
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