Learning Through the Senses: Inside Senses

Introduction

Welcome to our “Learning Through the Senses” series, where we have explored how each of the senses plays a role in children’s development and learning.

As children grow, their sensory experiences influence how they perceive, interact with, and learn from their environment. The way we perceive things can be categorized based on the type of sensory input that the brain is receiving:

EXTERNAL SENSORY INPUT: Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell
INTERNAL SENSORY INPUT: Proprioception, vestibular, kinesis (movement)

In this article, we will be focusing on the internal sensory input (inside senses):

1. Proprioception (Muscles & Joint)
2. Vestibular (Balance – inner ear)
3. Kinesis (Anticipate change)

These play a vital role in our development and our body awareness, balance, and movement. A child needs to be able to move before they can stand or sit still and develop motor skills.

1. PROPRIOCEPTION: THE BODY’S GPS

Proprioception is the sense that allows us to know where our body parts are in space without looking. It involves receptors in muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments that send signals to the brain about body position and movement. Proprioceptive activities are important for developing body awareness, coordination, and motor planning.

Activities to Develop Proprioception:

• Playdough and Prestik Manipulation
• Bubble Wrap Popping
• Pouring Water
• Jumping on a Trampoline
• Animal Walks (Walk like a crab, jump like a frog/kangaroo)
• Carrying Heavy Items
• Obstacle Courses
• Wheelbarrow walking.
• Suck yogurt through a long twisted straw.
• Rough and tumble play.
• Dragging the hosepipe so parents can water the garden
• Mashing potatoes
• Carry heavy items and grocery bags

Pushing, pulling, crashing, and lifting are to be included in children’s play daily.

Proprioceptive activities also improve motor skills and emotional regulation in children with sensory processing difficulties. These activities are particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as they help regulate sensory input and improve focus.

2. VESTIBULAR SENSE: BALANCE SYSTEM

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. It helps children understand their body’s position in relation to gravity and movement. The vestibular system is also closely linked to the development of postural control, eye movements, and even language skills. Safe to say, children need to move A LOT!

Activities to Stimulate the Vestibular System:

1. Let your child ride on your back while you pretend to be a horse.
2. Dance with your child.
3. Let your child jump on a big cushion.
4. Jump on an exercise ball, you can support your child by holding his/her hips.
5. Animal walks.
6. Sit on a ball for short periods.
7. Balance beanbags on various parts of the body.

Children with underdeveloped vestibular systems may struggle with balance, coordination, and even academic tasks like reading and writing.