Autumn is here, bringing crisp air, colourful leaves, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on, messy play with our Inspired children. At Inspired, we love incorporating the changing seasons into our emergent curriculum and experiences, and we encourage families to do the same at home. Sensory play isn’t just fun—it helps develop fine motor skills, language, and problem-solving abilities, all while creating lasting memories together.
Sensory play engages a child’s senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and even taste—helping to strengthen their brain connections and support cognitive and emotional growth. Research has shown that sensory experiences enhance neural development, improving skills like communication, focus, and social interaction. Plus, messy play allows children to explore and express themselves freely.
With the cooler weather settling in and nature offering a variety of textures and colours, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some autumn-inspired sensory activities with your family.
Nature’s Loose Parts Play
Using natural materials encourages creativity and problem-solving. You can:
- Collect twigs, seed pods, and pinecones for building and stacking.
- Arrange sticks into letters, shapes, or numbers for an early literacy and numeracy boost.
- Make nature-inspired artwork using leaves and flowers as paintbrushes.
Bug Hunting and Nature Walks
Exploring nature helps children develop curiosity about the world around them. Try:
- Bug spotting: Look for ladybugs, caterpillars, or beetles hiding under leaves.
- Insect homes: Discuss where different bugs live and how they prepare for cooler weather.
- Listening walks: Take a quiet walk and talk about the different sounds of autumn—rustling leaves, chirping birds, or the wind blowing through trees.
Our curriculum incorporates sensory play as a key element in fostering children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The activities listed above support key learning areas in the Early Years Learning Framework:
- Children develop a strong sense of identity by exploring and engaging with the world around them.
- They connect with nature and their community through hands-on play.
- Their well-being is enhanced by spending time outdoors and moving their bodies.
- They become confident learners by experimenting with new textures, patterns, and ideas.
- Their communication skills grow as they describe what they see, feel, and experience.
We’d love to see what you create at home. Share your autumn sensory play photos with our educating team and let’s celebrate the joys of this autumn season together.
