Learning and Sensory experience

The child's senses are the tools through which she gathers information about the environment, and which allow for learning, thought and creativity to occur and develop. The richer the sensory environment and the greater the freedom to explore, manipulate and engage with it, the more complex and intricate the patterns of neuron networks that determine the higher level brain development, i.e. learning, thought and creativity abilities.

Order in the acquisition of information is a necessary characteristic, as it grants an easier access to concepts stored in the brain and their use. Order also facilitates an easier modification and expansion of these concepts, which lead to the construction of intelligence.

So if you are looking at providing your child with sensory rich experiences, think of each sense and how you can involve her in activities which allow for an understanding of the different perceptions and stimuli, e.g. smelling different scents and fragrances (from herbs and flowers, to essential oils...); experiences with rough and smooth surfaces and textures, with weight, etc... The limit is your imagination.