Introduction

Perceptual development refers to how children interpret and organise sensory information from the environment using their five senses seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. This domain is the foundation for all the other areas of development because children use sensory information to find out about, know, and relate to people and things (Aral & Saglam, 2016).

Early sensory experiences help in brain development, management of emotions, motor integration, and processing. Sensory environments rich in opportunities enable early children to develop into healthy, confident explorers and benefit overall health by establishing secure, stimulating, and responsive learning environments.

Teaching Competencies and Skills

Early childhood teachers must demonstrate the following competencies to help with perceptual development effectively:

  • Observation and Responsiveness: Be responsive to children's sensory signals and needs (AGDE, 2022).
  • Environment Design: Design safe spaces that are sensory-stimulating and respect each child’s sensory threshold (Kaywork, 2019).
  • Intentional Teaching: Support sensory exploration with age-related language and questioning, scaffolding the exploration (AGDE, 2022).
  • Collaboration: Cooperate with families and specialists like occupational therapists to assist children with sensory processing differences (Lage et al., 2024).

Authentic Curriculum Provisions

  • Movement and Music: Introduce shakers, rain sticks, and soft drums for toddlers to learn about rhythm and hearing perception. Use scarves, ribbons, and textured mats during movement sessions to build tactile and visual perception (Kaywork, 2019).
  • Science: Sensory discovery baskets (soft leaves, pinecones, herbs, sponges) for children to explore cause-effects and textures (Kaywork, 2019).
  • Art: Use finger painting with food-grade natural dyes or safe art paint for visual and touch stimulation. Offer collage materials like sandpaper, silk, or cotton to touch and explore texture (Kaywork, 2019).

 

 

 

 

Original Learning Opportunities

0-12 months: “Sound and Snuggle Sensory Corner” (Kaywork, 2019)

 Objective: Engage auditory and tactile senses.

Activity: Create a soothing corner with gentle patches of fabric, a rattle plush toy, and a variety of lullabies softly playing.

Educator’s Role: Sit with infants, narrate what they are touching, sing softly to match their clues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-24 months: “Smell and Tell Garden Walk” (Kaywork, 2019)

Objective: Explore the sense of smell and language development.

Activity: Take toddlers to a garden space. Let them smell lavender, mint, lemon, or rosemary.

Educator’s Role: Encourage toddlers to describe what they smell (“Yummy?” “Spicy?” “Sweet?”) and document responses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2-3 years: “Textured Tracks” (Kaywork, 2019)

Objective: Enhance tactile perception and gross motor coordination.

Activity: Create a sensory stroll with walkways made up of bubble wrap, grass mats, squishy gel pads, and pebbles.

Educator’s Role: Lead children through with questioning (“How does That feel?”) and happily commemorate their discoveries.

Children’s Literature and Movement Resources

Children’s Picture Books:

  • Baby Touch and Feel Trucks
  • Spot’s Hide and Seek

Songs

  • We are going on a Bear Hunt
  • Five senses, I have five senses

Rhymes

  • Eyes to see the world so bright
  • I can see with my eyes

Movement Game

  • Sensory obstacle Adventure: Create a safe obstacle course and different sensory explore stations.