Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. For preschoolers, this includes not only sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, but also movement and body awareness. These sensory experiences help children understand their bodies, regulate their emotions, and engage with the world around them.
Young children develop sensory processing skills through everyday play and movement.
The Eight Senses
Most people think of five senses, but young children rely on additional sensory systems:
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Touch (tactile) - feeling textures, temperature, and pressure
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Sight (visual) - seeing people, objects, and movement
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Sound (auditory) - hearing voices, music, and environmental noise
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Taste & Smell (gustatory and olfactory) - exploring foods and scents
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Movement & balance (vestibular) - swinging, spinning, balancing
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Body Awareness (proprioception) - knowing where your body is in space
Internal Sensors (interoception) - internal awareness of body state like hunger, thirst, heart rate
These systems work together to help children sit at circle, climb on the playground, hold a crayon, and navigate busy classrooms.
Different Brains, Different Sensory Experiences
Children experience sensory input in different ways. Some children seek more movement or pressure, while others may feel overwhelmed by noise, bright lights, or certain textures. These differences are a natural part of neurodiversity (the understanding that brains develop and process information in many different ways).
Sensory differences are especially common in young children and may be seen in children with and without identified disabilities. Many children develop strategies over time to regulate their sensory needs with the support of caring adults and supportive environments.
Sensory Play Supports Brain Development
Research in early childhood development shows that hands-on sensory experiences help build connections in the brain. Activities like digging in sand, playing with water, jumping, pushing heavy objects, or squeezing playdough help children:
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Regulate their bodies and emotions
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Strengthen motor skills
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Improve attention and readiness for learning
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Build confidence exploring new experiences
Occupational therapists often use sensory-based strategies to support children who need additional help organizing sensory information. And preschool curriculum is centered around the incorporation of these experiences into everyday learning.
Supporting Sensory Needs at Home
Families can support healthy sensory development through simple everyday activities:
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Movement breaks – jumping, dancing, climbing, or obstacle courses
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Heavy work – pushing laundry baskets, carrying groceries, helping with yard work
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Messy play – sand, shaving cream, finger paint, playdough, water tables
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Calming pressure – hugs, squeezing stuffed animals, cozy blankets
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Quiet spaces – small corners with soft lighting and fewer distractions
The goal is not to eliminate sensory experiences, but to help children learn what their bodies need to feel comfortable and ready to play and learn.
Bottom line: Sensory differences are part of how children experience the world. With supportive environments, playful exploration, and caring adults who notice and respond to their needs, preschoolers build the regulation and confidence they need to thrive. You don’t need special equipment to support sensory development - just curiosity, movement, and time to explore together. When children feel safe in their bodies and environments, they are better able to play, learn, and connect with others.
Reads & Videos for Grown-Ups
Interested in learning more about sensory processing and how to support sensory processing at home? These family-friendly resources offer research-based insights and practical ideas.
The OT Toolbox: So, What exactly IS Sensory? Explains how sensory play helps develop the brain’s ability to process sensory information
10 Sensory-Friendly Activities 10 activities to reduce overstimulation for all children (including those with sensory processing differences)
For Kids: Movement, Songs & Play to Try Together
Sensory learning is most powerful when it’s joyful and shared!
“Shake Your Sillies Out” – The Learning Station A favorite movement song that encourages jumping, stretching, and body awareness.
Cosmic Kids Yoga (YouTube) Story-based yoga that helps children practice balance, movement, and calming strategies.
Sensory Play Idea: Create a simple sensory bin using rice, dry pasta, beans, or kinetic sand. Add scoops, cups, toy animals, or small vehicles. Let children explore pouring, digging, and pretending.
Storytime Together: Books That Explore the Senses
Stories can help children notice their bodies, emotions, and sensory experiences.
Try these favorites:
The Listening Walk by Paul Showers; Encourages children to notice everyday sounds during a walk.
Too Loud Lily by Sofie Laguna; A gentle story about sound sensitivity and self-understanding.
Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down by Lindsey Rowe Parker; Follows a young girl who needs to move, hum and sway to manage her sensory world.
Juan Has the Jitters by Aneta Cruz; Describes the physical feeling of being overwhelmed and using movement to calm.
Sources: Information adapted from resources by the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Child Mind Institute, and research on Ayres Sensory Integration.
