Sensory Development In Early Childhood

When I think back to the early days of Little Angels, I can still picture the toddlers who wandered in each morning, touching every surface, listening for the birds outside, and watching light dance across the room, all of which were crucial for their Sensory Development.

Those small moments reminded me that children learn through their senses long before they learn through words.

Whether it’s the cool feel of water on a warm Baulkham Hills morning or the familiar sound of a parent’s voice at pick-up time, these early sensory experiences shape how children think, communicate, and connect.

Sensory development isn’t an “extra” part of early learning—it’s the foundation that helps children feel safe, curious, and ready to explore the world with confidence.

Why Sensory Development Shapes A Child’s Early Learning Journey?

I often think back to the early days of Little Angels, when my own children were toddling around the centre with wide eyes and busy hands.

I quickly learnt that young children don’t just look at their world—they taste it, touch it, shake it, climb it, and sometimes try to wear it.

Sensory development sits at the heart of everything they do. It influences how they learn, how they feel, and how they understand their place in the world.

Here in Baulkham Hills, we’re fortunate to have parks, playgrounds, and open spaces that invite exploration. On warm mornings, when the jacarandas are dropping their purple flowers across the footpaths.

Children gather them up, crumble them between their fingers, and describe how they feel—soft, squishy, cool. These tiny moments strengthen neural pathways.

They shape early thinking, language, and emotional regulation far more than we sometimes realise.

In early childhood, the senses act like the brain’s first teachers. Every sound, texture, taste, scent, and movement lays down the building blocks for future learning.

When we support a child’s sensory development with intention and care, we strengthen their capacity to focus, communicate, problem-solve, and feel secure in their surroundings.

The Eight Sensory Systems: How Children Take In And Respond To The World

Children use eight sensory systems, not just five. Over the years, I’ve watched many families feel surprised when I mention the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, or interoception.

Yet these “hidden” senses often explain why a child seeks movement, avoids certain textures, or struggles to sit still during group time.

Below is a simple table that summarises each system in a way I often share with educators and parents during enrolment meetings.

Sensory System	What It Helps With	Everyday Example at Our Centre
Tactile (Touch)	Texture, pressure, temperature	Toddlers running their hands through sand or paint
Vestibular (Balance & Movement)	Balance, coordination, and spatial awareness	Preschoolers spinning on the roundabout at Balcombe Heights Reserve
Proprioceptive (Body Awareness)	Knowing where the body is in space	Children carrying watering cans to the veggie patch
Visual (Sight)	Tracking, recognising shapes and letters	Infants watching bubbles float across the room
Auditory (Hearing)	Processing sounds and speech	Listening to magpies in the morning or group story time
Gustatory (Taste)	Understanding flavours	Tasting fruits during our “rainbow snack” days
Olfactory (Smell)	Identifying scents	Smelling herbs from our sensory garden
Interoception	Internal cues like hunger or toileting needs	A child learning to recognise when they need a drink or a break

Children rely on these systems working together. When one sense is overwhelmed or underdeveloped, it can feel—both to the child and the adults supporting them—like trying to drive on a busy Parramatta Road with all the traffic lights out. Everything becomes unpredictable and stressful.

A Closer Look At The Foundational Senses

From my experience, three sensory systems tend to influence early learning the most: tactile, vestibular, and proprioception. These are what I call the “foundation stones” of a child’s sensory house.

Tactile Development: Learning Through Touch

Touch is the first sense to develop. I still remember one little boy at Little Angels, barely 12 months old, who would sit for ages, running his fingers through the grass.

As simple as it seemed, this helped him build confidence and process new textures without becoming overwhelmed. Regular tactile play strengthens a child’s ability to feel safe, curious, and ready to explore.

Vestibular Development: Movement Builds Learning

Movement supports balance, attention, and coordination. Every time children swing, climb, or even gently rock in a caregiver’s arms, they build the pathways that help with reading, writing, and sitting upright during group time.

That’s why NSW early childhood guidelines and the EYLF encourage active outdoor play—it’s not just “fun play”. It’s brain development in action.

Proprioception: Body Awareness And Self-Regulation

Proprioceptive input is what I rely on when I lift a heavy basket of laundry or push a trolley at Woollies. Children need these experiences too.

Carrying a bucket of sand, pushing a pram, or moving a stack of foam blocks gives them a sense of where their body is and how much force they’re using. I’ve seen children become calmer, more organised, and more confident when they regularly engage in this kind of “heavy work”.

Sensory Processing Difficulties (SPD) And Their Impact On Daily Learning

Over the years at Little Angels, I’ve met many families who arrive unsure why their child reacts strongly to everyday experiences—loud hand dryers at Castle Towers, scratchy clothing tags, or group times that seem too busy.

More often than not, these children aren’t misbehaving; they’re overwhelmed. Their sensory systems are working overtime, trying to make sense of input that most of us filter without thinking.

I remember a little boy who started with us at age three. Lovely child, bright as a button, but group time was hard for him. He couldn’t sit still, kept rolling on the mat, or tapping his feet on the floor.

At first glance, some might have seen “disruption,” but beneath that was a nervous system searching for equilibrium.

Once we provided extra proprioceptive input before group time—simple things like wall push-ups or carrying books—he settled beautifully. It reminded me again that behaviour is communication, not defiance.

Sensory Processing Difficulties (SPD) affect how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information. Some children feel too much, some feel too little, and others seek constant input to feel balanced.

When these differences are not understood, children can be misunderstood—and that’s something I’ve always been determined to prevent.

The Three Main Categories Of Sensory Processing Difficulties

SPD can show up in several ways, and while every child presents differently, the patterns tend to fall into three main categories.

1. Sensory Modulation Difficulties

These children struggle to regulate the intensity of their responses to sensory information.

Here are the three subtypes:

Sensory Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitive)

These children feel sensations too intensely. They may:

• Avoid hugs or light touch
• Cover their ears when a blender runs.
• Resist messy play
• Become distressed in noisy environments like busy playgrounds or cafeterias.

One child I supported years ago would panic every time we used the hand dryer. Once we identified the trigger, we simply switched to paper towels and built her tolerance slowly and safely. Her confidence improved almost immediately.

Sensory Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitive)

These children appear unalert or disconnected from their environment. They may:

• Not notice their name being called. Seems slow to respond.
• Appear tired or uninterested.
• Miss important cues like hunger or discomfort.

These children often benefit from stronger, more targeted input to help them “wake up” their sensory systems.

Sensory Seeking

These children crave sensation. You’ll often see:

• Climbing
• Crashing into cushions
• Chewing objects
• Constantly moving
• Touching everything

Their bodies are searching for input that helps them feel organised. Once understood, this behaviour becomes easier to support.

2. Sensory Discrimination Difficulties

Here, the child has trouble distinguishing the qualities of sensations.

For example, they may struggle to:

• Tell the difference between sounds
• Recognise items by touch
• Understand where they’ve been touched.
• Judge how much force to use

At our centre, this often shows up in children pressing too hard with pencils, ripping paper by mistake, or using excessive force during play. Once they receive the right sensory experiences, these challenges usually ease.

3. Sensory-Based Motor Difficulties

This includes two key areas:

Dyspraxia (Poor Motor Planning)

Children with dyspraxia may:

• Struggle with sequencing steps
• Appear clumsy
• Have difficulty imitating actions
• Find new or multi-step tasks overwhelming.

You may see a child wanting to climb the fort but unsure how to begin. They want to join in—they just can’t map the steps.

Postural Challenges

Children may:

• Slouch
• Have low muscle tone
• Tire easily
• Struggle to sit upright during group time.

These children often need more opportunities for core strengthening and more predictable routines.

How SPD Impacts Learning, Behaviour, And Social Skills?

When sensory processing is smooth, children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. When it’s not, the world can feel unpredictable—like walking into Westmead Hospital’s multi-level car park during peak hours: lights everywhere, noises bouncing off the walls, cars moving in every direction. It’s overwhelming.

Here’s how SPD can influence daily functioning:

1. Learning And Thinking

Children may:

• Struggle to focus
• Lose interest quickly
• Have difficulty following instructions.
• Become easily overwhelmed during transition.

When their brains are overloaded, learning takes a back seat.

2. Emotional Regulation

Children with SPD often experience:

• Big emotions
• Sudden outbursts
• Anxiety in unpredictable environments
• Avoidance behaviours

I’ve seen children calm significantly once we adjust lighting, reduce clutter, or provide movement breaks.

3. Social Interactions

Sensory challenges can affect:

• Turn-taking
• Group play
• Sharing
• Understanding social cues

If a child avoids busy play areas, peers may interpret it as disinterest when the child is simply overwhelmed.

4. Daily Tasks

Children may struggle with:

• Getting dressed
• Toileting
• Eating varied foods
• Sitting for meals

Parents often feel stressed, unsure why these practical moments are so hard. Once sensory differences are identified, solutions become far easier.

Building Sensory-Rich Environments That Support Strong Development

When I think about the most successful learning moments at Little Angels, they nearly always happen in environments that support sensory exploration—spaces where children feel safe, curious, and free to follow their instincts.

A sensory-rich environment isn’t about expensive equipment or elaborate setups. It’s about thoughtful design, open-ended materials, and predictable routines that help children organise their world.

I still remember a rainy morning years ago when our outdoor area was too wet to use. Instead of cancelling outdoor play entirely, we transformed our indoor space with simple sensory invitations—trays of leaves gathered the day before, a shallow tub of water, soft scarves, and wooden beads.

Within minutes, the room was buzzing with quiet, purposeful play. Some children sorted leaves by size. Others made “soups” in the water tray.

A few simply rubbed the textures between their fingers. That morning reminded me how a sensory-rich environment opens the door for children to explore, regulate, and thrive.

Creating these environments is one of the greatest strengths of early childhood education in Australia, especially under the EYLF, which emphasises holistic, play-based learning that respects each child’s unique way of engaging with the world.

Key Elements Of A Sensory-Rich Early Learning Space

A sensory-rich environment supports all eight senses—not just sight and sound. When we plan our spaces at Little Angels, we always consider how each area can invite movement, touch, exploration, and calmness.

1. Safety And Predictability

Children learn best when the environment feels safe. Predictability helps them relax and focus.

This includes:

• Visual schedules
• Clear pathways in the room
• Soft lighting rather than harsh fluorescent lights
• Familiar routines
• Consistent staff presence

Predictability is especially important for children who experience sensory overload.

2. Varied Textures And Open-Ended Materials

Hands-on materials stimulate curiosity and help children build fine motor skills.

Examples include:

• Natural items (leaves, shells, stones, sand)
• Fabrics (silk, cotton, wool)
• Wooden toys
• Clay and playdough
• Sensory bins (rice, pasta, water, oats)

We often rotate materials to keep children engaged without overwhelming them.

3. Space For Movement

Children need space to crawl, climb, jump, roll, and balance—especially those seeking vestibular or proprioceptive input.

We include:

• Climbing frames
• Balance beams
• Soft mats
• Tunnels
• Outdoor play areas

Even in small indoor spaces, simple additions like cushions or stepping stones can offer vital sensory movement.

4. A Quiet, Cosy Corner

A calm retreat helps children regulate their emotions.

Ours often includes:

• Soft cushions
• Weighted blankets
• Books
• Low lighting
• Gentle music nearby

This is not a place for “time out”—it’s a place for “time in”, where children learn to tune into their own needs.

How To Set Up Sensory Zones In The Classroom?

To help educators and families design sensory-friendly spaces, here’s a simple layout guide we use at Little Angels when planning room environments.

Zone	Purpose	Examples of Materials
Tactile Zone	Exploration through touch	Sand, water, slime, playdough, textured brushes
Movement Zone	Support vestibular & proprioceptive needs	Climbing frames, wobble boards, mats, and tunnels
Creative Zone	Fine motor and visual stimulation	Crayons, clay, beads, paper, scissors
Quiet Zone	Calm regulation and emotional reset	Cushions, soft blankets, books, fidget tools
Nature Zone	Sensory grounding	Plants, stones, herbs, soil, bark, flowers

These zones don’t need to be big. Even a corner of a room can become a powerful sensory anchor for children.

 I’ve learnt that sensory development shapes far more than play—it shapes confidence, communication, and wellbeing. When we notice how children respond to touch, sound, movement, and the world around them, we gain insight into what helps them feel safe and ready to learn.

A sensory-supportive environment doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple choices—calm lighting, open-ended materials, time outdoors, predictable routines—create spaces where children can explore at their own pace.

When we follow their cues and offer the right kinds of sensory experiences, we give them room to grow without pressure.

Every child processes the world in their own way. Our role is to listen, adjust, and provide steady encouragement.

With thoughtful support, children become more settled, more curious, and more confident. That sense of security is the true foundation for lifelong learning.