Hey look at this- it's an open access article that explains how toddlers' vocabulary is impacted by their sensory experiences. Essentially, the more immersive a sensory experience is for a target word, the more likely it is to stick and the earlier it is acquired! This is all very intuitive- think "ice cream" versus, i don't know, "goose" maybe. Ice cream evokes so many sensory experiences and sensory words in one's mind: creamy, drippy, sticky, sweet, cold, etc. And goose? well, we might be lucky enough to meet one one day.
Anyways, this research further supports the benefit of sensory-rich experiences on language development. Here are some ways to make sure your child is getting the sensory enrichment that their vocabulary so benefits from!
Bake in the kitchen and get your child involved with helping at a young age! Let them touch the flour, crack the egg, mix the ingredients. Let them be messy! The kitchen is one of the most practical and accessible places to providesensory experiences for your child.
Visit your local science museum or nature center. Many of these places have specimens or displays that your child can touch and feel, giving them hands-on experience with vocabulary they may have only encountered in pictures.
Slow down and be outside whenever you can. Smell the flowers, collect pinecones, dig in the dirt, plant a garden.
*Allow the specific activities inspire the words and language you choose to model for your child.
What kinds of sensory activities have you engaged in recently? What was the most salient or relevant vocabulary to describe your experience? I hope this gives you some inspiration to incorporate the senses into your quality time with your little one!
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