In a therapeutic preschool setting, play isn’t just play—it’s a powerful tool for learning, development, and exploration. For children with autism and other developmental delays, sensory play can help improve motor skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth while fostering creativity and social engagement. Sensory toys are at the heart of these experiences, offering children a chance to explore their senses in a safe, supportive environment.
At CST Academy, we use a variety of sensory toys to meet each child’s individual needs, helping them build essential skills while enjoying the process. Here’s a closer look at five of the most effective sensory toys used in our therapeutic preschool program—and how they can make a difference in your child’s developmental journey.
Sensory Bins: Tactile Exploration for Calming and Learning
Sensory bins are a staple in many therapeutic preschool programs—and for good reason. These bins are filled with materials such as rice, sand, water beads, or shredded paper, offering children a chance to explore textures while engaging their sense of touch.
Why They Work:
Sensory bins help children regulate their emotions by providing a calming, repetitive activity. For children with sensory sensitivities, running their hands through soft or grainy materials can have a soothing effect. At the same time, sensory bins foster cognitive development by encouraging imaginative play and fine motor skills as children scoop, pour, and sort objects within the bin.
How We Use Them:
- Creative themes: Sensory bins can be customized to different themes, such as a “beach day” with shells and sand or a “treasure hunt” with hidden objects.
- Fine motor practice: Children use scoops, tweezers, and small tools to pick up and move objects, improving hand-eye coordination and grip strength.
Try This at Home: Create a simple sensory bin using household items like dry rice, pasta, or beans. Add small toys or objects and let your child dig, explore, and discover.
Weighted Sensory Animals: Comfort and Deep Pressure for Emotional Regulation
Weighted sensory animals, such as plush weighted dogs, cats, or bears, provide deep pressure input that helps children feel calm and grounded. These soft, cuddly toys are designed to mimic the sensation of a comforting hug, making them ideal for children who experience anxiety or sensory overload.
Why They Work:
Deep pressure stimulation has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making weighted sensory animals an effective tool for helping children regulate their emotions and focus during activities. The comforting weight provides proprioceptive input, which helps children develop body awareness and a sense of security.
How We Use Them:
- During circle time: Children can hold or place a weighted animal on their lap to help them stay calm and engaged.
- As a self-soothing tool: If a child is feeling overwhelmed, a weighted animal can help them regain composure.
Try This at Home: Introduce a weighted stuffed animal during bedtime or quiet time to help your child wind down and relax.
Fidget Toys: Small Tools for Big Concentration and Stress Relief
Fidget toys, such as stress balls, pop-it toys, and stretchy bands, may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to focus and regulate emotions. These toys provide tactile input that helps children channel excess energy and manage stress, making them ideal for use during classroom activities or transitions.
Why They Work:
Children with sensory processing challenges often benefit from activities that allow them to keep their hands busy. Fidget toys help by offering repetitive, soothing motions that can improve concentration and reduce anxiety. They also support the development of fine motor skills as children squeeze, twist, or manipulate the toys.
How We Use Them:
- During learning activities: Fidget toys can help children stay focused while listening to a lesson or completing a task.
- As transition tools: Fidget toys can ease the transition between activities by offering a calming distraction.
Try This at Home: Provide your child with a small fidget toy to use during homework or when they’re feeling restless.
Balance Boards: Movement and Coordination for Gross Motor Development
Balance boards are dynamic toys that help children develop their balance, coordination, and core strength. These boards are designed to wobble and shift as children stand, sit, or kneel on them, offering a fun way to engage their sense of movement (vestibular system) and body awareness.
Why They Work:
The vestibular system plays a key role in helping children maintain balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. For children with autism or sensory processing challenges, balance activities provide important sensory input that helps them build motor skills and self-regulation. Balance boards also encourage physical activity, which can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
How We Use Them:
- Obstacle courses: Balance boards are often incorporated into obstacle courses, encouraging children to navigate different physical challenges.
- Calming movement breaks: A few minutes on a balance board can help children reset and refocus during the day.
Try This at Home: If you don’t have a balance board, try simple balance activities like walking along a line of tape or balancing on one foot.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Managing Sensory Overload
For children who are sensitive to noise, loud or sudden sounds can trigger anxiety and distress. Noise-cancelling headphones provide a protective barrier that helps reduce overwhelming auditory input, making it easier for children to stay calm and focused in noisy environments.
Why They Work:
By reducing background noise, noise-cancelling headphones help children with sensory sensitivities manage overstimulation. They’re particularly useful during transitions, group activities, or loud classroom settings where children may feel overwhelmed.
How We Use Them:
- During busy or noisy activities: Children can wear the headphones to block out excess noise while still participating in the activity.
- As a calming tool: When a child needs a break, noise-cancelling headphones can create a peaceful environment for self-regulation.
Try This at Home: Keep a pair of noise-cancelling headphones on hand for outings or environments where your child may encounter sensory triggers.
Why Sensory Play is Essential in a Therapeutic Preschool Program
Sensory play is much more than fun—it’s an essential part of early development. It helps children explore their world, regulate their emotions, and build important cognitive and motor skills. At CST Academy, we tailor sensory activities to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring that they feel safe, engaged, and supported.
Our team of dedicated therapists and educators works closely with families to create personalized sensory experiences that promote growth and independence. Whether your child needs help with self-regulation, social interaction, or developmental milestones, we’re here to provide compassionate, evidence-based support.
Conclusion: Supporting Your Child’s Growth Through Sensory Play
Sensory toys are more than tools—they’re bridges to exploration, learning, and joy. By integrating sensory play into a therapeutic preschool program, we help children develop the skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
If you’d like to learn more about how CST Academy incorporates sensory play into our programs, contact us today. We’d be happy to show you how our team can support your child’s unique journey.
