At Little Feet Early Learning Center, a top Nursery in Barsha, we know toddlers learn best when their senses are buzzing! Sensory play isn’t just messy fun—it builds nerve connections in the brain, sparks creativity, and even calms fussy moods. Here are 10 easy activities we use daily (and how they align with our EYFS Curriculum)!
Why Sensory Play Matters for Dubai Toddlers
The Science Behind the Mess
Tiny hands squishing, sniffing, and splashing aren’t just cute—they’re critical for:
- Language development (“This sand feels gritty!”).
- Motor skills (scooping, pouring, gripping).
- Emotional regulation (calming lavender rice bins).
Did You Know? Our Daycare in Barsha Heights has a dedicated Sensory Room with Dubai’s safest materials!
10 Sensory Play Ideas to Try at Home (or at Our Nursery!)
1. Desert Sand Sensory Bin
What You Need:
- Kinetic sand (less messy than real desert sand!).
- Toy camels, spoons, and sieves.
EYFS Link: Encourages imaginative play and fine motor skills.
Pro Tip: Swap sand for cooked pasta for indoor days—toddlers love the texture!
2. Rainbow Ice Cube Rescue
Perfect for Dubai Summers:
- Freeze small toys in colored ice.
- Let toddlers “rescue” them with warm water spray bottles.
Skills Boosted: Problem-solving, color recognition.
3. Spice Painting
Dubai Pantry Hack: Mix turmeric, cinnamon, and flour with water to make fragrant, edible paint.
Why We Love It: Introduces cultural scents and safe taste exploration.
Little Feet’s Favorite Sensory Toys
| Toy | Skill Developed | Where to Buy in Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Textured Balls | Tactile sensitivity | Toys “R” Us, Dubai Mall |
| Water Beads | Hand-eye coordination | Amazon.ae |
| Sound Blocks | Auditory discrimination | Early Learning Centre, MOE |
Why Choose Little Feet for Sensory Play?
Our EYFS Curriculum + Dubai Flair
We blend the UK’s EYFS Curriculum with UAE culture. For example:
Desert-themed sensory bins with toy falcons.
Arabic spice play (cardamom, saffron).
4. Jellyfish in a Bottle
How to Make:
- Fill a bottle with water, glitter, and blue food coloring.
- Add a plastic jellyfish toy.
Calming Effect: Toddlers adore shaking it and watching the “ocean” settle.
5. Sensory Walk
Dubai-Friendly Version: Create a mini obstacle course with:
- Cool wet towels (for “river crossing”).
- Bubble wrap (“crackling lava”).
At Little Feet: We do this weekly in our shaded garden!
6. Rainbow Rice Sorting
EYFS Curriculum Link: Teaches color matching and counting.
Parent Tip: Use leftover rice from last night’s biryani—dye it with food coloring!
Safe, Clean & Convenient
Hygiene: Non-toxic, washable materials used daily.
Transportation: Safe pick-up/drop-off across Dubai.
Beyond Sensory Play: What Else We Offer
Holiday Camps for Tiny Explorers
We Offer Holiday Camps with themes like:
“Space Adventure” (glow-in-the-dark sensory bags).
“Under the Sea” (water bead play, fish puppets).
Easy Enrollment for Busy Dubai Parents
- Child’s passport copy.
- Vaccination records.
- 2 passport-sized photos.
Fee Structure: Transparent packages with options for 3-5 days/week.
Ready to Join the Fun? Book a Free Trial Class!
See our Nursery in Barsha in action! During your Free Trial Class, your toddler can:
- Explore our Sensory Room.
- Join a music-and-movement session.
How to Book:
- Visit LittleFeetDubai.com.
- Click “Book a Free Trial Class.”
- Choose a date—we’ll handle the rest!
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