A Study on Innovative Approaches to Using Sensory Integration Toys in Nursery Schools from a Play Perspective
Abstract
Sensory integration training, as a vital educational method for promoting the coordinated physical and mental development of young children, has garnered significant attention in the field of early childhood education in recent years. Traditional sensory integration toys predominantly consist of standardized, functional equipment, whose usage is often confined to predetermined rules and fixed procedures, making it challenging to fully stimulate children’s autonomy and creativity. This paper adopts a “play perspective” to explore innovative approaches to using sensory integration toys in kindergartens. It advocates integrating sensory integration training into free, open, and imaginative play activities to enhance the enjoyment, contextual relevance, and individual adaptability of sensory integration education. Through literature analysis, case studies, and educational observations, the paper proposes four innovative application models: “play-based reconstruction”, “cross-domain integration”, “role-driven engagement”, and “environmental creation.” These models are validated within practical teaching contexts. Findings indicate that employing sensory integration toys through a play-based approach not only effectively enhances children’s sensory integration abilities but also fosters their social skills, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities. Finally, this paper offers optimization recommendations, providing kindergarten teachers with actionable teaching strategies to advance sensory integration education towards a more humanistic and child-centered approach.
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