The sensory system begins to develop before birth and continues to develop rapidly during early childhood. In early childhood and in the subsequent phases of life a body is exposed to various tactile, visual, auditory and other sensory stimuli from the environment. Impressions about the outside world are collected through the senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell, taste…) thus various stimuli from children’s environment are necessary for their optimal development. The lack of appropriate incentives from the outside world may cause permanent negative effects on the development of a child, such as problems in relation to perception, speech, learning and behaviour. Implementation of integrated early childhood programmes in kindergartens is extremely important for a healthy and continuous development. The children who learn to organize their play organize their school activities better and become organized adults.

Therefore, our preschool institution is focused on providing a stimulating environment for children’s play and learning. Early childhood stimulation applied by our preschool teachers on a daily basis is reflected in the following activities:

• Encouraging tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and vestibular systems through various plays by using natural materials from the environment;
• Securing conditions for free and undisturbed exploration of the environment (inside the rooms, as well as in the yard of the kindergarten);
• Supporting children’s needs, abilities and interests in relation to exploration.

In addition to the existing didactic tools, such as balls of various textures, sizes and colours, mirrors, musical instruments, climbers and other toys, in our work with children we also use natural materials that stimulate all the senses. By monitoring children’s activities on a daily basis we notice that the children are attracted by materials that produce strong sound and have a wide range of colours, huge contrasts in texture, size and weight, unusual fragrances and pleasant taste. However, it is of the utmost importance that children are allowed to manipulate objects on their own, to explore and learn from their own experience. Adults should encourage, direct and follow their interests. Hence, preschool teachers and other associates are always willing to give advice to parents on how to stimulate children in order to ensure a good and healthy development. Here are some pieces of advice we want to share with you:

Let your children jump on the bed, let them play in sand and mud, the dishes are excellent musical instruments, baths can be turned into playgrounds, believe your children when they say there are so many useful “toys” in the park although you may think that there is nothing in it because there are no modern outdoor playing devices. All the outcomes of early childhood development will have a strong influence on a child’s whole life.

Marija Milošević

special education teacher/preschool teacher