
The Knowledge of Perceptual Development and five senses
Perception is a process by which the senses convey and arrange the incoming information and interpret it; these five senses are touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing, in addition to temperature and pain (Kaywork, 2019). It has been noted that perceptual development starts
even in the uterus and is a significant part of cognitive, physical, and emotional development (Aral & amp; Saglam, 2016). Infants make use of immediate, touchable sensory experience mainly orally, and toddlers use sensory information more with the use of attention and recollection (Kaywork, 2019).
As the children grow, they learn to discriminate stimuli and the formation of associations that enable them to inquire and, over time, learn to anticipate routines and understand cause and effect, in addition to acquainting themselves with the social and emotional lives (Berk, 2012). Every sense correlates to a certain brain part; repeated integration of the senses leads to the connection of the nerve cells in the brain, which defines the way children comprehend the world (Kaywork, 2019)
Teaching Competencies and Skills
Early childhood educators must use intentional instructional strategies to promote the sensory development of their children. This entails paying attention to children's sensory preferences and difficulties and modifying activities appropriately. For example, some children can move away from sloppy textures. To foster comfort, educators can progressively introduce unfamiliar stimuli (Hewer, 2017).
Integrated Curriculum Approaches
Sensory and Art Development
By involving children in making finger paintings on bubble wrap, you allow them to explore the sense of texture and pressure, which enhances the sense of touch and fine motor skills.
Sensory-motor learning combines creativity, which is a crucial factor in artistic expression, and thoughtful development (Page et al., 2013).

Learning Opportunities
Age: 0-12 months
Scarf Peekaboo
Small children practice peekaboo with their soft and colored scarves. They touch it (either through sight or touch), observe, and listen to rhythmic rustling sounds (sound). This aids in the creation of sensory awareness and safe attachment through fun-filled play.
Age 2-3 years
Sensory Muffin Making
Children are also involved in the banana mashing and the mixture of the ingredients, as well as sniffing the batter. They feel messy surfaces (touch), observe stirring motions (sight), sniff different components (smell), and taste the final food (taste). This brings forth curiosity, communication, and self-confidence.
Age 12-24 months
Texture Trail Crawl
Toddlers may crawl or walk on a sensory trail composed of soft fabric, bubble wrap, and artificial grass. They can see vivid colours (sight), feel various surfaces (touch), and hear squeaking or crunching noises (sound). This encourages coordination, balance, and sensory exploration.
Resources to support development, learning, and well-being in the Perceptual Development and the five senses
Two Picture Books | My Five Senses by Aliki Brandenberg | Touch and Feel series
Two Songs | Five Senses song by Kimboomo kids | Five Senses by Noodles and Pals
Two Rhymes Lullabies| One Little Finger by Noodles and Pals |My five senses (OpenAI, 2025)
One Movement game
FOSTERING PERCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT & FIVE SENSES DEVELOPMENT
1. Book: My Five Senses by Aliki Branenberg
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/9dae2d02-c837-497a-b9bf-2eb962746835
2. Song: Five senses song by Kimboomo kids
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/6bf66169-4a80-4416-bef0-17edb334b335
3. Rhyme: One Little Finger
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/f48a5b7d-08b3-4e0a-b1dd-fd426ec45d5e
4. Game: Mystery Bag (Touch Sense)
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/ef876add-8fa4-4de1-947c-196be0c90b33
5. Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/5bf26886-6257-410f-b85b-dd3d7568f165
6. Rhyme: My five senses
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/a7e8e3c2-2852-4656-88c8-058b2ec559ce
7. Song: Five senses by Noodle and Pals
https://ikon.ap-southeast-2.instructuremedia.com/embed/5fdf2e42-de4e-4965-b479-98fae0bb9307

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