Sensory Spring and Summer

When my children's ability to be physically present with others became limited due to the pandemic, I sought ways to supplement. 

After a two week period of denial that the virus would not last long, I settled into not knowing how long it would last. 

In the absence of physical community and in the abundance of computer screens, I decided to focus on a deeper connection with their senses. 

We would spend this spring and summer tasting, touching, smelling, seeing, and listening to what was around us.

I am grateful for the elaborate arts and crafts projects my children have been able to create at school, but our supplies consist of dried out glue sticks, half completed coloring books, and a wealth of miscellaneous crayons.

So we went outside more often than we usually would, and brought items home from the sea or woods more often than I would have liked.

The best ones were when we were able to engage all senses at once. 

The smell and taste of salty spray, the feel of smooth stones, the sight of a horizon, and the sound of water reaching the shore. 

Memories are more vivid with multi-sensory engagement. 

I hope this means they will remember skipping stones with their Dad. The way it sounded when the stones hit the water, and the way it felt to have a father who prioritizes time with them.

The cold is coming and while there are still outdoor adventures to be had, sensory stimulation this fall will also include an increase in baking and blanket snuggling.