What Is Sensory Skill Development?

What Does It Mean to Be “In Our Senses”?

“Have you lost your sense?” This is a dialogue that we have all heard at one or another point in our lives.

But what does being in our senses mean?

The human body has five distinct senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Below is a brief explanation of the mechanics of our five senses:

The Five Senses Explained

Sight: When the neurotransmitters or receptors in the eyes react to stimuli like light and help the brain form visual images.

Hearing: When the inner ear receptors translate stimuli presented as sounds.

Smell: When the receptors in the nose detect chemicals like fragrances, odors, or aromas.

Touch: When the receptors in the skin collect information about textures, temperature, and pressure of an object and transmit this information to the brain.

Taste: When the receptors on the tongue react to chemicals in flavors — sweet, sour, bitter, or bland.

Are Senses a Learned Skill or an Inherited Phenomenon?

The five senses are not learned skills, but are natural abilities present in the human body at birth. However, not all five senses are fully developed from day one. For example, a newborn may have a developed sense of smell and taste, but their vision is limited.

At birth, children primarily rely on reflexes and are startled by sudden stimuli like loud noises or movement. As they grow, the senses develop — for example, sight typically takes 7–9 months to fully mature.

Different early learning philosophies approach this developmental timeline in unique ways. You can learn more in our article comparing Montessori vs Waldorf educational methods.

Development of the Senses in Early Childhood

Before diving into each individual sense, here’s a quick overview of typical sensory milestones by age:

Sight

Initially, infants can only see about 12 inches and recognize bright colors. By 2 months, they begin tracking objects and making head movements. Full color vision and clarity develop by 3–4 months, and sight becomes adult-like between 7–9 months.

Hearing

Fully developed at birth — babies recognize familiar voices like their mother's. By 2 months, they start making sounds. By 4 months, they respond to tone. Around 6–7 months, they mimic sounds and start understanding basic speech.

Taste

Fully developed at birth. Babies can differentiate sweet, sour, bitter, and bland, and may reject certain foods based on taste or texture.

Why Is Sensory Development Significant?

The five senses allow humans to be aware of their bodies and surroundings in order to function and perform daily tasks. They also play a crucial role in physical, social, and cognitive development.

• The sense of touch supports fine motor development (e.g., pincer grasp).
  • Check out our collection of Montessori toys that promote fine motor skills to support this important stage of development.
• Sensory input helps children identify hot/cold or soft/rough objects.
• Hearing, sight, and touch assist in developing social skills through interaction and communication.

Sensory Play Activities to Improve Development

Sensory play activities are key to developing sensory awareness. These activities include:

• Playing in the sandbox
• Playing with Play-Doh
• Creating and using string phones
• Walking barefoot on different surfaces like grass, sand, and concrete
• Making collages with varied materials

Looking for materials to support sensory exploration? Browse our top-rated sensory play toys for toddlers

The sensory development process follows a natural rhythm. Engaging with children through play enhances their ability to process and respond to sensory input in their environment.

Common Sensory Processing Disorders in Children

Delayed or irregular sensory development may indicate a sensory disorder. Common types include:

• Sensory Discrimination Disorder: Difficulty distinguishing stimuli by sight, sound, taste, or smell.
• Sensory-Based Motor Skills Disorder: Delays in movement, posture, or coordination due to poor sensory input processing.
• Sensory Modulation Disorder: Overreaction or underreaction to environmental stimuli.

Early Signs of Sensory Disorders

• Overreacting to sounds, lights, or touch
• Difficulty with coordination (e.g., tripping, bumping into things)
• Avoiding certain textures (clothes, food, materials)
• Craving intense sensory experiences (spinning, crashing)
• Trouble focusing or regulating emotions in noisy environments

If your child consistently displays intense sensitivity, withdrawal, or difficulties in motor skills, consult a pediatrician or occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration.

For more information on sensory processing disorders in children, check outNational Library of Medicine.

Conclusion

Sensory development is a foundational part of childhood growth. Caregivers should observe their children closely and encourage sensory activities that support healthy development.

Works Cited

Dictionary.cambridge.org. 2021. sense. [online] Available here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five sensory skills?

The five sensory skills are sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. These senses help children understand and interact with the world around them.

How do you help a child with sensory issues?

Start with simple sensory play activities like sandbox play, finger painting, or walking on different textures. Avoid overstimulation and observe your child’s reactions to understand what supports or overwhelms them.

Can sensory development affect learning?

Yes. Sensory development plays a crucial role in building cognitive skills, coordination, language, and emotional regulation—especially in early childhood.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Have you noticed changes in your child’s senses as they grow? What kinds of sensory play do your kids love most? Share your experience in the comments below — your story might help another parent!