SENSORY, MOTOR, AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT BOXES FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

This creative endeavor examines the effectiveness of customized sensory boxes that include 3D-printed elements and handmade toys designed to enhance sensory development for children, specifically at the Nancy W. Darden Development Center (NDCDC) in Greenville, North Carolina. The creative endeavor was achieved by Kylie Palmer (Communication Sciences and Disorders) and Ella Donahue (Psychology and Occupational Therapy). Tailored to developmental milestones seen from birth to early childhood, the sensory boxes integrate tactile, visual, and auditory activities designed to promote development. The boxes are organized into age-specific categories, but we encourage others to use the “milestones” categorized with typical age range before choosing the best fit. This includes, “The Little Explorer’s Box” (0-12 months), “The Little Learner’s Box” (12-24 months), “The Little Discoverer’s Box" (2-3 years), and "The Little Imaginator’s Box” (4-5 years). Each box is curated to foster development in all domains: sensory, motor, cognition, and language. Using the Revised Knox Play Scale, as well as information from undergraduate courses, we tailored each activity to relate to a typical developmental milestone. We also grouped items based on age-appropriate space management, material management, pretense-symbolic play, and participation. These sections were also used to conduct a survey for teachers after observing their students play with the sensory boxes.