Exploring the world through multisensory experiences in our Karepe room
At The Vines Early Learning Centre in Henderson, our Karepe room is buzzing with creativity and curiosity!
Karepe is for our 4+-year-old adventurers. This is our transition-to-school programme where we prepare children for the next step in their learning journey.
Multisensory learning Vines Style
Our tamariki have been enjoying a range of multisensory experiences, using all their senses to help them understand the world around them. Designed to spark discussion, encourage collaboration, and expand vocabulary and self-expression, these hands-on activities provide rich learning opportunities while making learning more enjoyable and memorable.
Making learning both enjoyable and effective
Here are examples of some of the exciting activities we explore at The Vines:
1. Sensory art creations:
Using textured materials like sand, fabric scraps, and natural items like leaves and bark, tamariki create artworks. We encourage them to describe how materials feel, using words like “rough,” “smooth,” “soft,” and “bumpy”.
When tamariki share their artwork with others, it gives them a chance to talk about what they’ve made. For example, we might hear, “I used yellow because it’s bright like the sun!”
This kind of sharing helps them practise using words to express their ideas while learning to listen to and interact with others.
2. Pink slime play:
“Squishy,” “sticky,” and “slippery”: tamariki have been exploring the texture of pink slime made from seeds.
This hands-on activity is a load of fun and encourages them to use beautifully descriptive language while experiencing different sensations in collaborative play. Manipulating the gloopy slime also helps develop fine motor skills.
3. Painting with cotton buds:
A fun way to try new ways of creating pictures. It helps young ones develop the small muscles in their hands, which are important for writing.
As they paint, they often describe their artwork. One of our budding artists might say, “This is a pink flower because flowers make me happy!”
Why multisensory experiences matter
Te Whāriki emphasises exploration and the importance of engaging children’s senses to support their learning and development. Multisensory activities engage multiple areas of the brain, aiding deeper learning and comprehension. By using their senses to explore, tamariki develop essential cognitive skills such as observation, problem-solving, and reasoning.
Collaborative tasks build social skills. Children discover different ways to be creative and articulate their feelings and ideas confidently (he kōrero auaha).
At The Vines ELC, we integrate Te Whāriki closely into our daily teaching. Every organised activity revolves around its five principles: well-being, belonging, contribution, communication, and exploration. This approach ensures that each experience supports the holistic development of our tamariki.
Multisensory activities to try at home
Here are four fun multisensory activities you can do with your 4-year-old to support their learning:
1. Sensory storytime:
Choose a favourite book and bring it to life by incorporating props that engage the senses. For instance, if the story is about a garden, you could touch leaves, smell flowers, or taste fresh herbs while reading. This supports comprehension and builds a richer vocabulary.
2. Kitchen science experiments:
Simple activities like making playdough or mixing baking soda and vinegar can captivate young minds. Encourage your child to describe what they see, hear, and smell.
3. Chia seed slime:
For a safe, edible but not so taste-friendly slime, mix 1/4 cup chia seeds with 3/4 cup water and a few drops of food colouring (optional). Let it soak in the fridge for at least 2 hours until it becomes jelly-like. For a thicker texture, add cornflour and mix until smooth. This hands-on activity helps develop descriptive language and fine motor skills.
4. Nature treasure hunt:
Go on a sensory adventure outdoors by creating a scavenger hunt for different textures, colours, and sounds. Ask questions like, “Can you find something soft?” or “Can you find a that leaf that smells like toothpaste?” This activity supports descriptive language and encourages exploration.
At The Vines ELC, we are committed to nurturing the whole child and preparing them for a lifetime of learning and discovery. Multisensory learning provides enriching experiences that help our tamariki develop essential skills and grow in confidence and curiosity.