Your Toddler and Maximizing Environmental Sensory Experiences

We often read about the sensory system in five parts.  We talk about our five senses. Sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste.  In fact, our sensory system is also made up of movement called the vestibular system and our ability to feel where our body is in space called the proprioceptive system. Movement and proprioception help us with our balance, body awareness and our ability to understand the information getting through to us from our other senses. 
Recently a mom of one of the toddlers I work with expressed her concern regarding her child's tactile sensitivities.  She explained that her toddler avoids touching certain textures.  Since toddlers can still put objects in their mouths during play it is important that what they touch and explore are safe.  The best way for young toddlers to experience new tactile information is by allowing them to touch and handle the foods that they eat.  The first exposure to touch and a variety of touch input can come safely from different food and their textures.  This is the safest way to allow them tactile exposure initially.
The recent snow storm in the New York area ha provided another great way to open a world of tactile exposure to toddlers and chidlren.  Observing my 3 year old learn about snow reinforced how environmental experiences and opportunities can be used to stimulate the sensory system. She was overjoyed to touch, push, throw, stomp, and fall into the snow.  I could see how experiencing the wonder of the snows temperature and texture excited her. She was able to articulate the experience by saying "The snow is so funny".  Don't forget to use the environment and all it's wonders to stimulate your toddlers senses.