Unlock your child’s potential with these five activities that engage their five different senses to enhance their passion.
The early years of childhood are nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment they enter the world, children are wired to explore, absorb and grow. By the age of six, a child’s brain has already undergone 90 per cent of its total structural growth, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and development.
The Reggio Emilia approach actively engages children in five different senses to enhance their passion and experiences of life and learning. Let’s explore the five transformative activities inspired by this unique approach that helps enhance a child’s potential.
1. Earth to kitchen: Cultivating curiosity through nature and food
Imagine a child digging their fingers into the soil, planting a tiny seed and watching it grow into something they can later pick, cook and eat. This isn’t just about gardening—it’s about teaching them the cycle of life, sustainability and the joy of healthy eating.
Children naturally connect with nature and gardening offers a wealth of learning opportunities. It teaches them patience, responsibility and the importance of nurturing life. They learn where food comes from and develop an appreciation for fresh, whole foods. From harvesting herbs to tasting the fruits of their labour, the experience is both educational and sensory.
Cooking too, is a powerful learning activity. It enhances motor skills as they stir, pour and measure. It introduces them to basic maths through counting and measuring ingredients and it builds language skills as they follow steps and learn new words. And, most importantly, cooking together fosters a sense of community and belonging.
2. Music and sound: Tapping into emotional and cognitive growth
Music is a universal language that transcends age and culture. For children under six, music is more than just fun—it’s a gateway to emotional and cognitive development.
Interactive music lessons help children explore rhythm, melody and movement, nurturing their auditory senses and coordination. Singing along to songs enhances their language development, vocabulary and memory. Dancing and moving to the beat improves gross motor skills and body awareness.
Music also plays a crucial role in emotional development. It allows children to express their feelings in a safe and creative way. Whether they’re joyfully shaking maracas or softly humming a tune, they’re learning to process and communicate emotions.
3. Fitness and mindfulness: Building strong bodies and resilient minds
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s never too early to teach children about the importance of movement and mindfulness. Physical activity is vital for young children’s development—it builds muscle strength, enhances coordination and supports overall health. But beyond the physical benefits, movement also boosts cognitive development and emotional wellbeing.
Activities like obstacle courses and playful movement not only strengthen gross motor skills but also enhance problem-solving abilities and concentration. Physical play encourages social interactions, teaching children about teamwork, cooperation and communication.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, helps children manage big emotions. Simple practices like guided breathing, gentle stretching or quiet reflection teach them to be present, fostering emotional regulation and resilience. It’s about helping them navigate their feelings, understand themselves and build a strong sense of identity.
4. Language and culture: A pathway to belonging and expression
Language is the bridge to connection, expression and understanding. Introducing young children to language and culture broadens their worldview and enhances cognitive development.
Studies show that children exposed to multiple languages develop better problem-solving skills, creativity and empathy. It’s not just about learning words—it’s about understanding different perspectives and embracing diversity.
Through storytelling, songs, drama and crafts, children can explore different languages and cultures. This cultural immersion builds a sense of identity and belonging. They learn about traditions, values and stories that shape their understanding of the world. It fosters respect and wonder for different cultures, helping them develop an open heart and mind for the world around them.
5. Dance and beats: Expressing joy through movement
Children are naturally expressive, and dance gives them the freedom to explore their emotions and creativity through movement. Whether they’re twirling in ballet, tapping their feet in rhythm or cartwheeling with acrobatics, dance enhances physical coordination, balance and spatial awareness.
But the benefits of dance go beyond physical fitness. It boosts confidence as children learn new moves and perform in front of others. It fosters imagination as they tell stories through movement. They also get to cultivate life skills like discipline and perseverance as they practise and perfect their routines.
Why these activities matter
These five activities—gardening and cooking, music and sound, fitness and mindfulness, language and culture, and dance and beats—are more than just fun. They’re powerful tools for holistic development, nurturing every aspect of your child’s growth: Cognitive, emotional, social and physical.
They encourage curiosity, creativity and self-expression. They teach children about themselves, others and the world around them. And most importantly, they lay the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing and success.
At-home activities that nurture growth and development
The beauty of the Reggio Emilia approach is that it doesn’t end when children leave the classroom. It extends into their homes, their communities and their everyday experiences. Learning isn’t about a set curriculum; it’s about the way we engage with the world. Here are five ways to bring this philosophy into your home and inspire curiosity, creativity and connection:
1. Nature walks and gardening
Encourage a love for nature by taking regular walks outside and starting a simple garden at home. It doesn’t need to be elaborate; even a few pots with herbs or flowers will do. Get your child involved in watering and caring for the plants. This helps them learn responsibility while fostering curiosity about how things grow. It’s also a wonderful way to teach sustainability and an appreciation for the environment.
2. Music and sound exploration
Fill your home with music from different genres to expand your child’s auditory experiences. Sing along together or let them experiment with simple instruments like shakers, tambourines or even homemade ones using household items. This isn’t about mastering rhythm but about giving them the freedom to explore sound, develop listening skills and express themselves creatively.
3. Creative dance and movement
Make space for free movement and self-expression by encouraging spontaneous dance sessions. Put on some fun music and join them in dancing without worrying about steps or routines. It’s about moving to the rhythm and letting loose. You can also play games like freeze dance to make it more interactive.
4. Mindful moments
Incorporate mindfulness into daily routines with simple practices like breathing exercises before bedtime or reflecting on the highlights of the day. Simply talking about the best parts of their day before bedtime nurtures a sense of gratitude and a positive mindset. These small, calming moments teach them emotional awareness and help build resilience.
5. Cultural exploration
Expose your child to different languages through bilingual storybooks or simple phrases. Celebrate cultural festivals together to introduce them to diverse traditions and customs.
Playing = learning
Your child’s early years are precious, fleeting and full of potential. As parents, educators and caregivers, we have the opportunity to create meaningful experiences that shape our children’s future. By choosing activities that engage their senses, stimulate their minds and nurture their spirits, we’re not just helping them learn—we’re helping them flourish.
Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centre beautifully integrates these activities into its curriculum, offering a dynamic, multi-sensory learning environment where children are inspired, valued and empowered. They don’t just focus on what children should learn—they inspire a mindset that makes learning a lifelong adventure.
Studies have shown that compared to children who receive no formal early learning education, those who experience the Reggio Emilia Approach enjoy both higher socio-emotional skills and better self-awareness outcomes. In fact, positive early learning experiences have been shown to decrease a child’s risk of developmental vulnerability by almost 20 per cent, which has a significant impact on their future success.
5 game-changing early learning experiences
