Did you know that a small, seahorse-shaped structure in the brain called the hippocampus is one of the most important players in your child’s development? The hippocampus is a key area that helps process sensory information, form memories, and make sense of the world around them. By engaging in multi-sensory activities, we can support this vital part of the brain and help your child build a strong foundation for learning and emotional growth.
The Hippocampus: Your Child’s Brain Map Maker
The hippocampus is often described as the brain’s GPS. It helps process and store memories, supports learning, and connects sensory input to emotions and experiences. For children with neurological challenges, strengthening this area of the brain through purposeful activities can improve memory, sensory integration, and even emotional regulation. (source) (source)
Research in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize—shows that multi-sensory experiences are especially effective in supporting hippocampal function. Studies reveal that these experiences help the brain build and reinforce “maps” that make sense of sensory information. (source)
Why Multi-Sensory Play Works
Multi-sensory play isn’t just enjoyable—it activates different areas of the brain, creating a rich environment for growth. Activities that combine sensory inputs, such as touch, sound, and movement, provide the hippocampus with diverse information to process and store, leading to stronger connections and improved function. (source) (source) (source)
Try These Activities at Home
Here are some simple, research-supported activities to engage your child’s hippocampus and promote brain development:
- Tactile Exploration
Use textured objects like sensory mats, sponges, or squishy stress balls. Let your child feel these items while describing their textures: “This feels soft; this one is rough.” This activity supports sensory integration, a critical function of the hippocampus. (source) - Gentle Rocking or Swaddling
Movement stimulates the vestibular system, which is closely linked to spatial memory and navigation. Rock your child in a swivel or rocking chair or swaddle them in a weighted blanket for calming proprioceptive input. Another wonderful way to rock and “swaddle” older children is with a sensory swing. (source) - Sound Play
Introduce auditory stimulation with rhythmic instruments, like maracas or bells. Research shows that predictable auditory patterns can enhance learning and sensory processing in children. (source) - Light and Visual Play
Use light-up toys, colored flashlights, or spinning wands, to create gentle visual stimuli. Activities like these are especially beneficial for visual tracking and sensory mapping. (source) - Sensory Bins
Create a sensory bin with safe materials like rice, sand, or cotton balls. Gently guide your child’s hands to explore. These activities provide tactile input and stimulate memory pathways. (source)
The Science of Why It Matters
Engaging in sensory-rich activities not only helps build your child’s brain map but also fosters emotional and physical development. Studies in occupational therapy demonstrate that sensory-based interventions improve motor skills, attention, and emotional regulation in children with neurological disabilities.