Understanding sensory styles
Every child experiences the world in their unique way, and understanding their sensory styles can unlock a world of connection and understanding for both parents and children alike.
Imagine a child who sees the world through vibrant colors and intricate details—a visual explorer who delights in the beauty of nature, art, and all things visual. For these children, providing a rich environment filled with stimulating visuals can ignite their imagination and creativity, whether it’s through colorful books, art supplies, or exploring the wonders of the great outdoors.
Then there are those little adventurers who are always on the move, craving the sensory input of touch and movement. These tactile learners thrive on hands-on experiences, whether it’s digging their hands into a bin of kinetic sand, building towers with blocks, or simply feeling the texture of different fabrics. For them, the world is a playground, and every surface is an opportunity for exploration and discovery.
But let’s not forget our auditory explorers, those children who are attuned to the soundscape around them. Whether it’s the melody of a favorite song, the rhythm of raindrops, or the chirping of birds outside, these children find joy and comfort in the auditory world. Providing opportunities for listening to music, storytelling, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature can nourish their auditory senses and foster a deep appreciation for the world of sound.
Last but not least, there are our little taste testers and smell detectives, who experience the world through the senses of taste and smell. For them, every meal is an adventure, every sniff a story waiting to be told. Exploring different flavors and aromas through cooking together, gardening, or even just taking a walk outside can awaken their senses and cultivate a lifelong love of food and nature.
In embracing and honoring these diverse sensory styles, parents can create environments that cater to their children’s unique needs and preferences, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the rich tapestry of experiences that make up their world. After all, it’s through these sensory explorations that children learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them, one sensation at a time.
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THIS JUST IN: MoPA UNLIMITED!! As of TODAY our Memberships provide unlimited access to EVERY Museum, ALL year ‘round!! WHOA!!
Think play dates, think meet ups, think weekly routines, think rainy days… All year around, at all our Museums. Huge value. 2026 SORTED!!
MoPA Geelong: YEP!
MoPA Sandy: YOU BET!
MoPA Thommo: ERR’ DAY!
MoPA Nunawading: YEEHAH!
MoPA Adelaide: LET’S FIFO BABY!
x MoPA
“We learn through free play, through imaginary play”
“If you are going to be creative, you must be in a state of play” 🙏❤️🕺
Yep. It’s official — STICKER SUNNIES is our most popular activation ever!! And the best bit? It runs for 5 five FIVE more weeks; right up until the end of FEB. AND YES Grandparents are free for this entire summer season too. So… Yeah… Just sayin’… You do NOT wanna miss this!! xx 😘
Until FEB 27, Grandparents are FREE at MoPA!!
Why? Because we are celebrating these special humans and the priceless role they play in our children’s development. You ROCK Yaya, and Bubbe, Babushka, Nonnie, Nana, Gran, and おじい 5₺h, Mimi, Meemaw, Nene, Gigi, Glam, Pa, Zayde, Pop, Babu, 4743, and Grandad, Gramps, Abuel; we’ll see you all soon!! 🕺🥳😍
FREE Sunnies!! Whoa… Do. NOT. Miss. This!
Every lil’ munchkin that visits MoPA this summer is invited to sticker-up and take-home their very own pair of personalised sunnies. One of our most popular ever activations - so so so so cute!! 😎❤️
Grandparents are FREE… Right NOW!!!
QUICK. Call Mum & Dad. Right NOW!!!
Each year we celebrate our wisest, most patient, and most awesomely unconditionally loving family members of all - our dear grandparents!! And we call this special celebration FOREVER YOUNG. (And Yes, our own folks help us name the celebration 🤣)
To celebrate these special humans, we welcome them to the Museum any time and any day, for FREE. No special codes or passwords are required — you’ll see in the checkout that adding grandparents tickets to your booking shows a $0 price. Simple as that.
At this time of year in particular, during these extended holiday breaks and the grown ups ‘return to work’ period into February, we know how many grandparents are chipping in to help juggle family life; but one great example of the integral role our grandparents can play in the family unit. And we hope all our wisest family members take full advantage of this special time of year.
Ok. So this is happening. All grandparents tickets FREE - right NOW… And right up until February 27th. Yeehah!!
We are soOoOoO proud of our partnership with MacKillop Family Services (MFS). The beautiful families from the MFS Foster Care Community all enjoy free access to our Museum’s all year around and our team have formed some really special friendships with the children and carers that frequent our network of Museums. Some of the most precious memories our team have made in 2025 have been these special interactions.
This year, some our educators also volunteered their time to support the annual gift appeal, and throughout the uber busy school holiday period we have been collecting donations to help support the huge array of foster care services provided by the MFS community.
Meeting the families from this community and hearing their stories is one of the most humbling experiences you will ever have. Just so much ❤️ packed into one small organisation.
If you’re in a position to help, in any capacity, you won’t regret reaching out to learn more.
Dear @mackillopfamilyservices , from our team to yours, we wish you a safe and happy year ahead full of immeasurable impact on one part of our community here in Australia that needs it the most. You are truly incredible people, and an inspiration to us all.
xx MoPA 😍
130 million babies came into the world this year (just 300,000 of whom started their lives in Australia). And whilst the world that these bubba’s entered seems less certain than ever, there are some beautiful reassuring certainties that give us reason for incredible optimism for their futures.
- The love and kindness they have for one another, and the world(s?) they live in, has the potential to make life better for them than it ever has been for us. May we teach them to love and care like no one has before ❤️
- Technology can be scary and challenging, but it also gives us the tools to build an understanding of our existence that our ancestors could only have dreamed, and to do more good with that comprehension in future, than any of us can imagine today 🤖
- Life is a journey of discovery, adventure and learning. And these bubba’s stand on the shoulders of all of us who came before, to discover, adventure and learn things that will make our hearts soft with pride well beyond our lifetime watching on.
From the MoPA family to yours, wishing you the most incredible year ahead! May it be full of play, creativity and learning, to pave the way to a bright future.
x MoPA
