How an activity based on exploration materials will promote children’s sensory and intellectual development?

Question

Does anyone know how sand, water, clay, dough and other natural materials or cooking help children’s sensory and intellectual development?

Answer 1

Exploratory activities are hands on: children feel, smell, taste, see, and hear.  The more the children use their senses, the more they develop.  Also, exploring is problem-solving.  Children have to think about what they are doing, and come to conclusions on their own, which teaches them how to concentrate, think, and problem-solve, all things necessary for cognitive development.