Metro Detroit Parents Embrace Sensory Sprouts for Hands-On Learning

Metro Detroit parents are discovering a new hands-on learning option that encourages children to get downright messy.

 

At Sensory Sprouts, babies and toddlers engage with sensory stations designed to enhance fine motor skills, boost cognitive development, and teach important lessons like sharing and teamwork.

 

The program, led by educator and mother of two, Julie Jacobs, offers multiple classes each week for children aged 4 months to 4 years.

 

Classes are held at host families' homes, with additional sessions available at Temple Israel as part of a three-session series continuing through the end of the year.

 

Each week features a different theme: one week, children might explore sensory bins inspired by careers, learning how to be dentists or zookeepers; another week, they might dig into Arctic-themed bins with "snow" made from colorful yogurt and majestic polar bears.

 

"I always loved the more hands-on, creative approach to teaching," says Jacobs, 34, of Farmington Hills, explaining her motivation for starting Sensory Sprouts last summer.

 

Her first class began with six 2-year-olds, and the idea quickly caught on with local parents.

 

"There are a lot of music classes," Jacobs notes. "We don't have many play-based classes for babies, and that's where thematic play started."

 

Each Sensory Sprouts class offers a variety of textures, smells, foods, and tools for children to play with.

 

Children can rotate between six to eight stations, many of which are taste-safe.

 

Jacobs finds creative ways to bring everyday activities to babies, like making "yarn" out of noodles and filling bins with colorful oats, muffin tins, and toy mixers to "bake" cupcakes.

 

"There are so many benefits to sensory play," she says. "It's so much more than just playing. Kids are truly learning through all the colors, textures, and sounds. They build fine motor skills with scoopers and tweezers, getting hand muscles ready for writing skills later on."

 

Playing alongside other children of mixed ages helps with language growth, social-emotional learning, and discovering creativity.

 

"Sensory play is also really good for focus and calm," Jacobs adds. "I'll even find parents playing with rice in the containers or squishing the dough. It's really grounding."

 

Jacobs emphasizes that imagination is at the heart of what Sensory Sprouts aims to provide.

 

"I keep it open-ended, so you really see everything come to life," she explains. "Of course, it's also about having fun and getting messy. Like, make a mess, dump it everywhere!"

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of Sensory Sprouts for Jacobs is "seeing little brains come to life from such a young age," as well as watching children grow through her classes.

 

From car-loving toddlers obsessed with things that go to animal lovers who can't get enough of playing with colorful jungle creatures, Jacobs says kids of all interests can find inspiration.

 

"I love kids and I love teaching," she says. "I love seeing that spark when kids figure things out."

 

Jacobs notes that first-timers to Sensory Sprouts often observe and stand back but quickly find their groove as they understand the concept.

 

"It's really different from a lot of kids' classes," she explains. "I'm allowing you to get messy. You really move at your own pace."

 

There are no set rules for stations, either.

 

"I'm not going to tell you which stations you can or can't go to," Jacobs continues. "It's overwhelming at first if you've never played like that before."

 

Yet it doesn't take long for babies and toddlers alike to dive into the bins, sometimes literally.

 

"These tiny 18-month-olds are using tweezers and magnifying glasses," Jacobs explains. "They're scooping and sharing with their friend or running to Mom to show what they've made."

 

"It's just so cool to see these little people learning," she continues. "They're learning the world around them through sensory play."

 

For those unable to attend Sensory Sprouts onsite, Jacobs offers alternative options.

 

She creates custom sensory jars, busy bags, and party trays that parents can take home or use for events.

 

On Passover, she sold nearly 80 Passover-themed playdough sensory jars.

 

Jacobs has also created Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat-themed sensory experiences.

 

"People want a creative way to make our Jewish traditions and cultures accessible for the younger generation," she says. "If using playdough parsley and playdough eggs gets that 2-year-old to sit at your seder table and have a good time, then my job is done."

 

Many elements included are homemade.

 

Jacobs makes playdough in-house and colors rice on her own, so parents can feel confident about what tiny hands are getting into.

 

Jacobs hopes to bring even more classes to Metro Detroit in 2026.

 

"The Jewish community has been huge," explains the Temple Israel member, who has partnered with JFamily and NEXTGen Detroit on programs. "They taught me how much need there was for a class like this."

 

For more information, visit Sensory Sprouts on Instagram.