The Effects of Five Senses Play Using Picture Books and Food Art on the Playfulness and Creativity of Infants

This study aims to investigate the effects of five senses play using picture books and food art on the playfulness and creativity of infants. The subjects of the study were 24 two-year-old infants from S Daycare Center in M City (12 in the experimental group) and S Daycare Center in Y County (12 in the control group). The experimental group participated in five senses play using picture books and food art, while the control group engaged in activities based on the standard childcare curriculum themes. The experimental treatment was conducted 12 times over six weeks, from November 1 to December 7, 2023. The study examined the differences in playfulness and creativity between the infants who participated in the sensory play program using picture books and food art and those who did not. The results showed statistically significant differences in playfulness and creativity between the experimental and control groups. To support these quantitative data analysis results, teacher observation logs and post-interview results were also analyzed, revealing specific ways in which five senses play using food art enhanced the infants' playfulness and creativity. Finally, based on the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, several implications of the study were suggested.