Which of the following best describes sensory play?

Sensory play is best described as play that engages the five senses. This type of play is essential for a child's development as it encourages exploration and discovery through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. Engaging the senses allows children to learn about their environment, enhance their cognitive skills, and develop fine motor skills through hands-on experiences. Sensory play can involve a variety of activities, such as playing with sand, water, or sensory bins filled with different materials, all of which stimulate different senses and promote creativity and curiosity.

When considering the other options, play without interaction with materials does not contribute to the sensory development that sensory play focuses on. Competition-oriented play does not necessarily engage the senses in the same way, as it emphasizes winning rather than exploration. Lastly, play that focuses only on visual stimulation limits the experience to just one of the senses, whereas sensory play encompasses all five, providing a more holistic developmental experience.