Tape Rescue Mission
- Play time:
- 5 to 10 minutes
- Setup:
- 2 minutes
- Where:
- Anywhere
Why it helps
This activity is a fun way to help your child learn about their body. By placing tape on different spots, they practice reaching and pulling. This builds Body Awareness as they find the tape on their own skin. It also helps with Bilateral Hand Use when they use one hand to hold their arm and the other to peel. The sticky feeling provides Tactile Perception, which is great for sensory learning. It is a simple game that requires very little setup but offers big rewards.
Steps
- Cut several small strips of masking tape.
- Press one strip gently onto your child's knee.
- Ask your child to find the tape on their body.
- Encourage them to peel the tape off using their fingers.
- Try placing tape on their elbow, foot, or hand next.
- Cheer for them as they name each body part!
Safety tip: Choking Hazard. This activity involves masking tape which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put tape in their mouth.
Make it easier
- Fold over one end of each strip to make a tab that is easy to grab.
- Start with spots your child can see, like the hand, knee, and tummy.
- Use painter's tape, which is gentler on skin and peels off more easily.
Make it harder
- Place tape on spots your child cannot see, like the back of the shoulder or the back of the leg, and let them find it by feel.
- Put on three strips at once and ask your child to peel them in the order you call.
- Ask your child to close their eyes and point to where they feel the tape before peeling it.
What to watch for
- Notice how your child finds the tape. Looking for it, feeling around with the hand, or knowing right away where it is all tell you about body awareness.
- Watch how your child peels. Getting a fingernail under the edge and pinching the tab is the pincer control this game builds.
- If tape on the skin feels unpleasant, stick the strips on your child's sleeves, socks, or pant legs instead.
Where this helps in daily life
Finding and reaching spots on the body without looking is part of getting dressed and washing up, like pulling up the back of pants, finding a sleeve, and washing behind the ears.
Need personalized support?
While these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Body Awareness, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.
