Big Block Oat Dig

Ages:: Toddlers (1 to 3)
Play time:: 15 to 20 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

This activity helps your child learn about how different textures feel against their skin. Feeling the dry, flaky oats and the hard, smooth blocks builds their tactile perception. This is the brain's ability to understand what the hands are touching without always looking. Searching for hidden objects helps them focus and use their hands together. Moving the blocks into a basket also works on their coordination and grip. It is a simple way to explore new sensations in a safe way.

Steps

Place a large plastic container on the floor or a low table.
Pour enough dry oats into the container to cover the bottom by a few inches.
Hide several large building blocks deep inside the oats so they are not visible.
Set an empty basket and a large spoon next to the oat container.
Show your child how to wiggle their fingers through the oats to find the hidden blocks.
Encourage your child to lift each block out of the oats using their hands or the spoon.
Ask them to drop the blocks into the empty basket to hear the sound they make.

Safety tip: Always watch your child while they play with oats to prevent them from putting handfuls in their mouth. Ensure the building blocks are too large to fit inside a cardboard toilet paper tube.

Make it easier

Use a smaller container with fewer oats so the blocks are easier to find.
Leave the corners of the blocks sticking out of the oats to give a visual clue.

Make it harder

Use blocks that are a similar color to the oats to make the search more challenging.
Hide other large household items like a clean sponge or a big lid to vary the textures.

What to watch for

Notice if your child prefers to use the spoon instead of touching the oats with their hands.
See if they enjoy the sound of the oats pouring or the blocks dropping into the basket.
Observe if they use one hand or both hands to search through the container.

Where this helps in daily life

Feeling different textures helps children get used to the sensations of clothing, messy food, and different tools. This builds the hand skills needed for holding a spoon or picking up toys.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.