Skill: Interoception

Fun activities to help your child understand internal body signals, like hunger, thirst, and a racing heart, which are the keys to self-regulation.

Color Switch Panel

Color Switch Panel

Steps:

  • Use the construction paper to cut out three large circles, slightly smaller than the paper plate.
  • Assign each colored circle a feeling (e.g., Red = mad; Yellow = focused; Blue = calm).
  • Draw or write 2-3 body signals on each color zone (e.g., Red: “fast heart,” Blue: “slow breath”).
  • Glue the colored circles around the paper plate rim. This is your three-zone control panel.
  • Draw a large arrow on the index card. Use a small dab of glue to attach the arrow to the plate center so it spins.
  • Practice identifying feelings. When a strong emotion appears, point the arrow to the matching zone. Discuss tools to move from Red to Blue.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child is supervised while using scissors or glue. When discussing emotions, maintain a safe, non-judgmental space for them to share their feelings.

Rhythm Sequence Match

Rhythm Sequence Match

Steps:

  • Set up the game by placing the container and a piece of construction paper on a table. The container will be your drum and the paper is your “target zone.”
  • Roll the dice. The number rolled determines the length of the rhythm sequence you must create (e.g., 4 means 4 total taps).
  • The adult claps or uses a craft stick to tap a rhythm on the container. Use varying forces, such as loud, soft, soft, then loud.
  • The child must carefully listen and then replicate the exact sequence of taps (both the timing and the force) using their own craft sticks on the paper target.
  • After each sequence, discuss: “Did that feel too loud or just right?” This helps connect the level of force to the resulting sound and internal feeling.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the playing surface is stable so that the child can focus on the control of their fine motor movements and not worry about items slipping.