Proprioception

The Sticky Bottle Bead Roll

Steps:

Take an empty plastic bottle and make sure it is clean and dry.
Wrap a long piece of masking tape around the middle of the bottle.
Make sure the sticky side is facing out toward you.
Secure the ends of the tape with two smaller pieces of tape so it stays in place.
Scatter a handful of colorful beads inside a flat plastic container.
Show your child how to hold the bottle with both hands.
Ask them to roll the bottle over the beads until they stick to the tape.
Once the bottle is decorated, have them use their fingers to peel the beads off one by one.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses beads which are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely. Ensure they do not put beads or tape in their mouth.

The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

Steps:

Find an empty shoe box and use your markers to draw a small keyhole circle on one side.
Help your child use the scissors to cut a narrow slit right through the center of that circle.
Open the box and press a large lump of playdough firmly against the inside wall behind the hole.
Close the lid and use your markers to decorate a craft stick to look like a colorful magic key.
Ask your child to hold the box steady with one hand while they aim the key into the hole.
Challenge them to push the stick into the playdough and twist it back and forth like a key!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors to cut the cardboard. Make sure the playdough stays inside the box and is not put in the mouth.

Felt Petal Patch Builder

Steps:

Have your child choose two or three colorful sheets of felt to make their garden flowers.
Show your child how to use child-safe scissors to cut the felt into small, three-inch squares.
Ask them to fold each felt square in half.
Snip the corners to create rounded petal shapes.
Encourage your child to squeeze the hole puncher to click a hole in the center of each felt piece.
Roll a large, heavy ball of playdough using both hands.
Press it flat onto a paper plate to make a steady base.
Pick up a pipe cleaner.
Slide the felt petals onto it one by one using pinching fingers.
Push the bottom end of the pipe cleaner deep into the playdough base to plant their finished flower!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely during scissor play. Collect any small felt scraps or playdough bits immediately to prevent choking.

Sensory Balloon Squeeze Pairs

Steps:

Fill two balloons with dry beans, two with rice, and two with oats.
Squeeze some water into two final balloons and tie all of them securely.
Place all the textured balloons inside a large bowl.
Have your child close their eyes and pick up one balloon.
Ask them to squeeze it gently with their hands to feel the texture.
Challenge them to find the matching balloon in the bowl using only their sense of touch!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during balloon play. Uninflated or broken balloons can be a choking hazard. Keep materials away from mouths.

The Balloon Tongs Catch

Steps:

Blow up a bright balloon and tie it securely.
Place an empty basket on the floor across the room.
Give your child a pair of sturdy tongs to hold.
Toss the balloon gently into the air for them.
Challenge your child to squeeze and catch the balloon using only the tongs.
Have them carry the balloon carefully and drop it into the basket.
If the balloon drops, they must start over from the beginning.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Discard any popped balloon pieces immediately to prevent a choking hazard.