Skill: Proprioception

Proprioception is how your body knows what position it is in. It is the sense that enables us to know where the different parts of our body are, how they are moving, and how much strength our muscles need to use. Our muscles, joints, and skin all contain sensory receptors that contribute to proprioceptive input.

Floating Feather Fans

Floating Feather Fans

Steps:

  • Lay a long strip of butcher paper on the floor to make your landing runway.
  • Use masking tape to secure a basket at the very end of the paper.
  • Have your child lie on their tummy at the start of the runway.
  • Place a soft feather in front of them on the paper.
  • Hand your child a straw and ask them to blow air through it.
  • Challenge them to push the feather forward using only their breath.
  • If the feather gets stuck, give them a paper plate to use as a fan.
  • Encourage them to wave the plate to create wind and move the feather.
  • The goal is to get the feather all the way into the basket!
  • Repeat the race and see if they can do it faster each time.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely while they are lying on the floor. Ensure the room is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture. Keep straws away from eyes and mouth after use.

Tension Track Ball Glide

Tension Track Ball Glide

Steps:

  • Cut a large rectangle of cardboard for your base.
  • Use markers and a ruler to draw a straight road down the center.
  • Cut a smaller cardboard square to serve as your delivery cart.
  • Use the tip of your scissors to poke two small holes on opposite sides of the cart.
  • Thread a long piece of string through both holes so the cart can slide.
  • Use masking tape to secure the four ends of the strings to the base corners.
  • Balance a ping pong ball on top of the small cart.
  • Pull the strings outward to glide the cart safely to the finish line!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors. Ensure the string is stored away after play to prevent any risk.

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay a flat sheet of newspaper on a smooth floor or rug.
  • Ask your child to stand on one leg next to the paper.
  • Use the other foot to slowly crinkle and crumple the paper into a ball.
  • The child must keep their standing foot still the whole time.
  • Once it is a ball, use the foot to push it into a basket.
  • Switch legs and try to crumple a new sheet of paper!
  • Challenge them to do it faster each time they play.

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is near a wall or a sturdy chair for support if they lose their balance.

The Coffee Filter Raindrop Race

The Coffee Filter Raindrop Race

Steps:

  • Place six baking cups in a circle on a large paper plate.
  • Fill a small bowl with water and add two drops of food coloring.
  • Lay one coffee filter flat across the top of all the baking cups.
  • Ask your child to hold the eyedropper with their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Squeeze the dropper to pick up some of the colored raindrops.
  • Carefully drop water onto the filter right over each cup target.
  • Watch the water soak through and try to fill each cup equally!

Safety Tip:
Food coloring and small cups can be messy. Always watch your child closely to make sure they do not drink the water.

The Silent Bubble Walk

The Silent Bubble Walk

Steps:

  • Cut two wide strips of bubble wrap using your scissors.
  • Wrap one strip gently around each of your child’s shins.
  • Secure the wrap with a small piece of masking tape.
  • Ensure the tape is not tight against the skin.
  • Use masking tape to mark a zigzag path on the floor.
  • Ask your child to walk the path in total silence.
  • The goal is to reach the finish line without popping any bubbles!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the tape is not too tight and the plastic is handled safely.