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.

Putty Piston Push

Putty Piston Push

Steps:

  • Press a large lump of Theraputty (or stiff playdough) firmly into the bottom of the Plastic Container or lid to create a stable, resistant base.
  • Place the small Beads and Craft Sticks in separate piles next to the container. Ask your child to sit stably at the work area.
  • Challenge the child to use their non-dominant hand to firmly hold the container steady on the table.
  • Pick up one craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger) to balance one small bead onto the end of the stick.
  • Aim the loaded stick at the putty. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick deep into the resistant base, ‘planting’ the bead.
  • Repeat this action until the entire putty base is filled with sticks. Encourage maximum pushing effort for heavy work input!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Moving Target Delivery

Moving Target Delivery

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use masking tape to secure the paper cup firmly onto the outside of the large ball. This cup is the moving target.
  • Place the buttons in the container nearby. Set the moving target ball on the floor in a clear, open space.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Gently roll or move the ball slowly across the floor. Encourage your child to walk or squat as they follow the target.
  • Challenge your child to aim carefully and drop the button into the narrow opening of the paper cup while the ball is moving slowly.
  • Repeat the process: pick up a button, chase the moving target, and deposit the item inside. Encourage them to try different body positions, like kneeling or squatting, while aiming.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Buttons are small, hard objects and pose a choking hazard. Ensure the playing area is clear to prevent tripping while the child moves with the ball.

Cardboard Tee Lacing

Cardboard Tee Lacing

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw several dots onto the piece of cardboard. These dots are your targets.
  • Place the cardboard flat on a stable table. Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand to keep it steady.
  • Pick up a golf tee. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the tee straight through the cardboard at one of the marked dots. Feel the resistance!
  • Remove all the golf tees, leaving behind a set of neat, small holes across the surface.
  • Challenge your child to thread the pipe cleaners through the new holes. They must weave the fuzzy sticks in and out to create a colorful lacing pattern.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Golf ball tees and small pieces of pipe cleaner pose choking hazards for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Sponge Weight Release

Sponge Weight Release

Steps:

  • Place a large empty bucket on one side of the room. Place a lightweight stuffed animal target inside.
  • Fill a separate container halfway with water. Soak the sponge until it is heavy and saturated.
  • Encourage your child to pick up the wet sponge using a strong, whole-hand grasp.
  • Have them carry the heavy sponge over to the empty bucket/target zone. They must maintain stability while transporting the weight.
  • Once positioned over the target, challenge your child to squeeze the sponge as hard as they can. They must release all the water into the target bucket.
  • Repeat the process of soaking, carrying, and squeezing until the target stuffed animal is soaking wet or the child tires.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. This activity involves water. Ensure the playing area is non-slip to prevent falls, especially during carrying motions. Ensure the child only uses the sponge and water as intended.

Pom-Pom Skewer Push

Pom-Pom Skewer Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Secure a thick piece of cardboard firmly onto the inside of the plastic container lid using glue. This creates a stable, resistant base for planting.
  • Place the Q-Tips and pom-poms in separate containers. Ask your child to hold one pom-pom steady with their helper hand to stabilize it.
  • Challenge your child to pick up a Q-Tip using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Encourage them to push the Q-Tip straight through the middle of the resistant pom-pom. They need controlled force to do this without bending the Q-Tip.
  • Once the pom-pom is skewered, hold the container base steady with the helper hand.
  • Aim the Q-Tip stick and push it firmly into the resistant cardboard base to create a colorful, dense forest of pom-poms.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips and small pom-poms are choking hazards for children under five. Ensure materials are not placed in the mouth, nose, or ears.