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.

Clip Straightener Stack

Clip Straightener Stack

Steps:

  • Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
  • Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
  • Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.

Vertical Tape Relief

Vertical Tape Relief

Steps:

  • Secure a flat piece of cardboard vertically onto a wall or door at your child’s eye level. Use extra masking tape to anchor it.
  • Use markers to draw a simple picture or design, like a big tree or an animal shape, on the cardboard.
  • Give the child long strips of masking tape. Encourage them to tear the tape into many small, 1-inch squares.
  • The child should use both hands for tearing. Drop the finished small pieces into the plastic container.
  • Pick up one small tape piece using only the thumb and pointer finger (pincer control).
  • Challenge your child to press the sticky side of the tape piece firmly onto the drawn shape. Strong, controlled pressure is needed.
  • Continue layering the tape pieces until the entire drawing is covered, creating a textured relief artwork. Add stickers for eyes or details.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the vertical cardboard is secured firmly to prevent it from falling. Always monitor children to ensure they do not attempt to place torn tape pieces in their mouths.

Screw Tower Twist

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use a pencil to poke 4 to 6 holes in the cardboard. The holes should be slightly smaller than the bolts for good resistance.
  • Place the cardboard on the table. Use the marker to draw a simple circle around each hole to create a target zone.
  • Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly with one hand (the helper hand) to stabilize it on the table.
  • Using their dominant hand, push a bolt straight through a target hole until only the threads stick out the back.
  • Carefully thread a matching nut onto the bolt. Use repeated forearm twisting (like turning a key) to tighten the nut down to the cardboard surface.
  • Once the nut is tight, try unscrewing and removing all pieces to repeat the challenge.

Safety Tip:
Nuts and bolts are very small and pose a choking hazard. Always supervise the child closely during this activity. Ensure all pieces are collected and stored safely after playtime.

Resistant Tear Feed

Resistant Tear Feed

Steps:

  • Prep the surface: Use masking tape to secure several large pieces of construction paper tightly onto a piece of cardboard.
  • Place the cardboard upright on a chair or stand it vertically against a wall. Put the container on the floor below the paper.
  • Show your toddler how to hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand to keep it stable while working.
  • Encourage them to grab a corner of the paper and use a strong pull to rip the construction paper off the resistant cardboard base.
  • Once ripped free, challenge them to drop the torn pieces directly into the container on the floor. Repeat until the cardboard is clear!

Safety Tip:
Constant, close adult supervision is essential for this age group. Ensure the toddler does not put torn pieces of paper or masking tape in their mouth, as these pose a choking hazard.

Thumb Flick Target Game

Thumb Flick Target Game

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a simple target or bullseye onto several index cards. You can assign point values for older children.
  • Secure the index cards flat onto a table using masking tape around all four edges. This prevents the card from moving.
  • Place a small pile of colorful buttons from the container near a designated start line on the card.
  • Show your child how to use the pad of their thumb to gently flick the button forward. The thumb should use the pointer finger as a stabilizer (thumb opposition).
  • Challenge your child to flick each button until it lands completely inside a target zone. If the button flies off the table, try using less force.

Safety Tip:
Buttons are small items that pose a choking hazard. Maintain constant, close adult supervision throughout this activity. Ensure all buttons are collected immediately after play.