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.

Foil River Rock Toss

Foil River Rock Toss

Steps:

  • Tear off a large, square piece of aluminum foil (about 12 inches per side). Tearing this resistant material gives hands a great workout.
  • Use two hands to crumple the foil. Squeeze it intensely into the smallest, tightest ‘river rock’ ball possible.
  • Set up the target: Use masking tape to secure two small paper cups firmly inside the large plastic container.
  • Stand back slightly from the target container. Carefully toss the heavy foil rock, aiming for one of the narrow paper cup targets.
  • Repeat this process until you have used all the foil. Try tossing from different angles or distances for an extra challenge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children closely during this activity. Ensure the foil pieces are crumpled tightly into balls before handling to eliminate sharp edges. Remind the child to stay behind the toss line during play.

Squeeze Noodle Maker

Squeeze Noodle Maker

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Take a Ziplock Bag and cut a tiny corner (less than 1/4 inch) off the bottom corner. Roll a soft piece of Playdough into a log shape and place it inside the bag, pushing it toward the cut corner.
  • Place the Paper Plate on the table. Show your child how to hold the top of the bag securely with their helper hand to provide proximal stability.
  • Encourage your child to use their dominant hand to squeeze the Playdough firmly downward, forcing the dough through the tiny hole to create ‘spaghetti noodles’ on the plate. Cheer on their strong effort!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure the Ziplock bag and any loose pieces of extruded dough are monitored and not placed in the mouth, as they pose a choking hazard.

Tee Time Smash

Steps:

  • Set up the ‘smashing station’ by placing the block of Styrofoam on a sturdy, non-slip surface, like a placemat on the kitchen table or floor.
  • Show your child how to place the blunt end of a golf tee onto the Styrofoam block. They must use their non-dominant (helper) hand to stabilize and hold the Styrofoam steady.
  • Using a spoon held like a hammer, encourage your child to tap the golf tee until it pushes all the way into the Styrofoam. They must grade their force to ensure the tee is fully embedded.
  • Once all the tees are smashed in, switch roles! Have your child use their finger tips or the back of the spoon to pull the tees back out, working on fine motor control and pincer grasp.

Safety Tip:
Ensure close supervision to prevent the child from putting the golf tees in their mouth or throwing the spoon. This activity requires moderate force, so make sure the table is stable.

Giant Sponge Squish Art

Giant Sponge Squish Art

Steps:

  • Tape a large sheet of Butcher Paper securely to the floor. Set up a paint station (a shallow bowl with Tempera Paint) just to one side of the paper.
  • Encourage your child to kneel or squat beside the paper, not directly over it. This position naturally encourages core engagement and balance.
  • Have your child dip a sponge into the paint. The challenge is to use two hands to press the sponge down firmly onto the paper, making a ‘squish’ sound and mark. Make sure they reach far across their body to stamp marks on the opposite side of the paper (crossing midline).
  • Vary the required force: Ask them to make ‘strong’ marks (heavy work input) and then ‘light’ marks to practice motor control.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is dry before beginning and supervise closely to prevent slips, especially when working with wet paint or sponges.

The Sticky Spiderweb Challenge

A preschool-aged boy practices eye-hand coordination by throwing a pom-pom at a homemade sticky web constructed from masking tape in a doorway

Steps:

  • Set up the spiderweb: Use masking tape to create a sticky ‘web’ across an open doorway or the entrance to a hallway. Make sure the sticky side faces outward into the room where the child will be throwing.”
  • “Place the basket of pom-poms about 3 to 5 feet away from the web (adjust distance based on your child’s skill). Encourage your child to throw the pom-poms and try to get them stuck on the web.”
  • “Once the pom-poms are stuck, transition the activity to retrieval. Have your child carefully use their fingers to peel the stuck items off the masking tape. They will likely need to use one hand to hold the tape still while the other hand pulls the pom-pom free!”
  • “Repeat the process until the basket is empty, then reload and start the challenge again!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the masking tape is placed at a safe height (not near face or neck level) and supervise closely, especially when children are standing or reaching near the doorframe.