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.

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

Steps:

  • Draw a large sun with long rays on construction paper using your markers.
  • Use masking tape to secure the paper firmly to the floor so it does not move.
  • Squeeze small dots of glue along the lines of the sun’s rays.
  • Ask your child to lie on their stomach on the floor, facing the paper.
  • Place a paper plate with a small pile of beans right in front of them.
  • Encourage your child to lift their chest and head up high while they reach for the beans.
  • Have them use their thumb and pointer finger to pick up one bean at a time.
  • Challenge them to press the beans into the glue dots to decorate the sun.
  • Encourage them to switch hands to help both sides of their body get stronger!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard: Beans are small objects that can be a safety risk. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all beans are collected afterward.

Bubble Wrap Stomp Shoes

Bubble Wrap Stomp Shoes

Steps:

  • Cut two pieces of bubble wrap large enough to cover your child’s feet.
  • Wrap the bubble wrap gently around each foot like a soft shoe.
  • Secure the wrap at the ankles with a small piece of masking tape.
  • Encourage your child to walk slowly across a carpeted floor.
  • Cheer for them as they stomp to hear the pop sound!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses tape and plastic wrap. Always supervise your child closely to keep them safe.

The Carpet Sled Racer

The Carpet Sled Racer

Steps:

  • Find a large, flat piece of sturdy cardboard from a box.
  • Use a hole puncher to make two holes in the center of one short edge.
  • Thread a long rope through the holes and tie it with a very tight knot.
  • Place a soft pillow on the cardboard to make a comfy seat for your child.
  • Have your child sit or kneel on the pillow while holding the cardboard sides.
  • Pull the rope slowly to give your little racer a smooth ride across the rug.
  • Challenge them to keep their back straight and stay balanced as you move.

Safety Tip:
Always pull the sled slowly and ensure the path is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture.

The Golf Tee Yarn Trail

The Golf Tee Yarn Trail

Steps:

  • Place a block of Styrofoam on a flat table.
  • Use markers to draw several small circles on the foam.
  • Pick up a golf ball tee using your pinching fingers.
  • Push the tee straight down into one of the circles.
  • Repeat this until every circle has its own mountain.
  • Tie the end of a long piece of yarn to the first tee.
  • Guide the yarn around the other tees to make a trail.
  • Pull the yarn tight to see your colorful design!

Safety Tip:
Golf ball tees have sharp points. Please watch your child closely to keep them safe. Small items like tees and yarn can be a choking hazard.

The Gravity Bead Labyrinth

The Gravity Bead Labyrinth

Steps:

  • Find a plastic basket with small holes along the sides.
  • Give your child several colorful pipe cleaners.
  • Show them how to thread one pipe cleaner through a hole on one side.
  • Pull it across the middle and out through a hole on the opposite side.
  • Continue adding pipe cleaners at different angles to create a crisscross mesh floor.
  • Drop three large beads onto the fuzzy mesh you just created.
  • Ask your child to hold the basket handles with both hands.
  • Challenge them to tilt the basket gently to roll the beads across the mesh.
  • Try to keep the beads on the floor without them falling through the gaps!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the pipe cleaner ends are tucked in to avoid any small pokes.