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 Heavy Cargo Foot Push

The Heavy Cargo Foot Push

Steps:

  • Place a large cardboard box on a smooth floor surface like wood or tile.
  • Ask your toddler to help fill the box with their favorite stuffed animals.
  • Have your child sit on the floor with their back against a sturdy wall or couch.
  • Place the weighted box directly in front of their feet.
  • Encourage them to bend their knees and push the box away using both feet.
  • See how far the cargo can go with one big push!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the floor is clear of any small objects that could be a trip hazard. Check the stuffed animals for small buttons or eyes that could be a choking hazard if they become loose.

Sticky Twig Nest Builder

Sticky Twig Nest Builder

Steps:

  • Wrap a piece of masking tape around the end of a small branch with the sticky side facing out.
  • Spread colorful feathers, yarn, and small pieces of construction paper on a table.
  • Help your child hold the branch firmly at the clean end.
  • Ask them to press the sticky end down onto the items to pick them up.
  • Once the twig is covered, they must use their fingers to peel the items off.
  • Place the rescued items into a plastic container to build a soft bird nest.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they handle small twigs or branches to prevent any pokes or scratches. Ensure the yarn pieces are short to avoid any tangling.

Balloon Waddle Race

Balloon Waddle Race

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to make a straight path on a smooth floor.
  • Blow up a balloon and tie it for your child.
  • Ask your child to stand at one end of the path.
  • Place the balloon between their knees.
  • They must squeeze it to keep it in place.
  • Have them walk along the tape line to the finish.
  • If the balloon drops, they should reset and try again!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children around balloons. Broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard. If a balloon pops, pick up the pieces immediately.

The Winding Rope Balance Walk

The Winding Rope Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Place the rope on the floor in a long, winding S shape.
  • Use masking tape to secure the rope at both ends so it doesn’t slide.
  • Put a step stool in the middle of the rope’s path.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly on top of the rope, keeping their feet on the line.
  • When they reach the step stool, they must step up and down without falling off the rope path.
  • Challenge them to walk the path backward for extra fun!

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is wearing non-slip socks or has bare feet to prevent slipping. Keep the area clear of hard furniture while they are practicing.

Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a pool noodle into pieces about as long as a ruler.
  • Hold the noodle piece firmly with your non-cutting hand.
  • Snip three or four horizontal slits into the side of the foam.
  • Squeeze the handles together to make sure the scissors cut deep enough.
  • Slide a wooden craft stick halfway into each of the new slits.
  • Make sure the sticks are tight so they act like tiny shelves.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to pick up a soft pom-pom.
  • Carefully place the pom-pom onto the flat end of a craft stick.
  • See if you can fill all the shelves without any falling off!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors. Ensure the pom-poms are not placed in the mouth as they can be a choking hazard.