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 Textured Cardboard Path

The Textured Cardboard Path

Steps:

  • Help your child cut several long strips of cardboard to make the path.
  • Use masking tape to secure the strips to the floor in a straight line.
  • Glue small pieces of soft sponge and rough yarn along the path.
  • Ask your child to take off their shoes and socks.
  • Have them walk slowly while keeping their feet inside the cardboard edges.
  • Encourage them to describe how each section feels as they step on it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to prevent slips or falls while they walk on the textured path. Make sure the cardboard is taped down firmly to the floor.

The Aluminium Pan Sifter Shake

The Aluminium Pan Sifter Shake

Steps:

  • Place the Aluminium Foil Pan upside down on a table.
  • Use a pencil to poke ten holes through the bottom of the pan.
  • Flip the pan over and set it on top of a large bowl.
  • Pour a cup of dry rice and a handful of beads into the pan.
  • Hold the edges of the pan with both hands.
  • Shake the pan side to side to sift the rice into the bowl.
  • Use your pinching fingers to pick up the remaining beads!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during this activity. The pencil has a sharp point, and the rice and beads are small objects that can be a choking hazard.

The Bubble Power Road Trip

The Bubble Power Road Trip

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure a sheet of bubble wrap to a wall at your child’s shoulder height.
  • Use a marker to draw a long, wiggly line from the bottom to the top of the bubble wrap.
  • Place a small stuffed animal at the start of the line.
  • Tell your child that the stuffed animal needs bubble power to move up the road.
  • Have your child pop one bubble on the line using their pointer finger.
  • Once the bubble pops, move the stuffed animal slightly forward along the path.
  • Continue popping bubbles one by one until the toy reaches the top of the road.
  • Try using the other hand to help the toy finish its journey!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity involves plastic wrap which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put bubble wrap in their mouth. Ensure the wall tape is secure.

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Steps:

  • Tape a large square on a clear wall to be the ‘soccer goal.’
  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely for your child.
  • Have your child sit on a rug and lean back on their hands for support.
  • Challenge them to lift their feet and keep the balloon in the air.
  • Ask them to kick the balloon toward the masking tape goal.
  • See how many goals they can score in one minute!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to prevent bumps or falls. Pick up broken balloon pieces immediately.

Newspaper Nest Foot Deliver

Newspaper Nest Foot Deliver

Steps:

  • Crumple several sheets of newspaper into large, loose balls with your child.
  • Place a basket on a rug at one end of the room.
  • Put the newspaper balls in a pile a few feet away from the basket.
  • Have your child sit on a pillow on the floor, facing the basket.
  • Encourage them to lean back and brace themselves with their hands behind them.
  • Challenge them to pick up one newspaper ball using only their feet.
  • They must lift their legs carefully and drop the ball into the basket.
  • See how many nests they can deliver without using their hands!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor is not slippery and the area is clear of sharp furniture corners.