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 Sturdy Newspaper Bridge

The Sturdy Newspaper Bridge

Steps:

  • Lay a sheet of newspaper flat on a table.
  • Start at one corner and roll the paper into a very tight, thin tube.
  • Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the end.
  • Repeat this until you have at least ten strong paper tubes.
  • Place two stacks of blocks about six inches apart on the table.
  • Tape your paper tubes together to create a flat platform.
  • Lay the platform across the blocks to form a bridge.
  • Gently place more blocks on top of the bridge to see how much weight it can hold!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to help with the building and design of the bridge. Be careful with any small tape pieces that might stick to other surfaces.

The Heavy Balloon Balance Walk

The Heavy Balloon Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it for your child.
  • Use masking tape to create a long, straight path on the floor.
  • Ask your child to stand at the start of the line.
  • Have them hold the balloon in front of them with both hands.
  • Place one bean bag on top of the balloon.
  • Challenge them to walk along the tape line.
  • They must keep the bean bag from sliding off the balloon!
  • If the bag falls, they should stop, reset, and try again.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the walking path is clear of furniture and trip hazards to prevent falls while your child is looking at the balloon.

The Sticky Plate Step

The Sticky Plate Step

Steps:

  • Place six paper plates in a line on a smooth floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure the plates to the floor so they do not move.
  • Put several loops of masking tape on top of each plate with the sticky side facing up.
  • Ask your child to take off their shoes and socks.
  • Have them walk slowly across the plates, feeling their feet stick to the tape.
  • Encourage them to lift their knees high to pull their feet away from the sticky surface!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity uses masking tape which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child closely. Ensure the plates are taped down firmly to prevent slipping.

The Balancing Button Pendulum

The Balancing Button Pendulum

Steps:

  • Tape one end of the string to the top of a doorway.
  • Use the hole puncher to make two holes in the paper cup.
  • Tie the other end of the string through the holes to hang the cup.
  • Place five buttons inside the cup to give it a little weight.
  • Set up three cardboard strips as pins on the floor nearby.
  • Pull the cup back and release it to knock the pins down.
  • Try to keep the buttons inside the cup during the swing!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the doorway is clear of traffic and the string is not left unattended to prevent tripping.

Pool Noodle Pincer Pillars

Pool Noodle Pincer Pillars

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Carefully use scissors to cut the pool noodle into four or five round discs.
  • Have your child place the foam discs flat on a sturdy table or the floor.
  • Ask your child to push one golf ball tee into the center of each foam disc.
  • Provide the tweezers and a small bowl of colorful pom-poms for the next part.
  • Challenge your child to use the tweezers to pick up one pom-pom at a time.
  • They must carefully balance the pom-pom on the very top of the golf ball tee.
  • For an extra challenge, ask them to move the whole disc to a new spot.
  • They must be very gentle so the pom-pom stays on its pillar during the move!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required because golf ball tees have pointed ends. Ensure your child stays seated and uses the materials only for the activity.