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.

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.

Foil Pan Table Skater

Foil Pan Table Skater

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to create a winding track on a table.
  • Use markers to draw arrows on the tape to show the way.
  • Place two sponges inside the aluminium foil pan for hand cushions.
  • Have your child stand and place one hand on each sponge.
  • Ask them to slide the pan along the tape path.
  • They should follow the curves without lifting the pan.
  • Encourage them to reach far to the left and right.

Safety Tip:
Make sure the table is at a comfortable height for your child to lean on safely.

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.