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.

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.

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with water.
  • Place the sponge gently on top of the water so it floats.
  • Put a small bowl of buttons next to the pan.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Challenge them to place the button carefully onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • See how many buttons they can stack before the sponge tips or sinks!
  • Try placing buttons on the corners of the sponge to see how it wobbles.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Buttons are small and are a choking hazard. Ensure your child does not put them in their mouth.

Air-Power Cup Delivery

Air-Power Cup Delivery

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it closed.
  • Cut a piece of string about two feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the balloon.
  • Tape the other end of the string to the bottom of a paper cup.
  • Place five beans inside the cup for weight.
  • Set the cup on a smooth floor.
  • Give your child a paper plate to use as a fan.
  • Challenge your child to fan the balloon with the plate.
  • They must move the balloon and cup to a target.
  • Reach the finish line without the cup tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Beans and broken balloons are choking hazards. Keep uninflated balloons away from children.