Sensory Processing - Page 2 of 14

The Foil Cupcake Scoop

Steps:

Tear off several small squares of aluminium foil using both hands.
Show your child how to crumple each foil square into a round ball to make ‘ice cream scoops.’
Place a baking cup on the table and have your child use their helper hand to hold it steady.
Use the spoon to scoop a foil ball and carefully place it inside the baking cup.
Once the ‘cupcake’ is in the cup, pick up a small bead using a pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
Gently set the bead on top of the foil ball to act as a sprinkle.
Continue adding more ‘sprinkles’ until the cupcake is fully decorated!
Challenge your child to dump the cup and start again with a different colored bead.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely during play. Small beads and crumpled foil can be a choking hazard, so ensure they do not put any materials in their mouth.

Sensory Balloon Squeeze Pairs

Steps:

Fill two balloons with dry beans, two with rice, and two with oats.
Squeeze some water into two final balloons and tie all of them securely.
Place all the textured balloons inside a large bowl.
Have your child close their eyes and pick up one balloon.
Ask them to squeeze it gently with their hands to feel the texture.
Challenge them to find the matching balloon in the bowl using only their sense of touch!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during balloon play. Uninflated or broken balloons can be a choking hazard. Keep materials away from mouths.

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Steps:

Place a large laundry basket on a smooth floor like wood or tile.
Have your child sit inside the basket with their legs tucked in comfortably.
Give them a long pool noodle to hold with both hands like an oar.
Show them how to push the noodle against the floor to move the basket.
Encourage them to alternate pushing on the left and then the right side.
Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line for the race.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child to keep the basket from tipping. Make sure the floor is clear of toys that could trip them up.

The Foil Pan Bead Scoop

Steps:

Place the aluminium foil pan on a flat table.
Fill the pan about halfway with cool water.
Drop a handful of colorful beads into the water.
Give your toddler a sturdy spoon to hold.
Ask them to scoop up one bead at a time.
Challenge them to carry the bead to a nearby bowl.
Drop the rescued bead into the empty bowl.
Continue until all the beads are moved out of the water!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beads are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put beads in their mouth.

The Musical Ribbon Shaker

Steps:

Give your toddler two paper plates to decorate with markers.
Place one plate face up on the table.
Help your child pick up a handful of beans.
Ask them to use their thumb and pointer finger to drop the beans one by one.
Place the second plate upside down on top of the first.
An adult should staple the edges together firmly.
Glue several colorful ribbon strips to the sides of the shaker.
Show your toddler how to hold the shaker with both hands.
Shake the plates to the beat of your favorite song!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans and staples are small. Always supervise your child and ensure the plates are sealed tightly.