Sensory Processing - Page 3 of 14

Sticky Stocking Treasure Walk

Steps:

Place several colorful pom-poms on a smooth floor area.
Take a long strip of masking tape.
Wrap it loosely around your toddler’s stocking-covered foot with the sticky side facing out.
Help your child stand up and hold your hands for balance.
Encourage them to step directly onto a pom-pom so it sticks to their foot.
Have them lift their foot to see the treasure they caught.
Ask them to use their hands to pull the pom-pom off and put it in a basket.
Switch to the other foot to keep both legs working hard!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Pom-poms and tape are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put these items in their mouth.

The Hidden Meadow Rescue

Steps:

First, grab a piece of cardboard to use as your meadow floor.
Draw a few colorful bugs on the board with your markers.
Cut your green tissue paper into several long, thin strips.
Glue the bottom end of each strip to the cardboard base.
Let the top of the paper flop over to hide your bug drawings.
Place some colorful buttons or stickers underneath the tissue paper grass.
Invite your child to go on a bug hunt in the meadow!
Show them how to lift the grass with one hand while the other picks up a button.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small buttons and stickers. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put these items in their mouth.

The Cardboard Box Texture Tunnel

Steps:

Use masking tape to connect two large boxes to create a long, sturdy tunnel.
Cut the flaps off both ends so your child has a clear path to crawl through.
Use tape to secure different pieces of fabric to the bottom of the tunnel.
Stick several soft cotton balls to the inner walls of the box using glue or tape.
Encourage your child to crawl through the tunnel and touch the various textures.
Talk about the sensations, asking if the walls feel soft, fuzzy, or smooth.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Cotton balls are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not pull them off to put in their mouth.

The Static Magic Paper Lift

Steps:

Help your child tear the tissue paper into very small, light pieces.
Place all the tiny paper bits into a pile on a flat table.
Blow up the balloon and tie it tightly for your child.
Have your child rub the balloon quickly against their hair.
Hold the balloon just above the paper bits and watch them jump up!
Challenge your child to move the stuck paper over to an empty bowl.
Use your fingers to peel the paper off and start again.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using balloons. Immediately pick up and discard any broken balloon pieces to keep your child safe.

Balloon Powered Foil Boat

Steps:

Fill your foil pan halfway with cool water.
Place the pan on a flat table.
Take a straw and a balloon from your kit.
Slide the balloon neck over one straw end.
Wrap masking tape around the neck to seal it.
Blow through the straw to fill the balloon.
Pinch the straw shut with your fingers.
Put the straw boat into the pan.
Let go and watch the boat zoom!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children around water and balloons. Broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard for younger children.