Sensory Processing - Page 4 of 12

The Floating Island Bean Drop

Steps:

Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water to create your ‘ocean.’
Place the sponge gently into the water so it floats like a tiny island.
Put a handful of dry beans into a small bowl next to the pan.
Show your toddler how to pick up one bean using their thumb and pointer finger.
Encourage your child to carefully set the bean onto the center of the floating sponge.
Watch as the sponge bobs and tilts with each new bean added!
Challenge them to see how many beans the island can hold before it gets too heavy.
When finished, they can use their fingers to scoop the beans off the sponge.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your toddler closely and store materials safely after play.

The Foil Pancake Button Press

Steps:

Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil using both of your hands.
Encourage your toddler to crumple the foil into a flat, thick pancake shape.
Place the foil pancake inside the aluminum foil pan or onto a piece of cardboard for stability.
Give your child a handful of colorful buttons from your collection.
Ask them to use their pointer finger and thumb to pick up one button at a time.
Challenge your toddler to press each button firmly into the surface of the foil pancake.
Watch as the foil wraps slightly around the edges to hold the buttons in place!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Buttons are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all buttons are put away safely once you are finished playing.

The Shaving Cream Marble Maze

Steps:

Fill a Ziplock bag with shaving cream and a little food coloring.
Seal the bag and squish it to mix the color.
Place a marble inside the bag and seal it again.
Use a marker to draw a winding path on the bag.
Tape the bag flat to the table with masking tape.
Use your index finger to push the marble along the path.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Marbles are a significant choking hazard. Ensure the Ziplock bag is sealed tightly to avoid leaks.

The Over-Head Balloon Drop

Steps:

Place a soft pillow on the floor for your child to lie on.
Set a large basket about a foot behind your child’s head.
Ask your child to lie on their back and squeeze a balloon between their ankles while holding the pillow sides.
Encourage them to lift their legs up and over their head.
The goal is to drop the balloon into the basket without using their hands!
Try it again and see how many times they can score in a row.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the area behind the child’s head is clear of hard furniture or sharp edges.

The Coffee Filter Magic Flower

Steps:

Set out a few white coffee filters on a tray or plastic container.
Show your child how to fold the coffee filter in half, then in half again.
Mix a few drops of food coloring into small cups of water.
Have your child squeeze the eyedropper to soak up the colorful water.
Encourage them to carefully drop the water onto the folded edges of the filter.
Slowly unfold the wet filter to see a beautiful, colorful pattern.
Let the filters dry to create magic flowers or window art!

Safety Tip:
Food coloring can stain clothes and surfaces. Use a tray to keep the water contained. Always supervise your child when using the eyedropper and water.