Skill: Sensory Processing

How the brain organizes information from the senses, like touch, sound, and movement. Good processing helps a child feel calm, focus in a busy room, and react appropriately to their environment.

The Balloon Body Bop

The Balloon Body Bop

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
  • Tap the balloon into the air to show your child how it floats.
  • Call out a body part like Hand and help them tap it.
  • Try a harder part like Knee or Head to keep the balloon up.
  • See how many times they can tap it before it hits the floor.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is always required when playing with balloons. Balloons and broken pieces are a serious choking hazard. Dispose of any popped pieces immediately to keep your child safe.

The Cotton Cloud Rainbow Drop

The Cotton Cloud Rainbow Drop

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a large, simple rainbow shape on your piece of cardboard.
  • Squeeze a line of glue along the first arc of the rainbow.
  • Pick up cotton balls one by one and press them firmly into the glue.
  • Continue until the entire rainbow is covered in fluffy white clouds.
  • Mix a few drops of food coloring with water in separate small bowls.
  • Use the eyedropper to suck up the colored water.
  • Gently drop the color onto the cotton balls to make a rainbow.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using food coloring to avoid stains. Ensure the child does not put the cotton balls or colored water in their mouth.

Newspaper Nest Foot Deliver

Newspaper Nest Foot Deliver

Steps:

  • Crumple several sheets of newspaper into large, loose balls with your child.
  • Place a basket on a rug at one end of the room.
  • Put the newspaper balls in a pile a few feet away from the basket.
  • Have your child sit on a pillow on the floor, facing the basket.
  • Encourage them to lean back and brace themselves with their hands behind them.
  • Challenge them to pick up one newspaper ball using only their feet.
  • They must lift their legs carefully and drop the ball into the basket.
  • See how many nests they can deliver without using their hands!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor is not slippery and the area is clear of sharp furniture corners.

The Sticky Plate Step

The Sticky Plate Step

Steps:

  • Place six paper plates in a line on a smooth floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure the plates to the floor so they do not move.
  • Put several loops of masking tape on top of each plate with the sticky side facing up.
  • Ask your child to take off their shoes and socks.
  • Have them walk slowly across the plates, feeling their feet stick to the tape.
  • Encourage them to lift their knees high to pull their feet away from the sticky surface!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity uses masking tape which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child closely. Ensure the plates are taped down firmly to prevent slipping.

The Bubble Wrap Printmaker

The Bubble Wrap Printmaker

Steps:

  • Lay a sheet of bubble wrap on the table.
  • Choose one color of tempera paint.
  • Use the paint brush to cover the bubbles with paint.
  • Place a clean sheet of paper on top of the wet bubbles.
  • Press your hands firmly over the whole paper.
  • Carefully peel the paper back to see the bubble pattern.
  • Repeat with a new color to layer the prints!

Safety Tip:
Paint can be slippery on plastic surfaces. Always supervise your child to ensure they stay safely seated while working.