Skill: Tactile Perception

Tactile Perception (sometimes referred to as touch perception) is the brain’s ability to understand (perceive) what the hands are feeling.

Squish Bag Stomp

Squish Bag Stomp

Steps:

  • Fill several Ziplock Bags about halfway with dry oats (or rice/beans). Ensure all the air is squeezed out before sealing them tightly.
  • Use masking tape to secure the filled bags flat onto a low, stable floor surface, like the kitchen floor or a sturdy rug, creating a short path or line.
  • Encourage your toddler to take off their shoes and socks, and gently step onto the taped bags. Use encouraging language like, “Stomp! Can you feel the squish and crunch under your feet?” (For safety, hold hands if they are new to standing/walking.)

Safety Tip:
Due to the use of small materials (oats) in the bags, constant, close adult supervision is essential. Ensure the Ziplock Bags are taped completely shut before starting the activity to prevent the contents from spilling or being ingested.

Sticker Garden Peel

Sticker Garden Peel

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘garden’ by firmly taping a small piece of cardboard (or a stiff paper plate) to the table surface or high chair tray using masking tape. Securing the surface helps the child focus purely on peeling.
  • Place several easy-to-peel stickers (like dot stickers or large character stickers) onto the cardboard surface. Place them far enough apart that the child must target one at a time.
  • Encourage your child to use just their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp) to try and peel the sticker off the cardboard. Provide verbal cues like, ‘Use your pinching fingers!’
  • Once peeled, the child can practice sticking the sticker onto another piece of paper or directly onto a designated container. This shift between peeling and sticking promotes bilateral hand coordination (stabilizing the paper/container with the non-working hand).

Safety Tip:
Due to the small size of many stickers, ensure close adult supervision at all times, as stickers can be a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Only use high-quality stickers that peel cleanly.

Sticky Wall Rescue

Preschool girl engaging in a bilateral fine motor and core strength activity, peeling crumpled tissue paper off masking tape adhered to a playroom wall.

Steps:

  • Prepare the sticky trap: Place 3-4 strips of masking tape vertically on a wall (ensure it is safe for tape removal!). Roll the ends of the tape to secure it to the wall, leaving the sticky side facing outwards.
  • Encourage your child to gently press small, crumbled pieces of tissue paper onto the exposed sticky side of the tape at different heights, stretching their reach.
  • Now it is ‘Rescue Time!’ Have your child use their fingers to peel and pull the tissue paper off the masking tape, using both hands as needed. The resistance of the sticky tape provides great heavy work input.

Safety Tip:
Always test the masking tape on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage paint or wallpaper. Supervise closely to ensure your child doesn’t place tape or tissue paper near their face or mouth.

Treasure Hunt Sensory Bin

This sensory bin activity provides the child with a fun chance to build trust with messy textures through play.

Preparation:

Step 1: Pour sensory bin fillers (cornmeal was used in this photo but you can also use sand, beans, and rice).

Step 2: Hide gems/coins in the sand.

Step 3: Provide tongs for your child to use to retrieve the treasure & place in a separate bowl/treasure box. For an increased challenge, have the child close their eyes and search for the treasure with their hands.

Beach Cup

Food Craft Beach Cup

This beach cup activity provides the child with a fun chance to build trust with new food items through play and creating.

You can substitute the different ingredients to make your own creation.

Preparation:

Step 1: Squeeze or scoop blue yogurt into a clear cup.

Step 2: Take 2 graham crackers and place them into a ziploc bag. Have the child squeeze, scrunch, and smash the graham crackers into “sand like” pieces.

Step 3: Pour the graham crackers on top of the yogurt.

Step 4: Ask your child to identify characteristics of food item, using their other senses. Provide them with the language to build that connection with the food in their brain.

Is it crunchy?
Is it smooth?
What does it smell like?

Step 5: Top off with an umbrella.

Tip: Cut off the pointed bottom part of the toothpick or assist as needed. Don’t forget the spoon!