Tactile Perception - Page 2 of 14

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.

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 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.

Baking Cup Hidden Bubble Pops

Steps:

Glue five baking cups onto a flat piece of cardboard.
Cut five small circles of bubble wrap to fit inside the cups.
Place a small dab of glue at the bottom of each cup.
Press the bubble wrap circles firmly into the glue.
Ask your child to use only their pointer finger to pop the bubbles.
Challenge them to use their other hand to hold the cardboard steady.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put small pieces of bubble wrap in their mouth.