Tactile Perception - Page 3 of 15

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.

Sticky Balloon Treasure Peel

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
Wrap several strips of masking tape around the balloon.
Make sure the sticky side faces outward.
Press several cotton balls onto the sticky tape.
Ask your child to hold the balloon with their helper hand.
Have them use their other hand to peel the cotton balls off.
Drop the rescued cotton balls into a basket.

Safety Tip:
Balloons and broken pieces are a serious choking hazard. Always watch your child and pick up popped pieces right away.

The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

Steps:

Use your markers and stickers to decorate the outside of your paper cup with bright colors.
Help your child hold the cup steady while they use the hole puncher to make four holes around the rim.
Cut four pieces of string, each about six inches long, using your scissors.
Show your child how to thread one string through a hole and tie a simple knot to secure it.
Ask your child to pick up a bead and slide it onto one of the hanging strings.
Continue adding beads until the strings are full, then tie a knot at the bottom of each one.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child closely during this activity and keep small parts away from younger siblings.

The Foil Texture Rubbing

Steps:

Use your glue to stick a few coins, buttons, and dry leaves onto a flat piece of cardboard.
Wait for the glue to dry so the objects are firmly in place.
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to cover the cardboard.
Place the foil over the objects and use your ‘helper hand’ to hold the edges down firmly.
Use your dominant hand to gently rub your fingertips over the foil until you feel the shapes beneath.
Pick up a crayon and use the side of the tip to rub across the raised areas of the foil.
Watch as the detailed textures of the coins and leaves magically appear on the shiny surface!
Use your markers to add colorful details around the textured prints you created.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the edges of the foil are handled gently. Make sure all glue is dry before applying the foil.