Tactile Perception - Page 5 of 15

Crumpled Leaf Twig Tree

Steps:

Stand your branch inside the container using a large lump of playdough.
Encourage your child to tear strips of tissue paper with both hands.
Ask them to crumple the paper into small balls using only their fingertips.
Have your child pick up a clothespin and squeeze it open.
They must trap a tissue paper leaf inside the clothespin.
Challenge them to clip the leaf onto a twig on the branch.
Continue until the branch is full of colorful tissue paper leaves!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Small pieces of tissue paper and playdough can be a choking hazard. Watch for sharp twigs on the branches.

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

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.

Sticky Twig Nest Builder

Steps:

Wrap a piece of masking tape around the end of a small branch with the sticky side facing out.
Spread colorful feathers, yarn, and small pieces of construction paper on a table.
Help your child hold the branch firmly at the clean end.
Ask them to press the sticky end down onto the items to pick them up.
Once the twig is covered, they must use their fingers to peel the items off.
Place the rescued items into a plastic container to build a soft bird nest.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they handle small twigs or branches to prevent any pokes or scratches. Ensure the yarn pieces are short to avoid any tangling.

Foil Gem Treasure Rescue

Steps:

Help your child cut small squares of aluminum foil using safety scissors.
Wrap one bead inside each piece of foil to make a treasure gem.
Squeeze the foil tightly so the bead is hidden.
Place each foil gem into a separate slot in the ice cube tray.
Give your child the tweezers to hold with their dominant hand.
Ask them to move the gems into the aluminum foil pan.
Once moved, use both hands to unwrap the foil and find the beads.

Safety Tip:
Beads and small foil pieces are choking hazards. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all beads are collected after play.