10 play-based tactile activities

Touch is important for overall self regulation and organization of our body. It helps us to understand our surroundings and feel comfortable and secure in both our body and in our environment. Children who have difficulty processing touch sensation may have a hard time understanding the world around them and how to move within it. These children may actively seek out touch experiences or they may avoid certain touch experiences.

A great way to help foster a healthy tactile system is to provide opportunities for a variety of touch experiences. When we provide these experiences through play it allows kids to engage in the sensation for longer as the experience becomes meaningful and joyful.

Here are some ideas on how touch experiences can be incorporated into everyday play.

Science experiment

Pretend you’re a scientist and make a slime experiment. Slime is very popular right now and a great sensory experience! You can either make it with ingredients you have around the house or buy a kit at the store. You can mix in items such as glitter or beads too for a combination of textures.

Texture treasure hunt

The playground encompasses various types of textures through the many different types of equipment. The playground’s gross motor movements allow touch sensations to be felt throughout the body, not only on the hands. In addition, the jumping and crashing done at a playground is calming and organizing and may help those who over-respond to touch maintain engagement in tactile experiences.
Make it a treasure hunt and see how many different textures you can find at the park! Look for things that are hard, soft, slippery, hot, bumpy, etc. You can even discuss how each feeling is different.

Mix like a chef

Food incorporates many different types of textures. Have your child help make snacks or simple meals. They can help with things such as spreading/scooping jellies or butters, decorating desserts, or mixing dough. Use foods that they enjoy as an added motivation.

Magician’s magic hat

Pretend you are a magician pulling items out of your magic hat. Have your child close their eyes and pick an item from a bucket or hat. Before they pull the item from the hat, have them identify the item, the texture, or the temperature. You can have them hold the item or even place it on their arms or legs. Then they can have a chance to test you!

Sand construction

Pretend you are a construction worker building a structure. You can do this with either regular sand or using kinetic sand. You can also do this with playdough or clay to explore different textures.

Dig like an archaeologist

Pretend you are an archaeologist (or dinosaur bone hunter) and dig through sand to find dinosaur fossils.

Submerge in a submarine

Hide various treasures/gems in a bucket of water beads. Pretend you are a submarine or mermaid diving into the water to find your lost treasure. Have your child use their hands to search the water beads, finding one item at a time. Once a treasure is found bury it in a bucket of sand to make sure that the pirates will not find it! Do this until all the treasure is found and hidden.

Scoop ice cream

Pretend you are working at an ice cream shop. Have your child take ice cream orders and then create the orders using playdough. You can also have your child create his/her own signature treat and then try to guess what they made!

Sensational trip to the spa

Turn your house into a home spa! You and your child can paint each other’s nails, put on a face mask, put on lotion, use makeup brushes to put on pretend makeup, etc.

Paint you as a masterpiece

Pretend you are an artist painting a masterpiece!

Have your child pretend to be the art canvas and use a dry paintbrush to paint themselves. Ask your child what color they are painting themselves, what type of design, etc. to keep the play going.
You can try out different ways to create art such as finger painting, watercolor, paper mâché, clay, beads, etc. You can even create an art show for family and friends with all the pieces your child has created!

Author
Recent Posts

Michele Parkins MS, OTR

Owner at Great Kids Place

Michele Parkins is an occupational therapist, specializing in working with children with autism and sensory processing disorder. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR and faculty of Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. She is faculty of Profectum academy, educating professionals on cognitive, social and emotional development using the DIR-FCD model.She co-developed a unique handwriting program – Connect Experience Write® – that highlights the importance of affective engagement in learning as well as sensory integration using music and movement to teach letter formation and pre-writing skills. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and she continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She also continues to provide consultation to schools as she has done for over 10 years. Follow her on Facebook for updates and tips!

Latest posts by Michele Parkins MS, OTR (see all)

10 play-based motor planning activities - December 10, 2019
Free “My child has SPD” cards - December 13, 2018
Touching and pushing others: sensory or behavior? - April 27, 2018

Author
Recent Posts

Catherine Gilio

Catherine Gilio is an Occupational Therapy Student at Kean University. Catherine recently completed a fieldwork placement at Great Kids Place, during which she learned about sensory processing disorder and childhood development.Currently she is completing her second fieldwork placement at a Kessler outpatient center. Outside of school Catherine enjoys crafting, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.