Sensory Activities for Cold Days
During this time of year I'm often asked for indoor sensory/movement activities. So today I thought I'd share some of my ideas with everyone! Enjoy!
1. Rice and Bean bin (as seen in the picture). Just buy an "under the bed" storage container and fill it with rice, beans, and any fine motor activity that your child likes. It can include small animals, tongs, twist top containers (like old spice containers), and beads. You can eliminate the rice and just have beans, or you can even use sand. I often put a blanket underneath to catch any rice that escapes, it makes for quick clean up. A great way for tactile input and fine motor work.
2. Crash mat (as seen in the picture). If you look past the rice and bean box in the picture you'll see a large pillow (old duvet or fitted sheet stuffed with pillows) and two bean bags. These are my crash pillows. I often let kids jump from the couch into the pillows. Endless fun for hours. I would always recommend monitoring your child if they are jumping off a couch or chair! This is a great way to get deep touch/proprioceptive input!
3. Small obstacle course. In the picture you'll also see a folded up tunnel. This can be used to create a small obstacle course. The obstacle course could include going up or down stairs, crawling through the tunnel or under a table, animal walks, jumps (try to touch the top of a door frame), somersaults, cartwheels, crashing into pillows, and even jumps on a hippity hop or trampoline. This is a great way to get your child moving and burning off any excess energy after school or over the weekend.
4. Laundry basket. Have your child sit in a laundry basket while you push them on a carpeted surface. Switch and have your child push you or another sibling. Set up cones or other markers and have races. A great way to get movement and deep touch pressure!
Enjoy!