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Occupational
Therapy (OT)
Here are some really fun activities for you and your
child.
Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. in her book The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun
explains sensory integration like this:
"Sensory integration is the normal neurological process of organizing
sensations for our every day life. Typically, our brain receives sensory
information from our bodies and surroundings, interprets these messages, and
organizes our purposeful responses...dysfunction in sensory
integration...occurs when the brain inefficiently processes sensory messages
coming from a person's own body and his or her environment."
Some of these suggested activities are from The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun
mentioned above.
Sensory Table
A sensory table is one of the easiest, inexpensive, and fun activities you
can do with your children. You don't have to have an actual "sensory table",
you can use a shallow, long container and put things like rice, pinto beans,
cornmeal, sand, water in it. You can add water toys or cups, small cars, or
anything your child can use to play in the sensory table. For more
information on sensory tables,
Click Here.
Shaving cream
Get a cheap plastic tray and put shaving cream on it and let your child play
in it. Draw designs, let them get their fingers messy.
Playdough
Squish it, flatten it, roll it! Playdough is a fun way to explore!
Fingerpaint
There is some great washable finger paint available. We use an old plastic
tablecloth for our messy play. It makes clean up very easy.
Moon Sand
This is a relatively new product that has a great texture for kids to play
in. it's available at most toys stores or Walmart, etc.
Obstacle course
Create an obstacle course for your child using couch cushions, pillows,
blankets and tables. Set it up so that they have to scoot on their belly and
roll through the course. This is a great activity for a rainy day
Swinging
Swinging is a great activity for kids. It can help sooth and calm some
children when they seem to be unconsolable or are having a bad day.
Guess What
Put different items in a bag that you cannot through. Have children guess
what is in the bag by only using their hand to feel in the bag. You can put
objects, cooked pasta, peeled grapes, anything! Us as many unusual textures
as possible.
Kick the Bag
Get a paper bag and open it. Kick the bag like around like you would a
kickball. It is a great activity for children who may have inappropriate
behavior such as hitting or kicking. It's a positive way to redirect their
energy. Running and kicking improve balance, gross motor skills,
coordination and visual-spatial perception.
Musical instruments
Make your own musical instruments and have a parade. Make a drum using an
empty oatmeal container, a tambourine can be made from jingle bells on a
string. Make a shaker by putting beans or rice in a plastic pill bottle.
Tapping Tunes
Use your hands or a pencil and tap out tunes and you and your child guess
the tune. Or tap out a pattern and your child has to repeat the same
pattern.
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