Following up on this week’s Tactile Response post, here is a fun activity to try. This can be done with children of all ages and helpful for those who may have an over-responsive tactile system. This activity gradually introduces various substances or textures.
Materials:
We all know what Play-Doh® is…that yellow container filled with that non-sticky, clay-like dough, ready to be molded into whatever our little hearts desired. What we didn’t recognize was all the benefits we gained when playing with it.
Aside from letting us create anything our imagination wanted, we were indirectly developing the strength and coordination in our arms, hands, and fingers necessary to complete fine motor tasks. Hmmm…wonder if that was Play-Doh®’s intention?
(Side note: It wasn’t. It was originally sold as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s.)
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If I asked you what children do, “play” would be one of the top 3 answers.
But what is play exactly? It’s more than just a child engaging with toys or running around with other kids. It’s real work.
Play can be defined as “any spontaneous or organized activity that provides enjoyment, entertainment, amusement, or diversion.” It is an occupation that is intrinsically driven by curiosity and exploration to interact within their surroundings. It allows for imagination, the ability to pretend with limited consequences, as well as the opportunity to share and act out ideas other with no judgment.
Notice that I said play was an occupation.
Yes, PLAY is an important job that a child does from birth to 12 years of age.
When a child plays:
The holiday season has come to an end and all that remains are Amazon boxes, gift wrap tubes, and torn wrapping paper. Perhaps your family had big shindig this past New Year’s and have empty liter bottles hanging around, or maybe you are in holiday clean-up mode and have a ton of recyclable items piled up.
Rather than toss them out immediately, let your kids have some fun with them first.
Not only does this foster imagination, but it builds on so many other skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, motor planning, and conceptualizing ideas.
Child(ish) Advice 