How to Introduce Sensory Integration Activities at Home

Sensory integration activities are a necessary part of child development, whether the child has sensory processing disorder (SPD) or not. Children are naturally drawn to things that give them sensory input, so indulge them! These activities are easy to do and a ton of fun, and they promote proper neurological development in children. You are limited only by your creativity, so get started!

Instructions

• 1

  Approach sensory integration activities with an open mind. Present your child with choices, and let their preferences guide the activities. You'll get better cooperation and participation that way.

• 2

  Give children a routine and let them know what will come next. This will help keep children calm and feeling in control because they are not "surprised" by extra sensory input, and they know what to expect.

• 3

  Indulge in textures. Children are naturally drawn to messy play and working with their hands, which helps them develop normal tactile processing. Touching and playing with a variety of textures is easy and fun. Use any of the various brands of modeling clay gives the child the ability to manipulate and experiment with textures. Let them put toys like chopsticks, sticks or cotton swabs in the clay to experience the contrast of shapes and textures--maybe a play clay birthday cake?

• 4

  Get moving! Children who have trouble regulating their energy levels enjoy heavy-work activities and movement, which will help calm them down. Anything that gets them moving and using their muscles is a great activity. These activities include pushing, pulling, rocking, bouncing, swinging, jumping and digging in the dirt or sand. Always do a sit-down activity before you do an energy activity.

• 5

  Play in the sand and surf. Another great tactile input activity is sand and water play. Children can play for long periods of time creating, experimenting with and experiencing textures. Get creative, be okay with a little mess and break out the sand, water, rice, corn, shaving cream and any other textured thing you can think of. The kids will love it, and the mess is easy to clean up.

• 6

  Try wind-up or battery-powered toys. Many children love the sensory input from a vibrating toy or toothbrush. Vibrating seats or pillows work well, too. These things can be used to calm or stimulate a child with sensory issues.

• 7

  Allow the child to help you with household chores if you don't have the time to allow a mess or to devote to a particular activity. Cooking, baking, laundry, sweeping and cleaning are all great sensory integration activities. You get your work done and maybe get a little help, too--what a deal!