Sensory integration is the ability of children to receive sensory input and respond to it in an appropriate way. There are many activities you can do at home to help develop these skills. Here are more detailed activity ideas targeting each sensory area:
For the Sense of Touch (Tactile)
Texture Boxes: Place small pieces of fabric with different textures, sponges, feathers, rice, beans and similar materials into small boxes. Let your child put their hands inside and explore the different textures.
Finger Painting: Finger painting with paints of different consistencies provides rich tactile experience while also supporting creativity.
Making Slime: By trying slime recipes with different textures, you can increase your child’s sensory awareness.
Kneading Dough: Kneading playdough or salt dough provides tactile feedback and strengthens hand muscles.
Hot–Cold Games: Use ice cubes, warm water bags or objects at different temperatures to let your child experience hot–cold contrasts.
For the Proprioceptive Sense (Body Awareness)
Weighted Vests and Blankets: These help increase body awareness and support better balance and coordination.
Firm Hugs: Giving your child a firm, secure hug provides a sense of safety and strengthens body awareness.
Climbing Walls: Climbing walls at home or in playgrounds strengthen the muscles and improve body awareness.
Jumping on Soft Surfaces: Jumping on a bed or a large cushion/mat works the muscles and provides strong proprioceptive input.
Obstacle Courses: Create obstacles using pillows, cushions or chairs and let your child crawl over, under or around them.
For the Vestibular Sense (Balance & Movement)
Swinging: Swinging back and forth helps develop balance and coordination.
Spinning Movements: Safe spinning movements (on a swivel chair, on the floor while supervised) stimulate the vestibular system.
Rolling: Rolling on a soft surface (mat, carpet, bed) supports balance and body awareness.
Using a Slide: Going down a slide gives the child a chance to experience acceleration and deceleration.
Ball Games: Rolling on a large ball, lying on it, or catching and throwing a ball increases body awareness and coordination.
For the Sense of Sight (Visual)
Playing with Colorful Balloons: Playing with balloons in different colors attracts visual attention and improves tracking skills.
Creating Mosaics: Making mosaics with colorful pieces helps develop visual perception and hand–eye coordination.
Light-Up Toys: Toys that light up can increase visual interest and attention.
Nature Walks: Observing different colors, shapes, and textures in nature enriches visual perception.
For the Sense of Hearing (Auditory)
Musical Instruments: Making music with child-friendly instruments develops auditory perception and rhythm awareness.
Listening to Recordings: Listening to recordings of natural sounds, music, or stories supports auditory attention.
Sound Games: Make different sounds (shaking a box, tapping, clapping) and play guessing games to develop auditory discrimination.
For the Sense of Smell (Olfactory)
Spices: Let your child smell different spices and try to recognize them. This helps develop the sense of smell.
Aromatherapy Oils: Recognizing scents such as lavender or chamomile can support relaxation and body awareness.
Natural Scents: Smelling flowers, fruits, and other natural items strengthens smell memory.
For the Sense of Taste (Gustatory)
Different Flavors: Let your child taste fruits, vegetables and foods with different flavors and textures to develop the sense of taste.
Helping in the Kitchen: Involving your child in cooking and letting them taste ingredients during preparation supports sensory experiences related to taste.
Important Notes
- Consider your child’s interests when choosing activities.
- Always provide a safe environment for activities.
- Observe your child’s reactions and adjust activities accordingly.
- Be patient and praise your child frequently.
- You can work with a specialist to create a personalized program.
Remember: every child is different. That’s why it’s important to consult a professional to determine which activities are most suitable for your child.
Sensory integration activities can help improve your child’s quality of life and support them in feeling happier and more regulated in daily life.