Multi-sensory play is when we target more than one sensory system at a time during a play activity. Why is this important? We learn through our senses and when we can engage multiple senses at a time it helps us retain the information better. In this post, I’ve teamed up with Sensationally OT. We’re two Occupational Therapists, that love stimulating the senses and are here to bring you 10 simple multi-sensory activities that you can do at home!
First, if you are unfamiliar with the 8 sensory systems, read this blog post and download this free resource shown below.
10 Simple Multi-Sensory Activities
Shaving Cream
Shaving cream isn’t just for the shower! This supper fluffy cloud-like material engages the tactile and olfactory systems. We can add a visual element when we combine it with animals or any toy items. Hide the animals under the fluff or paint them with a paintbrush. Grab an extra bucket of water and the child can practice washing them off.
You can add a couple of drops of food coloring to make it extra fun! Let them get messy!
Rolling in a Tunnel:
Rolling is such a great way to activate the tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. Once the child crawls inside, we can gently rock back and forth and add an auditory element by singing a song. There are lots of different tunnels out there and it doesn’t matter which one you use. If you don’t have a tunnel, you can burrito roll the child in a blanket and have them unroll themselves or just roll in the grass! Rolling up or down a hill is so fun and such a good activity for their little bodies! Multi-sensory play at its finest!
Playdoh + Toys:
Playdoh is a staple in homes across the world. When we push down on it, we get lots of input through our muscles and joints in our arms, stimulating the proprioceptive system. They can roll it, flatten it with their hands or a rolling pin, and make tracks with animals or tractors. @sensationally.ot has tons of fun, themed playdough kits to make this super easy.
Barefoot Bubbles:
Who doesn’t love bubbles? It may seem a little surprising, but this is also a multi-sensory activity! Have the children try to poke the bubbles, jump to reach them, stomp on them, or clap them between their hands. Adding in these extra movements helps stimulate the proprioceptive and vestibular systems as well as the tactile system!
Waterplay:
Water play is so cost-effective. This can easily be combined with bathtime if you are concerned with water conservation! We love an activity that doubles as an activity of daily living! Throw in some sea animals, rocks, cups, and funnels then let them go to town. You can also add some bubbles if you want to add an additional tactile experience. Here’s an extra suggestion: If you add bubbles, see if the children can identify the underwater animals just by feeling them!
Writing with Blocks:
Drop that pencil and use what you have in your home to construct letters. Sometimes we put too much early pressure on 3-5-year-olds to write their letters, which can turn into a battle and make them hate writing. What can we do instead? Constructing letters with blocks, wiki stix, flat marbles, or rocks still provides the same practice (letter identification, formation, and sequencing) without the added stress of a writing utensil. This makes it fun and motivating, which is a plus in my opinion. Using this strategy targets our tactile, proprioceptive, and even the olfactory systems if we use items that smell.
Scooter Board and Squigz:
Think of the scooter boards from gym class. These have four wheels and a square platform that kids can sit or lay on. They can use just their arms to make these boards move, but add Squigz for some additional heavy work. This activity is great for vestibular and proprioceptive input. Add it into an obstacle course, for more visual input!
Cushion and Target Practice:
Kids love to catch or throw a ball. Let’s make it multi-sensory by adding an extra element. Instead of standing on the floor, have them stand on a pillow or cushion to activate their vestibular system. This will make them have to work a little harder and engage muscles, so they may fatigue faster. Some other options you can use instead of a pillow: trampoline, balance board, Bosu ball, or a wiggle cushion.
Food Prep:
This super easy activity can stimulate almost all of our senses! Include the child in peeling, cutting, mixing, spicing, pouring, and cleaning. I know this may seem more challenging when you are trying to get dinner on the table, so maybe start with snack time. This time in the kitchen will help the child feel more confident and independent in preparing their own snacks and meals, which will make life easier for you in the long run!
If you’re looking for more ways to support your picky eater, check out this fantastic resource.
Swimming:
Being surrounded by water stimulates the proprioceptive and tactile systems and our vestibular systems as we swim horizontally through the water. Throw things to the bottom of the pool to encourage being upside down! Don’t have access to a swimming pool? Grab some goggles and fill up the bathtub!
If you are looking for more support, I offer 1:1 parent support sessions to help parents feel more confident in their interactions with their children and answer any questions they have!
We can’t wait to see what multi-sensory activities you come up with!
Tag us at @the.well.balanced.ot and @sensationally.ot
