Sensory Activities for Home

calm, rhythmic swinging on platform swing

wall push ups

Take a quiet walk around the house or outside in the fresh air

deep pressure squeezes to head and arms

engaging in play with resistant putty play dough

practice yoga poses

heavy work activities (carry something heavy, push something heavy, pulling)

slowly massage to arms and hands with lotion

use of calming essential oils

playing calming music (classical, rhythmic music)

blowing bubbles or other blowing activities

Tortilla roll up roll your child up in a blanket (keep head out) pretending to be making a taco. provide nice deep pressure evenly as you talk about adding salsa, cheese, lettuce etc.

Blowing Out Birthday Candles – Have your child hold up one hand; their fingers are the “candles”. Count out the five “candles” together. Then blow out each “candle” with a long breath. Curl your finger down slowly while you are blowing.

Sticky Hands – Pretend to have “sticky” hands and then press them together. Now push hard for 20 seconds. You can count it out with your child. Now tell your child to slowly allow their hands to come apart and see if they can feel the stickiness. Repeat this sequence two or three times.

Stretching – Have your child do simple stretches such as touching their toes and reaching up to the sky on their tip toes.

Use a mini trampoline

make a pile of pillows and have child jump in and crash

play in various textured bins

add strong scents to play dough or sensory bins

shaving cream play

use a therapy ball for seated activities

play outside ... make an obstacle course, take a nature walk, do hop scotch

play balloon volleyball

have a "dance party" to favorite music with a strong beat

use a wiggle squiggle writer (vibrating pen) to draw a picture