Hand Clapping Patterns

These tasks are presented in developmental sequence:

One step clapping pattern:
1. Clap hands to music or rhymes
2. Slap own thighs

Two step sequence
1. Clap own hands, slap own thighs
2. Clap own hands, tap own shoulders
3. Clap own hands, tap own head

Twp step sequence with repeat
1. Clap own hands twice, slap own thighs twice
2. Clap own hands three times, slap own thighs three times

Three step sequence
(same as two, but add another step)

Right and left hand Take Turns
1. Clap, slap left hand on left thigh; clap, slap right hand on right thigh
2. Clap, slap left hand on left thigh; slap right hand on right thigh; clap

Crossing Midline of Body
1. Clap, cross arms and slap thighs
2. Clap, slap left hand on right thigh, slap right hand on left thigh, clap

PUMPKINS for sensory integration

Carving pumpkins is one of the most natural, but most sensory experiences during the Halloween season. Here are some hints for your sensory kiddo:

1. EMBRACE THE GOO!! I know it's yucky, but love the pumpkin insides. HAve the child use his hands to grab the goo and pull it out. Even if its only once, celebrate the experience and move on to using a spoon or scooper.

2. Use punch outs or light bright pegs to create a pumpkin face. I suggest my favorites on my fine motor blog. Both type of "carving" allows for intense proprioceptive input and body awareness. In addtion, a nice jack o lantern is created!

3. Heavy work = clean up the mess. Have the child use a mop, broom, etc. to help clean up the pumpkin mess. Be sure to use the arms and hands to "scrub" the floor or table to allow for more input.

All of the above suggestions were and are used every Halloween in Austim early childhood, physical disabilities early childhood and overall developmental delay early childhood students.

Move & Dance

Put on your favorite music and dance with your child.
Let the child feel the way your body moves by holding him or her close as you move around. This body-to-body contact will stimulate concept development.
Encourage your child or imitate your movements on their own when they are ready.
Talk about your movements. For example: "I'm going to sway to this music." "I'm rocking." "I'm jumping and hopping around."
Most of all, just have fun by moving and enjoying the movements together

Raking Leaves - Heavy Work

HEAVY WORK TASK
Have your child help you rake and transport leaves as you rake your yards this fall. This is a heavy work activity that is easy to do and the benefits are worth it!

Sensory Shakers

Cover old, clean containers (butter tubs, juice cans, plastic bottles, paper towel tubes, etc.) with different textures. You can use several different textures on each container if it is big enough. Put some kind of noise-maker inside (bells, beans, rice, popcorn kernels) and seal it tightly. Be sure to monitor the toy to be sure it stays sealed and don't let your child play with it alone.

Classic Shaving Cream

To help students with tactile defensivness, everyone enjoys trying shaving cream, foam soap or similar textured products. Children can play in shaving cream wtih toys (cars, blocks, etc.) without damaging them. I encourage pre-writing strokes and name writing in the cream as well.