Every child needs sensory input to stay focused, regulated, and organized throughout the day, especially children who have sensory processing challenges. Every child has different sensory needs that need to be met each day and acquiring that input can be difficult when the weather turns rainy.
Below are some fun and easy to do sensory activities that can be done with the whole family to ensure that your child is getting the sensory input they need:
Tactile/messy play is a great indoor activity for the child with tactile processing challenges:
- Play doh/theraputty
- Finger painting
- Shaving cream
- Create sensory bins of rice, beans, sand, noodles, etc.
- Cooking/baking (allow the child to mix with their hands to explore new textures)
Heavy work activities and activities that provide vestibular input can be great to help regulate a sensory seeking child:
- Obstacle courses
- Blowing bubbles
- Somersaults
- Animal walk races
- Using a rolling pin and cookie cutters while baking
For the anxious child or a child that has self-regulation difficulties:
- Building forts
- Listening to calming music
To increase attention, alertness, and address impulsivity challenges:
- Freeze dance
- Red light/green light
- Simon Says
Be creative and have fun using these activities to brighten up a gloomy, cold day!
