tactile

Toys to Improve Tactile Sensory Awareness

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This resource on toys for tactile sensory play support sensory processing. A child that has challenges with tactile sensory experiences, tactile discrimination, and sensory touch can benefit from these toys for tactile sensory awareness.

So often, therapists are asked for occupational therapy toy recommendations this time of year. Parents are looking for toys that promote skills like fine motor work, sensory benefits, or motor skill development. Today, we’re sharing toys that improve tactile sensory awareness. These are great toy recommendations for sensory needs and just fun ways to challenge the tactile sensory system through play!

These are great ideas to add to a sensory diet, depending on the child’s specific needs.

 

 

Need toys ideas to improve tactile sensory awareness? These toys are a fun way to help kids with sensory defensiveness or expereince sensory play while challenging tactile sensory input through the hands.

 

Toys to Improve Tactile Sensory Awareness

With all the shopping going on, people are always asking what types of toys I should get my toddler. A really great section of toys, are toys that make the child more aware of tactile sensory awareness.

What is tactile defensiveness?

When children don’t get to explore different textures, they can develop a sensory tactile defensiveness.

Tactile defensiveness is when a person is very resistance to touch certain materials due to the feel of them. Some examples would be: textured items, messy items (shaving cream, playdoh, seams or tags on clothes, hands or face being dirty, bare feet touching grass. You will often see a child with tactile defensiveness resist playing with finger paint, or complain if they get food on their hands. They may barely touch at item or will refuse completely.

These tactile sensory play ideas are great for encouraging tactile sensory awareness and learning through play.

 

 

Why is tactile sensory play so important?

It is so important for children to explore different tactile items at a young age through play so that they don’t develop a tactile defensiveness. Providing children opportunities for tactile play is easy with a wide variety of what you can use. Check out these ideas for having a Messy Play Day.

When introducing a child to textures, who may be defensive, start with dry textures or items that won’t stick to hands. Then move to wet items (water, paint) and then sticky. Take it slow and don’t force a child to stick with a texture that they don’t like. You can always come back to the texture a different time and try again.

Toys/ items to help improve tactile sensory awareness

Amazon Affiliate links are included below. Access Amazon by clicking the link or the image. Affiliate links earn this website a few cents at no cost to you.

Shaving cream is a great medium to have children “drive” cars through and use as snow. On amazon there is a kit called, Rub a Dub Shaving in the Tub by Alex toys. Which includes shaving cream, plastic razor and a mirror. This is a great way to have kids engage in “messy play” but be able to get clean right away.

Playdoh can be used just by rolling it, making shapes with cookie cutters, and placing coins/beads in and having child pull them out. There are a lot of great kits like this Melissa and Doug set you can buy that come with the play dough and cookie cutters, or play dough tools.

Check out this link for fun ideas to do with playdoh and Christmas, Scented Snowman Play Dough, part of our 25 days of Christmas Play series here on The OT Toolbox.

Moon sand– is a moldable sand that will never dry out. It has a unique texture and won’t stick to your hands. Here is an easy 3 ingredient kinetic sand recipe to make at home.

 

Squish balls– come in many varieties. Some have textures inside-sand, beads or beans. The outside of the squish balls can be pointy, smooth or bumpy. These stress balls with a mesh covering are a popular fidget tool that kids love to squeeze. You can even make your own by taking a balloon, water bottle and sand. Pour sand into an empty water bottle, place balloon over the top and then pour the sand into the balloon.

Tactile board– a board with different fabrics, sandpaper, smooth or rough textures, glue corn or beans on paper can promote motor skills too!  Allow child to explore the different textures. A tactile board can be hung high or low to promote different motor skills. Or try a table top version.

 

 

Scented bathtub Finger paint– Crayola Crayons- kids can use as a body wash or color the walls of the bathtub with. It’s great because they can get messy and then easily clean. Plus it’s scented which is great for the olfactory system.

Sensory bin- fill a bin or container with rice, beans or another dry material. Hide toys that the child has to shift thought the material to find. Have cups and spoons in the bin so that they can pour.


Monkey noodle– found on amazon. You can pull the stretchy string from 10 inches to 8 feet.
There are so many fun toys that keep children engaged and also help with developing tactile tolerance.

Try these toys to improve tactile sensory awareness and address tactile defensiveness or to use in sensory play experiences with kids to improve fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, through tactile sensory play!

 

Sensory Input Through Play 

Looking for even more ways to encourage tactile sensory awareness through play and activities? Grab our Sensory Diet Cards for a complete packet of sensory activities. You’ll find 24 pages of 345 sensory diet activities including:
  • Calming and alerting movement activities
  • Heavy work fine motor activities for pre-writing needs or fidgeting needs
  • Sensory activities
  • Sensory support cards
These sensory diet cards can be used in the home, classroom, or clinic. They are available now for $9.99 on The OT Toolbox shop. 
Use printable sensory diet cards to encouraging sensory input through play
 
Tactile sensory awareness can happen through play and learning!

 

 

About Christina:

Christina Komaniecki is a school based Occupational Therapist. I graduated from Governors State University with a master’s in occupational therapy.   I have been working in the pediatric setting for almost 6 years and have worked in early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, inpatient pediatrics, day rehab, private clinic and schools. My passion is working with children and I love to see them learn new things and grow. I love my two little girls, family, yoga and going on long walks. 

 

 

Quiet Fidget Toys for School

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Looking for quiet fidget toys to support self regulation needs in a classroom setting? These quiet fidgets are the perfect occupational therapy toy that supports needs through play.

The fidget tools listed below are those that are quiet in nature. You’ve probably spun a fidget spinner or two in your days (the last year or so that fidget spinners where a “thing”, anyway). They make a noise, right? Those fidget clicker boxes? They make a noise too. For the classroom environment where a click or a spin can be distracting to others, quiet fidget tools are a must. 


Scroll on to find out more about quiet DIY fidget tools for school that can be a valuable tool for kids with attention challenges, regulation needs, sensory processing issues, or other needs that require a fidget tool for concentration and inclusion in the classroom setting. 


Note that fidgets of any type should be used with caution and based on the individual skills and level of each child. It’s up to the educator/therapist/etc. working with the child to select appropriate and safe fidget tools for the child. Also note that The OT Toolbox is not liable for any fidget or recommendation used with children.


 
Quiet fidget tools for kids in the classroom to help with attention, fidgeting, or sensory needs.




Quiet Fidget Tools for School



Here’s the thing about fidget tools in the classroom setting. They can get a bad rap. But, have you ever stopped to think that we ALL need a fidget tactic of some sort when we need to really concentrate? We jiggle our leg. We tap the desk. We doodle. We talk with our hands. We mess with a pen. We tap our phone. We twirl our hair. We all do something that is an overflow of motor actions with concentration. 


So, when we ask our kids (who are getting less time outdoors, less recess, and are experiencing more sensory processing needs) to sit still at their desk and NOT fidget, wiggle, twirl, move, slouch, or jump…it’s a messy classroom!


Fidget tools for students in a classroom don’t need to be a pricey. 


They don’t need to be obtrusive. 


They don’t need to be a tool that is unnatural in the classroom. 


Fidget tools can be used by any student and can be items that are a natural part of the classroom. 


Try using some of these quiet fidget tools in a classroom. It may be helpful to go over rules of fidget tools with the whole class. Do that before handing over the fidget. Set up guidelines for use, and inappropriate use of fidget tools. Instruct students that they are to be used when concentrating and at all other times should be placed in pencil box or pencil pouch, with crayons, scissors, and other “tools”. Just like those items have a place and a use in the classroom, the fidget tool should be used at certain times and in certain ways!

Quiet Fidget Tools for School



Affiliate links are included below. 


Fun pencil topper
DIY pencil topper
Small koosh ball (tuck this in the palm of the hand for younger students to encourage a functional pencil grasp and separation of the sides of the hand.)
Two or three paper clips linked together
Paper brad with paperclip clipped into a folder or notebook cover
Pencil grip
Beads on a pipe cleaner
Keychain
Small stress ball
Marble sewn into a cotton glove
Sliced pool noodle (Very cost efficient! A whole class can be outfitted with a quiet fidget tool for about $1)
Wikki Stix (an effective tool for a writing or reading guide too. Read about all of our favorite Wikki Stix activities)
Rubber bands on a ring 
Craft pom poms
DIY Zipper pull

Sensory strategies like these can be a big help for many children. 


You may also be interested in the free printable packet, The Classroom Sensory Strategy Toolkit.

The Classroom Sensory Strategy Toolkit is a printable packet of resources and handouts that can be used by teachers, parents, and therapists. Whether you are looking for a handout to explain sensory strategies, or a tool for advocating for your child, the Classroom Sensory Strategy Toolkit has got you covered.

 

And it’s free for you to print off and use again and again.

 

In the Classroom Sensory Strategy Toolkit, you’ll find:

 

  • Fidgeting Tools for the Classroom
  • Adapted Seating Strategies for the Classroom
  • Self-Regulation in the Classroom
  • 105 Calm-down Strategies for the Classroom
  • Chewing Tools for Classroom Needs
  • 45 Organizing Tools for Classroom Needs
  • Indoor Recess Sensory Diet Cards
 
Sensory Strategies for the Classroom
 

Quiet fidget tools for kids in the classroom to help with attention, fidgeting, or sensory needs.

DIY Fidget Tool Zipper Pull

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This DIY Fidget Tool is a good one to add to your therapy toolbox! A fidget tool attached to a zipper pull can be helpful for kids who struggle with wiggles, over or under responsiveness to sensory input, those who have worries or sensory challenges on the school bus or while out in the community. Using a zipper fidget tool can be helpful when waiting in line and it’s hard to keep little hands to oneself. 
 
This DIY fidget tool is also a fine motor powerhouse for kids to make. I love adding crafts like this one to the therapy line up because not only does it work on essential fine motor skills, it also creates a functional tool that kids can wear and be proud of. When they have made a colorful and fun zipper pull fidget tool, they will be proud to wear it, show it off, and use it to address needed sensory processing struggles!
 


Kids can use this DIY fidget tool zipper pull for addressing sensory needs that result in worry or anxiety, sensory meltdowns, or other issues as a result of sensory processing challenges. Read how to make a DIY fidget tool for sensory needs and how to use a fidget tool.

DIY Fidget Tool Zipper Pull

 
This DIY Fidget Tool Zipper Pull is very easy to make. You’ll need just a couple of materials:
 
Pony beads
Fuzzy craft sticks (pipe cleaners)
 
We received both of these items from www.craftprojectideas.com
 
To make the fidget tool, thread the beads onto a whole pipe cleaner. Bend the pipe cleaner in half and create a small loop. There should be enough space between each bead and at the top of the loop to allow for movement when the bead is wiggled. 
 
Kids can use this DIY fidget tool zipper pull for addressing sensory needs that result in worry or anxiety, sensory meltdowns, or other issues as a result of sensory processing challenges. Read how to make a DIY fidget tool for sensory needs and how to use a fidget tool.
 
Twist the top shut and loop the end through a zipper pull. Use the ends of the pipe cleaner around the zipper pull. 
 
And that’s it! The diy fidget tool zipper pull is done!
 
Kids can use this DIY fidget tool zipper pull for addressing sensory needs that result in worry or anxiety, sensory meltdowns, or other issues as a result of sensory processing challenges. Read how to make a DIY fidget tool for sensory needs and how to use a fidget tool.
 

So, why would a child need a fidget tool on their jacket?

 
When kids have difficulty with self-regulation, emotions, anxiety, sensory processing, or other concerns, they may act out or end up in meltdown mode. This can be especially true in settings where environmental stimulation is on overload. 
 
A situation such as on the noisy school bus where students are jostled around among other loud students and a lot of other children sitting nearby can be overwhelming to the child with sensory needs. 
 
Standing in line at school as students wait to go outside to recess or to come indoors after recess can be a time when students have trouble keeping their place or keeping their hands to themselves. 
 
A child who becomes overwhelmed by worry and anxiety heading into new situations can find comfort in movement that a fidget tool offers. 
 
All of these are situations when a zipper pull fidget tool would be a great sensory diet accommodation to keep on hand. 
 
Kids can use this DIY fidget tool zipper pull for addressing sensory needs that result in worry or anxiety, sensory meltdowns, or other issues as a result of sensory processing challenges. Read how to make a DIY fidget tool for sensory needs and how to use a fidget tool.
 

A Fidget Tool is a Sensory Diet Tool

Children who have a sensory diet in place or utilize sensory strategies to address specific needs may have other accommodations or tools in place such as a fidget tool. A keychain fidget tool can be just the item that provides children with a grounding point and gives them the ability to focus, attend, or participate in activities. 
 
This DIY Fidget Tool would be great alongside our DIY Fidget Tool for School, allowing kids to wiggle and move those fingers!
 
This jacket fidget tool is inconspicuous, making it a great fidget tool for school, much like this DIY weighted fidget tool.
 
Kids can use this DIY fidget tool zipper pull for addressing sensory needs that result in worry or anxiety, sensory meltdowns, or other issues as a result of sensory processing challenges. Read how to make a DIY fidget tool for sensory needs and how to use a fidget tool.
 
Want to know more about what a sensory diet is or how to implement one? Check out some of our recent posts on sensory diets and be on the watch for our upcoming book, The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook. 
 
 
Kids can use this DIY fidget tool zipper pull for addressing sensory needs that result in worry or anxiety, sensory meltdowns, or other issues as a result of sensory processing challenges. Read how to make a DIY fidget tool for sensory needs and how to use a fidget tool.

Outdoor Sensory Diet Activities for Playing in the Woods

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Kids just don’t get much time to play outdoors anymore. We talked about the impact that reduced outdoor play has to do with sensory processing needs in kids in our recent Outdoor Sensory Diet Activities post. We chatted about the benefits of outdoor play in a typically developing child as well as those with sensory processing needs. This post covers the benefits of playing in the woods or a wooded area of a backyard or park. This might be a great recommendation for families who are going camping this summer and need some sensory strategies. Playing in the woods offers so many opportunities for sensory input, movement, gross and fine motor work. Not only that, but playing in the woods is a calming and organizing way to play! 


These activities can be used as part of a sensory diet of specific activities and sensory tools designed to meet specific needs of an individual. 


This will help when explaining about what a sensory diet is and what a sensory diet looks like for kids with sensory needs. 


These ideas would be a great addition to all of our summer occupational therapy activities here on The OT Toolbox! 

Occupational therapists can use these sensory diet activities for wooded areas to recommend sensory diet activities for outdoors or as part of a home program for children with sensory processing needs or SPD.

Disclaimer: When therapists develop a specific and highly individualized sensory diet, it’s not just throwing together a day filled with sensory input. A sensory diet  is a specific set of sensory tools used to meet and address certain needs of the individual based on sensory need and strategizing. Each of the sensory diet activities above should meet specific needs of the child. Every child is different so applying sensory input to one child may look very different than that of another. Parents should use the tactics below along with your child’s occupational therapist.

Wooded Area Sensory Diet

Fallen tree balance beam
Jump in leaves
Climb small trees
Look Up scavenger hunt
Bird watch
Touch tree trunks
Natrue collection
Picnic in the woods
Magnifying glass to find bugs
Lift rocks and inspect what’s underneith
Hike
Climb rocky areas
Play in streams
Climb steap hills
Ride bikes on a trail
Bug hunt
Collect sticks
Build a fort
Climb trees
Scent scavenger hunt
Carry a backpack full of supplies


Accommodations for addressing sensory needs in a wooded area

For kids with sensory needs, the sensations of the outdoors and a wooded area can be too much for the child to tolerate. Try these accommodations for addressing sensory needs in backyard play:

Calming snacks for a picnic
Drink water from a sports bottle with a straw
Wear sunglasses
Wear a brimmed hat
Wear high top shoes or shoes that provide proprioceptive input
Wear shoes that the child is able to tolerate
Compression clothing
Wear a lightweight wind jacket
Be cognizant of the scent of bug spray
Recognize early signs of sensory overload and head back to the house or car before a meltdown occurs (Leave on a happy note)


How to incorporate sensory play into playing outside

Sensory diet activities can be specific to sensory system like these vestibular sensory diet activities. Sensory activities can be prescribed according to need along with environment in order to maximize sensory input within a child’s day such as within the school day. Using authentic sensory input within the child’s environment plays into the whole child that we must understand when focusing on any goal toward improved functional independence. 





Many sensory diet activities can naturally be found outdoors. In fact, outdoor sensory diet activities are a fun way to encourage sensory input in a child’s environment and without fancy therapy equipment or tools. 


It’s a fact that kids are spending less time playing outdoors. From after-school schedules to two working parents, to unsafe conditions, to increased digital screen time, to less outdoor recess time…kids just get less natural play in the outdoors. Some therapists have connected the dots between less outdoor play and increased sensory struggles and attention difficulties in learning. 

Knowing this, it can be powerful to have a list of outdoor sensory diet activities that can be recommended as therapy home programing and family activities that meet underlying needs.

That’s where the Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards and Sensory Challenge Cards come into play.

They are a FREE printable resource that encourages sensory diet strategies in the outdoors. In the printable packet, there are 90 outdoor sensory diet activities, 60 outdoor recess sensory diet activities, 30 blank sensory diet cards, and 6 sensory challenge cards. They can be used based on preference and interest of the child, encouraging motivation and carryover, all while providing much-needed sensory input.

Here’s a little more information about the Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards
  • 90 outdoor sensory diet activities
  • 60 outdoor recess sensory diet activities
  • 30 blank sensory diet cards, and 6 sensory challenge cards
  • They can be used based on preference and interest of the child, encouraging motivation and carryover, all while providing much-needed sensory input. 
  • Research tells us that outdoor play improves attention and provides an ideal environment for a calm and alert state, perfect for integration of sensory input.
  • Outdoor play provides input from all the senses, allows for movement in all planes, and provides a variety of strengthening components including eccentric, concentric, and isometric muscle contractions. 
  • Great tool for parents, teachers, AND therapists!


Be sure to grab the Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards and use them with a child (or adult) with sensory processing needs!

Outdoor sensory diet activity cards for parents, teachers, and therapists of children with sensory processing needs.

More about outdoor sensory diet activities

Sensory diets and specific sensory input or sensory challenges are a big part of addressing sensory needs of children who struggle with sensory processing issues. Incorporating a schedule of sensory input (sensory diet) into a lifestyle of naturally occuring and meaningful activities is so very valuable for the child with sensory needs. 

That’s why I’ve worked to create a book on creating an authentic and meaningful sensory lifestyle that addresses sensory needs. The book is now released as a digital e-book or softcover print book, available on Amazon. 

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook walks you through sensory diet creation, set-up, and carry through. Not only that, but the book helps you take a sensory diet and weave it into a sensory lifestyle that supports the needs of a child with sensory processing challenges and the whole family.

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook is a resource for creating sensory diets and turning them into a lifestyle of sensory success through meaningful and motivating sensory enrichment.
Occupational therapists can use these sensory diet activities for wooded areas to recommend sensory diet activities for outdoors or as part of a home program for children with sensory processing needs or SPD.

Sensory Diet Activities at the Beach

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Whether you live at the beach or just travel to the beach for an annual family trip, it can be overwhelming for a child with sensory needs to cope with the sensory input that a trip to the beach can cause. The beach has so many sights, sounds, scents, and textures that can be used to meet sensory needs. For the family that is travelling with a child with sensory processing challenges, the beach can be both a blessing and a source of sensory overload. Use the strategies listed below to address sensory needs on a trip to the shore and the tactics to address hypersensitivity during a beach trip. These sensory diet activities at the beach can be a powerful tool or recommendation by occupational therapists and part of an outdoor sensory diet. 


Knowing what a sensory diet is and how it can be used within a sensory lifestyle is a big part of integrating sensory activities and sensory play, even while travelling or for the family who lives at the beach or water area. 


 
Kids with sensory processing challenges or SPD can use these sensory diet activities at the beach, perfect for Occupational Therapists to recommend as a home program for beach play or for families travelling to the beach for vacation.
 

 

Sensory Diet Activities at the Beach

Make a sandcastle
Rake the sand (for pulling and pushing proprioceptive input)
Bury feet or hands
Sprinkle sand on hands or toys
Fill a bucket with water
Carry water from the shore to dry sand
Dig wet sand 
Dig dry sand
Make a “wet castle” using wet sand
Firm pressure massage with sunscreen
Carry a bucket of sand
Scoop and pour sand
Scoop and pour water
Inspect tide pools
Pick up, scoop, and carry pebbles
Jump low waves
Sit at water’s edge for sand play
Bury a toy and then find it
Play visual discrimination games with sand toys: Child can look at a collection of toys then one is removed and the child needs to determine which is missing
Play beach “I Spy”
Roll up in a beach towel burrito with heavy input
Fill a gallon sized bag with sand for a DIY weighted lap pad or shoulder pad
Pull or push a bin or wagon of beach toys
Carry a beach bag
Fly a kite (great for visual motor skills, visual scanning, and proprioception)
Catch and toss a beach ball
Play beach ring toss
Chase waves
Look for seashells
Rinse and clean seashells



Kids with sensory processing challenges or SPD can use these sensory diet activities at the beach, perfect for Occupational Therapists to recommend as a home program for beach play or for families travelling to the beach for vacation.

 

Accommodations for addressing sensory needs at the beach

Children with sensory processing challenges can be overwhelmed given all of the sights, sounds, scents, and textures that the beach provides. Try these accommodations for addressing sensory needs in backyard play:
 

Play in a baby pool to enjoy water without the waves
Use a large beach blanket and weight down edges
Be cognizant of hot sand
Provide calming snacks
Wear long sleeved sun clothing

Wear water shoes instead of sandals or bear feet
Proprioceptive input such as firm touch to the shoulders
Bucket of water to rinse hands if child is sensitive to sand
Sheltered area such as a wind tent or low umbrella if child is sensitive to wind blowing on skin
Wear a lightweight wind jacket
Use baby powder to remove sand
Hat with brim to reduce bright light or intense light in eyes or on face
Wear sunglasses
Wear headphones to reduce background noise
Be aware of certain sunscreens which as a strong scent
Bring extra dry towels
 

How to incorporate sensory play into playing at the beach

Sensory diet activities can be specific to sensory system like these vestibular sensory diet activities. Sensory activities can be prescribed according to need along with environment in order to maximize sensory input within a child’s day such as within the school day. Using authentic sensory input within the child’s environment plays into the whole child that we must understand when focusing on any goal toward improved functional independence. 

 

 
Many sensory diet activities can naturally be found outdoors. In fact, outdoor sensory diet activities are a fun way to encourage sensory input in a child’s environment and without fancy therapy equipment or tools. 

It’s a fact that kids are spending less time playing outdoors. From after-school schedules to two working parents, to unsafe conditions, to increased digital screen time, to less outdoor recess time…kids just get less natural play in the outdoors. Some therapists have connected the dots between less outdoor play and increased sensory struggles and attention difficulties in learning. 
 
Knowing this, it can be powerful to have a list of outdoor sensory diet activities that can be recommended as therapy home programing and family activities that meet underlying needs.
 
That’s where the Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards and Sensory Challenge Cards come into play.
 
They are a FREE printable resource that encourages sensory diet strategies in the outdoors. In the printable packet, there are 90 outdoor sensory diet activities, 60 outdoor recess sensory diet activities, 30 blank sensory diet cards, and 6 sensory challenge cards. They can be used based on preference and interest of the child, encouraging motivation and carryover, all while providing much-needed sensory input.
 
Here’s a little more information about the Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards
  • 90 outdoor sensory diet activities
  • 60 outdoor recess sensory diet activities
  • 30 blank sensory diet cards, and 6 sensory challenge cards
  • They can be used based on preference and interest of the child, encouraging motivation and carryover, all while providing much-needed sensory input. 
  • Research tells us that outdoor play improves attention and provides an ideal environment for a calm and alert state, perfect for integration of sensory input.
  • Outdoor play provides input from all the senses, allows for movement in all planes, and provides a variety of strengthening components including eccentric, concentric, and isometric muscle contractions. 
  • Great tool for parents, teachers, AND therapists!
 
 
Outdoor sensory diet activity cards for parents, teachers, and therapists of children with sensory processing needs.
 


 
The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook is a resource for creating sensory diets and turning them into a lifestyle of sensory success through meaningful and motivating sensory enrichment.
 
 
Kids with sensory processing challenges or SPD can use these sensory diet activities at the beach, perfect for Occupational Therapists to recommend as a home program for beach play or for families travelling to the beach for vacation.

Be sure to grab the Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards and use them with a child (or a sensory diet for adults) with sensory processing needs!

Sensory diets and specific sensory input or sensory challenges are a big part of addressing sensory needs of children who struggle with sensory processing issues. Incorporating a schedule of sensory input (sensory diet) into a lifestyle of naturally occurring and meaningful activities is so very valuable for the child with sensory needs. 

That’s why I’ve worked to create a book on creating an authentic and meaningful sensory lifestyle that addresses sensory needs. The book is now released as a digital e-book or softcover print book, available on Amazon. 

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook walks you through sensory diet creation, set-up, and carry through. Not only that, but the book helps you take a sensory diet and weave it into a sensory lifestyle that supports the needs of a child with sensory processing challenges and the whole family.

Get The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook here.

Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

Fragrance and Dye Free Products for Sensory Kids

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Parents of children with sensory processing challenges know that the slightest scent can throw kids into a sensory-based meltdown. Children with sensory processing issues can over-respond to fragrances in soaps, detergents, or even lotions when others may not even notice the scents. A child with olfactory sensory processing issues can be overly sensitive to specific products that are used in the home or by others that they frequently are around. Use the fragrance free and dye free products listed below on children with sensory processing disorder or those who are overly sensitive to scents. 

This post describes products that may help children and families who struggle with sensory processing needs. 



It is important to recognize that even others in the same home or classroom who use a scented product can throw off a child with sensitivities to scent. The child with sensory issues can benefit from everyone in the home using  products without perfumes and dyes. It is especially important that the whole family’s clothing and bed linens be washed with fragrance-free detergents. 

Sensory kids will appreciate these fragrance-free and dye-free products for sensory sensitivities. Use the fragrance-free lotions, detergents, soaps, and shampoos to help with sensory sensitivities.

 

Fragrance-Free and Dye-Free Products for Sensory Kids


Interestingly, About 5-16% of children live with sensory processing disorder. That is a lot of children who may suffer from sensory sensitivities. Making small changes within the home may help. 


These fragrance-free and dye-free products can be a modification that is part of a sensory diet for children with sensory processing challenges. 


Some of the fragrance-free products and dye-free products listed below may be trialed in order to determine the perfect fit for the family of a child with sensory processing issues. An individual may have unique sensitivities and may need to try several of the items listed below in order to find the products that work best. 


Even adults with sensory processing issues will appreciate these product recommendations. Each item is dermatologist-approved as a fragrance-free and sensitive item. 


Note: The information included below (and, like everything on this website) is not a substitute for medical intervention, dermatology issues, therapy assessment, intervention, or medical advice. Please contact a physician or Occupational Therapist to assess and intervene. 

Start here by getting access to the sensory processing information you need related to sensitivities and hyper-responsiveness to sensation by accessing the Sensory Processing Disorder Information booklet.


This post contains affiliate links. 

Fragrance-Free Detergents

All Free Clear
Tide Free & Gentle
Dreft
Dreft Stage 2 is better for stain removal.

Fragrance-Free Fabric Softeners

Bounce Free & Clear Fabric Softener
All Free & Clear Fabric Softener

Fragrance-Free Shampoos

Head and Shoulders Original Formula
Free & Clear Shampoo for sensitive skin

Fragrance-Free and Dye-Free Soaps

Dove Unscented for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Cleanser
Cetaphil Cleanser

Fragrance-Free Moisturizers

Dry skin can make a child who is overly sensitive especially aware of clothing textures. Think about your skin in the winter months when most of the time is spent indoors in dry heat. The skin can become rough and dry. When clothing rubs up against this dry skin, it can be downright painful for the child who is sensitive to clothing textures. Moisturizers can help prevent the dry and cracked skin.


Additionally, for the child who benefits from the proprioceptive input of massages, a moisturizing cream can be a helpful calming tool. Moisturizers should not contain dyes or fragrances. However, trying various moisturizers will be necessary, as some children can be overly sensitive to the different thicknesses of various creams. The dy-free and fragrance free moisturizers listed below are good ones to try:


CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Cetaphil Cream
Aveeno Free and Clear Cream
Eucerin Cream
Aquaphor Ointment

Fragrance-Free and Dye-Free Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Deodorants use fragrance to cover up odors of sweat. Antiperspirants utilize aluminum hydroxide without the fragrance of deodorants. Try these fragrance-free antiperspirants and deoderants:
Certain Dri
Dove Unscented
Tom’s of Maine Unscented (aluminum free)
JASON 
Silvanapure All Natural Deodorant (aluminum free)

Fragrance-Free Sunblocks

Zinc oxide-based sunblocks do not contain the chemicals of typical sunscreens. Try these sunblocks:
Blue Lizard Baby
Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena baby Pure and Free

Fragrance-Free Diapers

Most diapers contain a fragrance that is noticeable. Try these diapers free of dyes and fragrances:
Seventh Generation
Tender Care Diapers

Fragrance-Free Wipes

Pampers Sensitive Wipes
Seventh Generation Wipes

Use these fragrance-free products and dye-free products for kids and families with sensory processing issues or sensory sensitivities.

Train Themed Sensory Ideas

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Kids with sensory needs can benefit from a themed intervention.  The child that craves sensory input can benefit from a set of sensory activities that are designed around their special interests.  The same holds true for the child who pulls back from sensations.  A set of sensory activities with a special theme can be motivating for the child who avoids specific sensations, positions, or textures.



This post is one in a series of special-themed sensory activity sets.  You can find all of the special interest activities on our Sensory Interests Series.  Maybe there is a set of activities that is perfect for your child’s individual interests.  You’ll find everything from sports to dolls to cooking, with more special interest sensory themes coming soon!


These activities and interest-led sensory-based ideas can be a great addition to a sensory diet. Read more about sensory diets.


Use these train themed sensory ideas to help kids with sensory processing challenges to get the sensory input they crave and need using a special interest and motivating activities.

Add these resources to the ones you can find here under sensory diet vestibular activities to meet the sensory needs of all kids. 




If there is a special theme you are looking for, shoot me an email at www.theottoolbox.com and I will do my best to come up with a set of activities based on that theme.


Need information about sensory processing? Grab this free sensory processing booklet.

Use these train themed sensory ideas to help kids with sensory processing challenges to get the sensory input they crave and need using a special interest and motivating activities.

Train themed sensory ideas for kids

Does your child LOVE trains?  These sensory activities are designed to meet sensory needs in a motivating manner.


Train Themed Proprioception Activites

Push 2×4 wood pieces or wooden blocks with both hands down a driveway or sidewalk.  There is a lot of history and research based on using sanding as a means of therapeutic intervention.  Pushing a wooden block along a resistive surface applies proprioceptive input through bilateral resistive wrist, elbow & shoulders.  Add additional blocks of wood to create a train.


Fill a cardboard box with books or other heavy items.  Push it along a carpeted room.  Add other boxes to the train. Try to keep them in a line.  This is a great way to work on motor planning and core strength as kids balance to keep the boxes in the train aligned. Try this with books or crates.


Blow a train whistle.


Draw tracks on a paper with pencil.  Children can use a rectangular school eraser as a “train” to erase the train track lines.  Draw the lines with heavier pressure for more required proprioceptive input.  Drawing with lighter strokes requires less heavy work.  Also try a kneaded eraser.


Fill a laundry basket with books, blocks, or other heavy items.  This can be a train cargo car that needs loaded and unloaded in order to set off on a delivery.  Kids can act like a crane with whole body movements.


Fill a plastic sandwich bag with dry beans.  Reinforce the edges and sides with heavy duty tape like duct tape.  Cover the entire plastic bag to create a DIY bean bag.  Stick train stickers to the outside of the bean bag.  Use them to play target games.


These train beads would come in handy for heavy work to the hands.  Hide them in silly putty, slime, or thera-putty.  Hide them in play dough and then freeze the dough to add more resistance.  Kids can find and hide the train beads for proprioceptive input through the hand and finger joints.


Tape pieces of paper to the floor in a line.  These are the “tracks” of a train.  Kids can hop, leap, or jump from paper to paper as an indoor heavy work activity.


Use sidewalk chalk to create train tracks on a large sidewalk or driveway.  Hop, run, leap, skip, or jump on the track from stop to stop.


Stick masking tape to the floor of a carpeted floor.  Ask kids to send animals on the train! They can do different animal walks along the tracks to get from train stop to train stop.  Animal walks that add proprioceptive input include: bear walk, crab walk, frog hop, or donkey kicks.



Vestibular Train Themed Sensory Activities

Make a train with friends and walk over couch cushions and outside down slopes and on slanted grassy surfaces.

Use a therapy scooter board to pull the child using therapy band or a hoola hoop. The child can pretend they are on a train as they ride in various directions.

March along a path or balance beam like a train.


Oral Sensory Motor Train Themed Sensory Activities

Make a Train Whistle to address oral motor and proprioceptive needs. Kids can use a recycled cardboard tube such as a paper towel roll. Using a sharp pencil, punch a hole in the middle of the tube. Cover one end with a small piece of wax paper and attach with a rubber band. Use the tube like a kazoo. When kids blow into the hole, a buzzing noise like a train whistle is produced. Use this DIY train whistle craft as a tool for sensory needs.

Auditory Train Themed Sensory Activities

Use a train whistle to create loud or soft whistles.  Listen for the volume of the whislte and play a matching game where kids need to copy the intensity of sound.  Try this with patterns, too.


Tactile Train Themed Sensory Activities

Make an easy train themed busy bag. Ask kids to guess the items in a bag without looking and just using the sense of touch to identify shapes and items. This activity is based on the children’s book, Steam Train Dream Train.

Train Themed Snacks

Make this crunchy train theme graham cracker snack.
The kids can help make this healthy train themed snack using fruits and vegetables.


Train Themed Transitions

Train Themed Sensory Activities for On-The-Go

These activities are designed to be taken out of the home or classroom.  Use them while out in the community, while in the car, or when traveling.

Create a travel sensory bag with fidget toys, train activity cards, sensory snacks, or weighted tools.  This train key chain is a great fidget tool that can be attached to backpacks, jackets, binders, or belt loops. 



Use these train themed sensory ideas to help kids with sensory processing challenges to get the sensory input they crave and need using a special interest and motivating activities.

More Train Sensory Tools

There are other sensory tools that kids can have in their arsenal as a tool for self-regulation:
Self-talk
Yoga stretches
Behavior chart
Reward/Goal Chart

Use these train themed sensory ideas to help kids with sensory processing challenges to get the sensory input they crave and need using a special interest and motivating activities.

Cursive Slime

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Adding movement and sensory input to teaching letters and handwriting is key for learning the motor plan, identifying letters, and carryover of learned skills. 

This cursive slime activity is a fun way to encourage letter formation, letter identification, and letter matching using slime as a fine motor and sensory medium to make the activity fun and memorable. 


This cursive slime activity adds a proprioceptive, tactile, and movement component to learning the parts of cursive letters. Kids can focus on the starting pencil lines that make up groups of letters known as cursive letter families.
Use cursive beads to work on cursive letter identification using cursive slime as a sensory tool and tactile sensory play.



Cursive Slime Activity


There is a lot more information on cursive letter families as well as more cursive writing strategies and tools here and in the How to Teach Cursive Writing series that we have on The OT Toolbox this month.

Grab more cursive writing tips and strategies for teaching cursive handwriting under the cursive writing tab up above.

For this cursive slime activity, you will first need a batch of slime. We love to make non-borax slime for safety reasons.

Our favorite recipe (and my YouTube loving kids are HUGE fans of trying all.the.recipes) is this contact solution and baking soda slime recipe. It’s a quick slime recipe that pulls together easily and one that older kids can make on their own.

Then, add cursive letter beads.


Use cursive beads to work on cursive letter identification using cursive slime as a sensory tool and tactile sensory play.

Now, it’s time to play! Kids can play with this cursive slime activity in so many ways.

Look for letters according to cursive letter family, match cursive letters, and sort.

Pull the beads out of the slime and press them back in again. What a workout for the hands.

Here are a few more slime or sensory dough recipes that would be perfect for hiding and pulling out the cursive letter beads:


How to make crayon play dough Harold and the Purple Crayon activity Crayon Floam Dough recipe Metallic sparkly crayon play dough

How to Make Crayon Play Dough

Pair crayon play dough with Harold and the Purple Crayon book

Use broken crayons to make crayon floam dough

Celebrate the sparkle with gold, sliver, and bronze metallic crayon play dough

3 Ingredient Kinetic Sand Dough
Fizzy Soda Dough
Almond scented salt dough
orange zest salt dough
gingerbread salt dough
Use cursive beads to work on cursive letter identification using cursive slime as a sensory tool and tactile sensory play.

Gross Motor Cursive Writing Warm-Up Exercises

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Today in the cursive handwriting series on The OT Toolbox, we’re talking all about gross motor activities and gross motor cursive writing warm-up exercises that can be used to work on and teach cursive letter formation. These are fun activities that can be used with kids who haven’t even yet attempted to write their first letter in cursive. 



If you are teaching cursive writing to a student, this cursive writing series is for you. 


If you are concerned about how to teach cursive writing to students, then this cursive writing series is for you. 


If you are you a therapist who is looking for strategies and creative ideas to help students improve cursive writing as a means of functional and legible handwriting, then this cursive series is for you. 


Below, you’ll find ways to teach cursive writing by addressing the motor plan and verbal cues needed for cursive letter formation in a playful and fun way.


Cursive writing strategies to help kids learn to write in cursive, and this gross motor cursive warm-up exercises are perfect for teaching kids to write in cursive!
This post and the posts you’ll see here over the next month are part of our 31 day series on teaching cursive. You’ll want to check out the How to Teach Cursive Writing page where you can find all of the posts in this series. For more ways to address the underlying skills needed for handwriting, check out the handwriting drop-down tab at the top of this site.

For resources in handwriting, join us in the Sweet Ideas for Handwriting Help Facebook group.


Gross Motor Cursive Writing Warm-up Exercises


One strategy for teaching cursive writing is using a warm-up program with gross motor movement activities. This is an easy way to get kids moving and ready to focus on cursive writing practice. The large motor cursive writing exercises described below can be used with kids who haven’t yet started on cursive writing instruction. They can also be used at the start of each cursive practice session as a warm-up tool. 

An added bonus for the classroom teacher is that these activities can be a much needed brain break activity during the school day.

Introduce the cursive motions needed for letter formation using large motor patterns. This can be done in a variety of creative ways (described below). Students who are learning a new series of letters or new cursive letter family can practice the movement patterns using large motor or gross motor exercises.


TIP: Try teaching groups of letters together based on the components of the letters. Teaching cursive letters by their cursive letter families can help kids learn letter formation and with carryover.

Gross Motor Exercises for Pre-Cursive Writing


Gross motor cursive warm-ups can be done as a class or individually.  For kids who are not yet learning cursive writing, use the gross motor cursive writing warm-up exercises as an introduction for verbal prompts they will hear as they begin to learn letters.

Instruct children to complete the exercises using a model and with consistent verbal cues. Verbal cues should be the prompts that will be used for cursive letters (i.e. “Start at the bottom. Swoop up. Trace back down. Stop. Swing away.”) Repeat a series of motions needed for a specific letter family or letter. 

The teacher or therapist should stand in front of the students with their back facing the students so that the motions are consistent and the class is able to copy the large motor motions. 

Instruct students to continue with a set of loops, scalloped motions (such as forming a series of lowercase cursive “u’s” in the air), or bumps (as in forming a series of lowercase cursive letter “m’s” in the air.)

Children can move their arms through the air as they practice writing the cursive letter family strokes. Then move onto individual letters. Try using some of the ideas below to work on gross motor motions for introducing cursive letters.

Gross Motor Cursive Writing Activities

Cursive writing strategies to help kids learn to write in cursive, and this gross motor cursive warm-up exercises are perfect for teaching kids to write in cursive!



Use a movement stick with a ribbon attached to a dowel rod. This is an easy do-it-yourself craft that kids can work on together and to get excited about learning cursive. Or, use a highlighter or marker with a lid. Tie long ribbons in a knot under the lid of the marker. This is a fun activity for the whole class.



Allow each student to use a pencil with the eraser side pointing out into the air, as if the pencil were a wand. Ask them to hold the pencil tip in their hand and use the pencil wand to form letters or cursive family strokes in the air.



Students can use a paintbrush on a chalkboard to draw letters in water. Ask them to draw large movements.



Children can hold a feather to draw letters in the air. 

Students can use their finger to work on cursive connectors or cursive family strokes on the back of another student.



Use a writing tray with a variety of sensory mediums.



As noted above, be sure to use consistent verbal prompts when using gross motor cursive writing warm-up exercises. 

Don’t forget to try all of the cursive writing strategies in the How to Teach Cursive Writing series!


More cursive writing resources (Click on the images to find out more):

Cursive writing strategies to help kids learn to write in cursive, and this gross motor cursive warm-up exercises are perfect for teaching kids to write in cursive!

You’ll find more cursive writing strategies by clicking the images below: