Accompanying Conditions Sensory Integration Dysfunction (DSI) - Our Parents Recommend

Sensory and Motor Planning Fun For Kids!

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Fun Activities: (Not all activities are appropriate for all ages. Consult your child's occupational therapist before engaging in these activities.)

•  Jump or walk on a slightly deflated air mattress


• Take a bubble bath with a filled squirt bottle


• Water-play in the sink with containers for scooping, pouring, straining
  

• Finger-paint with pudding or bath paints in empty bathtub


• Make “Kid Sandwich”
  Put pillows on floor. Have child lay tummy down (face turned to side) on pillows. Gently rub back and forth across the back of the child's body, while saying “I am spreading on the mayonnaise”. Gently push into child's body with heels of hand, “I am squeezing on the mustard”. Lay thick blanket over child (leaving head exposed), “Here is the lettuce.” Lastly put layer of light pillows on top as top slice of bread. When sandwich is complete ask your child, “Can you push out?” and watch them use all their strength to get out from under all the blankets and pillows!


• Sensory Tub
  Fill Rubbermaid-type container (large enough for your child to sit inside of) filled a few inches deep with lots of rice. Let the child sit in the rice with toys for child to retrieve, scoop and dig with. You can use: rice, sand, foam pieces or beans depending on preference of child.
  
• Make “Angels in the Snow” on soft, carpeted surface  

• Tug-of-War with bike inner tube  

• Push-of-War with two people on either sides of a therapy ball
  
• Push medicine ball around


• Scooter board – sitting or lying facedown. Scoot around obstacles.
  
• Sensory drink of 7-Up and fruit juice
  
• Swim, ride a bike, go to playground


• “Pan Band” - Let child make music by hitting metal pans with a wooden spoon.


• Ask child to help you carry some items in the next room (books, empty milk jugs filled with varies amounts of water, etc)  

• Draw with chalk on sidewalk


• Hopscotch


• Wheelbarrow walk


• Play Mailman - Have child carry slightly heavy items in backpack and “deliver” the objects to a neighbor


• “Magic Carpet Ride” – Pull child around house on blanket on slippery floor.

• Alerting Activities:
  
  Eat crunchy food (dry cereal)
  Take a shower
  Jump on trampoline

• Organizing Activities:
  
  Eat chewy food (licorice, gum)
  Ride on zipline
  Push/pull heavy load
  Get into upside down position

• Calming Activities:
  
  Suck (through straw, candy, etc)
  Swing
  Soak in bathtub
  “Bug-In-A-Rug” - Roll child up in blanket.