All of the following activities submitted by Brenda Alward
*Wind Chimes
      Wind Chime        Tree with a low branch or a support pole           Blanket
Choose a shaded area and lay blanket out.  Tie the wind chime so it falls between ˝ to 3/4 feet from the ground.  The height should be so that the infant can lay on their back and stretch to “hit” the chime and make it ring.

*Texture Mat
       4 to 6 carpet samples of varying textures                  Duct tape 
Choose a variety of carpet textures. Use duct tape to secure them together.  Allow children to crawl and play on the mat.

*Texture Blanket
       Material scraps in a variety of textures                   Needle/Thread
Sew together material with a variety of textures.  Spread blanket on classroom floor or use outside under the three.  Children can explore the changes in texture.

*Bell Bracelet
       Large Bell             Colored Hair Scrunchie          Needle/Thread
Sew the  bell onto a scrunchie.  BE SURE IT IS SECURE! Slip the scrunchie onto the child’s wrist or ankle. 

*Texture Lids
       Frozen Juice container lids                  Fabric Scraps                 Hot Glue Gun
Cut fabric to fit the lids.  Glue fabric onto the lid.  Can make matching textures so that children can find the matching textures and designs.

*Texture Tub
       Colored Hair Scrunchies                           Paper Towel or Toilet Paper Roll
Glue scrunchies onto the tube.  Children can feel the different textures while holding the tube in their hand.

*Body Caress
       As you change children’s clothes, caress feet, arms, etc.  Talk about the body part you are touching.

*Lays Can
        Tube from Lays Potato Chips                        Bell, block, any item that will fit inside
Place one or more items inside the tube.  For young children, hot glue the lid.  The outside of the tube has a texture.  When the tube is moved, the items inside will create a noise.





*Fabric Box
         Kleenex Box                          Fabric Scraps
Place a variety of fabric scraps in a Kleenex box.  Children can reach in and pull out the scrapes, feeling the different textures.

*Seashells
         Have a variety of LARGE seashells for children to hold and explore the texture.  Place seashell in the refrigerator for a different feel.

*Toothpaste Painting
         Use a three color toothpaste and allow children to paint on a washable surface.  They can use their hands or a toothbrush.  Children will see colors blend, experience the texture and the smell of the toothpaste.

*Texture Pillows
         Fabric Scraps                     Needle/Thread                      Quilting Batting
Create small pillows with a variety of textured materials.  Children can hold these in their hands to feel the textures.  You may want to create larger ones for children to play with on the floor or in the dramatic play areas.

*Where Am I?
      Lay an infant on the floor or in their crib.  Call the child from one side.  Before three months, children may look to both sides before locating you.  When he/she does, smile and talk to him.  After three months, the child should turn his/her head in your direction the first time you call his/her name.

*Music Makers
      Provide children with a variety of items they can “bang” and make noise with.  Suggestions are:        Wood spoons                Pots and pans                                   Lids from pans
              Oatmeal Box                 Keys tied securely onto yarn           Rattles
DO NOT USE ANYTHING THAT WOULD POSSIBLY CAUSE HARM TO A CHILD!

*Where’s the Rattle?
      Lay the infant on his back.  Hold rattle about twelve inches from the child’s eyes and shake it to make a sound.  Continue shaking and move the rattle down to the baby’s side.  He will have to turn his/her head to follow the sound.  Reverse directions. If the child reaches for the rattle, let him/her have it to explore.
      As children mature and become more mobile, try shaking the rattle out of sight and having the children find it.







*Can Roll
        Coffee Can                     Objects to place inside for sound
Decorate a coffee can with contact paper and stickers, colored tape, etc.  Put objects inside such as bells or spools.  Tape lid down securely or hot glue.  Sit on the floor with child in your lap.  Roll the can across the floor and observe child as he/she watches it.  Put the can within the child’s reach and help him/her roll it. As motor skills increase, the child can roll the can unassisted.

*Face Fun
       While changing diapers, clothes, or just cuddling and playing on the floor, make a variety of facial expressions with the child.  Be sure to talk with the child during this.  As the infant matures, you can encourage him/her to mimic your actions. 

*Mirror Fun
        Provide a large, unbreakable, mirror low to the floor for children to see themselves in as they play on the floor.  Provide smaller, unbreakable, mirrors the children can hold and look at themselves with. 

*Bat the Ball
      Large inflatable beach ball                              Yarn
Hang the beach ball by the yarn above the infant as he/she lays on the floor or on the ground.  The ball should be at a level so the child is able to kick it with his/her feet or hit it with their hands.

*”Feely” Board
        Use a large cutting board and glue on a variety of materials. Children can explore the textures of the materials. This works best with toddlers and older infants.  For young infants, you may glue the materials to a piece of cardboard that can be held in your hands and you hold an infant and rub their hands across.  Ideas for the board:
           Material scraps                 Sandpaper                        Tile                        Foam
           Tree Bark                         

*Bumble Bee
     While chanting, bring your hands in the air so baby can see.  Move your hands in motions representing the flight of a bumble bee.  At the end of the chant, place your fingers under the baby’s arm, as if to tickle him/her.
                                                        “Bumble bee, bumble bee,
                                                          Come from the barn,
                                                         Come to get (child’s name)
                                                         Right under the arm.”






*Small and Tall
      Use arm motions with your baby while chanting:
                    “Up my arms go, now I’m tall.
                      Down I go, now I’m small.” 
When very young, move your child’s arms to the chant.  As they become more mature, children can move their own arms in response to the chant.

*Sensory Tubs
      Many of the materials we may put in sensory tables for preschoolers can be used WITH DIRECT SUPERVISION by younger children.  You can use a small plastic container for an individual child.  Place such things as salt, oatmeal, or other materials APPROPRIATE for the child you are working with.  Be sure this is conducted as a one- on-one activity. 

*Feely Bags
      Place objects in a bag and let children feel them.  Verbal toddlers can guess what they think the object is. 

*Bubble Wrap Stomp
      Place large sheets of bubble wrap on the floor and let children crawl on it, or walk on it.  Older toddlers may try and “stomp” to pop the bubbles. 

*Fly Swatter Paint
      Large sheets of paper        Flyswatters                   Paint
I would suggest you do this activity outside and use paint smocks! Children dip the flyswatter into the paint and “swat” onto the paper.  Children will hear the sound of the flyswatter hitting the paper and see the results.  Provide a variety of flyswatters so children are able to see a variety of designs.
Sensory Activities
Lily