Sensory motor activities combine sensory input with physical movement, helping children process sensory information and respond with coordinated actions. These activities support sensory integration, body awareness, and motor planning.
Through activities that engage multiple senses while requiring movement, toddlers develop better body awareness, coordination, and the ability to process and respond to sensory information effectively. These activities also provide important sensory input that helps with regulation and attention.
Containers filled with materials that engage multiple senses while encouraging movement and exploration.
Fill bins with rice, beans, sand, or water. Add tools for scooping, pouring, and manipulating. This combines tactile, visual, and proprioceptive input with fine motor movements.
Combine movement with different textures to engage multiple senses simultaneously.
Walk on different textures: grass, sand, carpet, or bubble wrap. Crawl through fabric tunnels. Roll on textured surfaces. This combines tactile input with gross motor movement.
Water play provides rich sensory input while encouraging various movements and actions.
Play with water: pouring, splashing, squeezing sponges, or using water tools. This engages tactile, visual, and proprioceptive senses while developing motor skills.
Activities that involve getting messy provide rich sensory experiences combined with movement.
Finger painting, playing with mud, or exploring slime. These activities provide tactile, visual, and sometimes olfactory input while encouraging hand and arm movements.
Helps children process and organize sensory information effectively, supporting attention and regulation.
Develops understanding of body position and movement in space, essential for coordination and safety.
Builds ability to plan and execute movements, supporting physical competence and confidence.