The tactile system is used to perceive physical sensations. Children may be tactile seekers or tactile avoiders based on their individual sensory threshold.
Tactile seekers thrive in the messiest play. They generally enjoy:
- sensory bins
- fidget toys
- food play
- slime
- textured materials
- deep pressure and massage
- sports and physical activities
- hands-on crafts
Tactile activities provide the input they need to engage and maintain focus. These learners will thrive when given different textures they can squish and squeeze. Writing letters or drawing shapes in shaving cream, mud, or pudding is a great way to engage them academically.
Tactile avoiders will be the most reluctant children to engage in messy play. Giving them a spoon or paintbrush will often help them participate in the activity in a way that makes them feel comfortable. You can also use a plastic bag to create a “messy play bag” to help them interact with sensory items without getting a mess on their hands. The handout below describes how to create a messy play bag.
Download the following Sensory Needs Checklist to help determine your own or your child’s sensory needs and follow along for our blog series highlighting each of the sensory systems!
To learn even more about sensory adaptations and the importance of sensory play, enroll in our FREE online course “Teaching Strategies: Let’s Play!”