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Kids Play Smarter

Maximizing your child's play with purposeful activities

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You are here: Home / Archives for sensory activities

Educational Seek-And-Find Slime Games

June 26, 2017 by Amy Smith

Ooey gooey textures have fascinated kids for generations.  With the advent of new gooey products on the market and many DIY recipes, it's easier than ever to get your hands on some … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fine Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: education, learning activities, sensory activities

Shaving Cream Balloon Face

June 15, 2017 by Amy Smith

Make a shaving cream balloon face educational by adding learning concepts like numbers, shapes, or letters underneath shaving cream on a face and wipe it away to see what's underneath! Perfect for young kids learning basic academics.

Your child will have a blast playing this game while utilizing their fine motor, visual perceptual, and sensory tactile skills! Add in some academic concepts and you have a learning … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fine Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: fine motor activities, sensory activities, tactile activities

Feed Your Need to Chew: Choose Chewies

November 26, 2016 by Amy Smith

Find out how to feed your child's need to chew in a healthy way by using chewies! Chewies are oral fidgets that can alleviate anxiety and nervous energy. Great for kids with sensory issues, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and PTSD.

When you feel nervous, what's your go-to stress relief? Biting your nails? Chewing gum? Gnawing on pen caps? Eating? If this sounds like you or your child, your actions may be saying … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: Chewy, oral fidgets, sensory activities

Calming Cozy Cocoon

September 8, 2016 by Amy Smith

Simple sensory activity that uses deep pressure from a blanket to help kids calm down and relax. Try it out before bedtime or any stressful situation.

This calming cozy cocoon activity is as relaxing as it sounds, and is so incredibly easy to do that you may be kicking yourself for not having thought of it sooner. The concept of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: Calming activity, sensory activities

Help! My Child Can’t Sit Still!

August 27, 2016 by Amy Smith

Do you have children or students who are constantly fidgeting in their seats at school or at home? The child knows that he should be sitting still, but chances are, there's something … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Handwriting Help, Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: attention difficulties, behavior problems, seating, sensory activities

Sensory Smart Treasure Hunt!

July 12, 2016 by Amy Smith

Reaching into a big bowl to find a "hidden treasure" is ever so tempting for many kids, so why not increase the educational value of this game so that it's a "sensory smart" treasure … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fine Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: learning activities, sensory activities, tactile activities

Multipurpose Dice Game

May 21, 2016 by Amy Smith

Are you looking for easy ways to sneak some more exercise and learning into your child's day? Look no further as this multipurpose dice game is a simple solution to get your child … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gross Motor Activities Tagged With: gross motor games, learning games, sensory activities

Smart Sensory Squirrel

April 26, 2016 by Amy Smith

Improve your child's sensory experience along with academic learning concepts such as shapes, letters, or numbers with this smart sensory squirrel game. Your kids will love it!

Try making this adorable smart sensory squirrel with your child and let the learning experiences begin!   This activity is perfect for the busy mom, teacher, or therapist … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fine Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: fine motor activities, learning games, preschool, sensory activities, tactile activities

What did the Piggy Eat?

April 24, 2016 by Amy Smith

Develop social skills, sensory skills, and tactile discrimination skills with this fun piggy game for kids!

This sensory based game called "What did the piggy eat" is sure to be a hit in any home or classroom! Children love games built upon silly concepts and this game is sure to make your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fine Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: fine motor activities, preschool, sensory activities, tactile activities

Rainbow Running

April 16, 2016 by Amy Smith

Add paint, exercise, and sensory experiences to get this amazing kids activity called rainbow running! Sneak some academics in with the colors for lots of fun!

Try out this activity that combines the best of gross motor and sensory play into one colorful, energetic game! By playing this game, your child will reap the benefits of exercise, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gross Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: exercise, gross motor activities, learning games, sensory activities

Calming “Cookie Dough”

April 4, 2016 by Amy Smith

This sensory activity calms kids and adults down when feeling anxious or hyperactive. It is perfect for those with sensory issues, autism, SPD, anxiety disorders,ADHD, and ADD.

You probably don't associate the word "calming" with cookie dough, but after you try this activity, you will see why this "cookie dough" is very calming indeed.  This activity works … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: Calming activity, deep pressure, proprioception, sensory activities

Identify Your Sensory Speed With a Self-Odometer

March 5, 2016 by Amy Smith

Identify your sensory speed with a self-odometer which communicates how your child is feeling without needing to talk or verbally communicate.

For a lot of kids, communicating how they are feeling, especially when they feel out of control is very difficult. Frustration on both the part of the child and parent/teacher only … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: activities to help regulate sensory behaviors, sensory activities, sensory regulation

Welcome to Kids Play Smarter

Amy Smith I am an occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I created this website to offer parents, teachers, and therapists FREE ideas, strategies, and activities that they can do with their children to improve their fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, academic learning, and regulate their sensory system all while "playing" (just playing smarter)! Read More…

Top Posts

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Calming "Cookie Dough"
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