This fun, creative book was written by Bonnie Arnwine, a mother whose child has sensory processing disorder (SPD). The book is full of exciting, inexpensive, sensory activities that are designed to be done in a clinic or at home because they use common household items and are easy to prepare. My favorite part is the “Extend It!” section in which ideas are offered on how to prolong a child’s interest in the activity.

This book offers a brief introduction to Sensory Integration (SI), understanding SPD, and beginning a Sensory Diet (see our glossary of terms on www.potsot.com). It is not intended to be an educationally informative book, but rather is a great resource for sensory activities. It is an excellent choice for preschool teachers, practitioners, and parents once you know what sensory system you are targeting.

Each chapter contains activities that are geared toward a particular sensory system. In the chapter on tactile (touch) activities, my favorite activity was “Hair Gel Bags”. Here’s how to do it at home:

What you need:

 Hair gel

• Sparkly items
• Ziploc sandwich bags
• Duct tape

 Optional items:

 Grocery bag or large sheet of paper

• Beads

Open a Ziploc bag and squirt about a ¼ C of hair gel inside. Place a few sparkly items, such as glitter or sequins, inside the bag as well. Close the bag securely, seal it with duct tape at the zipper end, and let your child squish the contents around.

Extend It!

Tic-Tac-Toe

Make ten hair gel bags, five each of two colors. Draw a large Tic-Tac-Toe grid on a piece of paper or grocery bag to play. Instead of x’s and o’s, one person uses bags with one color, and the other player uses the second color. Add beads to the bags for more texture.

Tracing Fun

Place a maze or design under the hair gel bag. Have your child trace his/her way through the maze or trace the design through the bag.

Check out the book for more great sensory ideas. It is available at www.amazon.com as well as www.barnesandnoble.com.

Arnwine, B. (2007). Starting Sensory Integration Therapy: Fun Activities That Won’t Destroy Your Home or Classroom! Arlington, Texas. Future Horizons Inc.

Blog written by: Aviva Goldwasser, MS, OTR

                       Chaye Lamm Warburg, DPS, OTR, Director of POTS