Sensory Activities

Escrito por:  Maria

Sensory Activities for Preschoolers with Down Syndrome

Sensory activities are a fantastic way to support sensory-motor development in preschool children with Down syndrome. Through hands-on activities, children can explore textures, colours, shapes, and other sensory concepts, all while building essential skills like hand coordination, object manipulation, and understanding of different sizes, weights, and textures. However, some children with Down syndrome may have sensory sensitivities and may initially avoid certain textures, like sand or finger paint. Let’s explore some helpful strategies to make these sensory activities more approachable and enjoyable.

Tips for Engaging Children in Sensory Play

  1. Create a Fun Atmosphere Start by playing the child’s favourite music during the sensory activity. Adding a familiar and enjoyable element can make the experience more fun and help them feel comfortable with trying new activities.
  2. Begin with Familiar Activities Start with sensory activities the child already enjoys and can complete successfully. Gradually introduce materials that are a bit more challenging, letting the child build confidence with each new experience.
  3. Use a Demonstration Setup Provide a duplicate set of materials so you can model how to interact with them. For instance, if you’re using sand, demonstrate how to scoop it into containers, pour it out, or use small toys in the sand. This step-by-step guidance can make the activity more approachable.
  4. Engage with Interesting Sensory Materials For an engaging activity, try filling a container with dry pasta and hiding small shapes or items inside. You could even include an electric toothbrush, which many children find fascinating, to make “digging” for hidden objects more interactive. Encourage the child to explore by feeling around, removing objects, and matching shapes.
  5. Offer Alternative Textures For children who are hesitant to touch paint, gooey materials, or sand, start with a gentler sensory experience. Fill a zip-top bag with shaving gel or hair gel and encourage the child to squeeze and manipulate the bag. This allows them to engage with new textures in a more controlled, mess-free way before moving on to direct contact.

These sensory activities can be enjoyable and educational, offering children with Down syndrome opportunities to explore new textures, build motor skills, and gain confidence through hands-on play. Sensory activities provide a wonderful way to support developmental growth while allowing children to explore and have fun.