W is for Wheels Sensory Play

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I am very excited to have Claire and Lauren from The Inspired Treehouse sharing with you all today as part of the A-Z's of Sensory Play for Kids series. Claire and Lauren are fellow therapy bloggers and they have some ideas for wheels sensory play for you. 

W is for Wheels

Wheels sensory play ideas. www.GoldenReflectionsBlog.com

Bikes, scooters, roller blades, roller skates, Swivel cars and more!  Nothing says the weather is perfect for going outside like WHEELS!  This time of year, our kids are busy going up and down the driveway for hours on whatever set of wheels they can get their hands (or feet) on.

Wheeled toys are amazing for providing sensory input because they pack a big punch for the vestibular system, which is responsible for sensing balance and movement. This sense is one of the foundations for healthy sensory processing and allows us to maintain our balance and to experience gravitational security: confidence that we can maintain a position without falling.

When a child is learning to ride a bike without training wheels, the vestibular system is what allows her to move smoothly, efficiently, and confidently.  What better way to help kids develop their vestibular systems than by getting them up and moving with toys that have wheels!

Check out this fun way for kids to put their favorite wheels to use by creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor masterpiece!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

-Paint (we used washable craft paint) – you’ll need quite a bit of paint for this activity
-Several large pieces of flat cardboard to use as paint palettes
-A huge sheet of white paper or a painters tarp
-All of the wheeled toys and vehicles you can round up (skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters, etc.)

WHAT TO DO:

sensory play with wheels

Squeeze a large amount of paint onto each piece of cardboard.  We put one color on each piece but you could be creative and mix it up!  Place the pieces of cardboard on the borders of your paper or tarp.

sensory play with wheels

 

Then, let your kids go to work creating their artwork!  They will have to ride their wheeled toy over a piece of cardboard to collect some paint on their wheels and then ride over the paper or tarp to create a design.

sensory play with wheels

Sit back and watch the amazing vestibular system at work as kids balance on their bikes and scooters, make tight turns so they can collect the paint on their wheels and create a line on the paper, and carefully avoid their other friends who are enjoying the activity along with them!

If you used a tarp, let the paint dry and recycle this beautiful, original piece of art as a picnic blanket, a splat mat for future creative endeavors or a pretty tablecloth for an upcoming party!

If you used large paper, let the paint dry and use the painting as a backdrop for a sign announcing a birthday party, neighborhood block party, or a lemonade stand!


Inspired-Treehouse-BIO-PIC

At The Inspired Treehouse we believe that with a little help, kids can build strong, healthy bodies and minds through play.  Lauren Drobnjak and Claire Heffron are pediatric physical and occupational therapists who provide easy-to-understand information about child development and creative activities for kids that promote developmental skills.  At The Inspired Treehouse, we also feature cool products and services for kids that target development and wellness.  Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram!

For more sensory play ideas, be sure to follow my sensory fun Pinterest board below and keep up with the A-Z's of Sensory Play for Kids series here on the blog.

Follow Heather @ Golden Reflections Blog's board Sensory Fun on Pinterest.
A-Z's of Sensory Play Ideas for Kids Series. www.GoldenReflectionsBlog.com

Heather Greutman, COTA

Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with experience in school-based OT services for preschool through high school. She uses her background to share child development tips, tools, and strategies for parents, educators, and therapists. She is the author of many ebooks including The Basics of Fine Motor Skills, and Basics of Pre-Writing Skills, and co-author of Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.

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CONTENT DISCLAIMER: Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
All information on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or your pediatrician. Please consult with a medical professional if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child. The information on the Websites does not replace the relationship between therapist and client in a one-on-one treatment session with an individualized treatment plan based on their professional evaluation. The information provided on the Website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Do not rely on the information on the Website as an alternative to advice from your medical professional or healthcare provider. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment as a result of any information provided on the Website. All medical information on the Website is for informational purposes only.

All activities outlined on the Website are designed for completion with adult supervision. Please use your own judgment with your child and do not provide objects that could pose a choking hazard to young children. Never leave a child unattended during these activities. Please be aware of and follow all age recommendations on all products used in these activities. Growing Hands-On Kids is not liable for any injury when replicating any of the activities found on this blog.

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