Some children enjoy playing with lotion. This activity offers a pleasant sensory experience as well as an excellent learning opportunity to explore body awareness, body part identification (for the young ones), crossing midline to help with using both sides of the body correctly and right/ left discrimination.
This can get messy but most children really enjoy it. Lay a towel on the floor and squeeze a small amount of lotion into the child's hand. Let the child rub the lotion on himself/herself. Talk while the child is applying the lotion pointing out the body parts and commenting on right or left hand/leg. If a young child is doing the activity discuss the difference between Mommy or Daddy's foot versus the toddler's foot.
Some children will want more and more lotion and some will not want to touch it to begin with. The purpose of this activity is to let the child guide it. By allowing the child to use the lotion on his/her own body it makes the child feel more comfortable with the lotion. Keep in mind the scent of the lotion - don't use any lotion that is too over-powerful with the scent.
Have fun!
This is a great idea. My toddler has a skin issue that reqires multiple full body rub downs a day, I can't believe I never thought to make it into a game.
ReplyDeleteMy preschooler might enjoy this also, though he has a bit of a hard time with sensory play.
Your preschoolers might enjoy this since he has control over the sensory play - when you allow him to do the lotion it may be more comfortable for him. Start with very small amounts. Also, if he does not like it on himself maybe let him try putting the lotion on a doll or you. Keep it open ended. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by,
Margaret@GrowingPlay
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ReplyDeleteVisiting from the Weekly Kids Co-op. Love this idea. I'm going to try this with my tot tomorrow. Would love to pin this idea to our Weekly Kids Co-op board but can't seem to :(.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that it won't pin. Maybe try again or you can repin mine here - http://pinterest.com/pin/89720217546827373/
DeleteHope your toddler enjoys it!
-Margaret@GrowingPlay
I love the idea of this activity...one of my twins has some sensory issues and this would be a perfect fun game for her i think! Thanks so much for sharing with the Weekly Kid's Co-Op...i shall try to pin to the board for you!
ReplyDelete