Sensitizing the Fingertips
Materials:
Warm water
Small tray
Small pitcher
Small bowl
Small rough textured cloths
Purposes:
Refinement of the tactile sense for textures.
Preparation to discriminate fine differences in texture.
Muscular control for lightness of touch.
Age: 2 ½ – 3 ½
Preparation: None
Presentation:
Invite the child for the lesson and ask them to take the tray to the sink counter.
Have the child fill water in the pitcher and pour ½ into the small bowl.
Place four fingers of both hands into the water bowl.
Take fingers out of the water and rub them on the cloth, one hand at a time.
Pour out the water and invite the child.
When finished, pour water out in the sink and replace it on the shelf.
Invite a child to accompany you to the shelf to begin a tactile activity.
Points of Interest
Dipping only the pads of the fingers in the water.
The method of rubbing the fingers on the towelette.
Pedagogical Note:
The child should sensitize their fingers prior to working with any tactile exercise- Sensorial, or any sandpaper exercises.
An alternative to this exercise is to rub the fingers vigorously over the pant leg before beginning the exercise.