Hobbies And Interests
The Value of Tactile Toys
"From birth, parents must choose toys and learning tools for their child that are fun and enjoyable to play with and that also foster sensorial growth to ensure a more complete development process," writes Dr. Kathleen Alfano of the Fisher-Price child research department in an article published by the Sensory Processing Disorder Center. Shyrelle Eubanks, of the National Education Association student achievement department, agrees, writing, "The best way to teach children about their senses is to have them use them. Actually smell, see, taste, hear, and touch." By making and playing with tactile toys, young children learn about their own five senses as well as the stimulation to be found in the world around them.
Toys for Very Young Children
Tactile toys may be adapted to fit the growing needs of children. Children around age 2 can explore the sense of touch through toys made of various textures. Gather a selection of 12-inch-square fabric swatches in a variety of textures, such as fur, silk, cotton, felt and even those rougher to the touch, such as burlap and wool. Cut out pairs of heart shapes and stitch together contrasting fabrics. Stuff with fiberfill, sew up tightly, and toss back and forth as a game. Larger fabric pieces of the favorite textures may be sewn together for a personalized pillow.
Tactile Toys for 3- to 5-Year-Olds
For children ages 3 to 5, add other senses and adapt simple craft toys to their developing skills. Using various fabrics, the children may glue or sew on (as their abilities allow) large colorful buttons with imbedded stones, sequins and other textured embellishments. Try cutting out fabric boy and girl dolls in gingerbread cookie shapes and allow the children to decorate with textured beads, buttons and ribbons. The dolls may be stitched together and stuffed for a lasting DIY tactile toy. Add crushed cinnamon sticks or potpourri to the fiberfill for additional sensory stimulation. A string of these dolls may be hung as a room decoration as the child outgrows playing with them.
Tactile Toys for Older Children
Older children can make more intricate DIY toy projects. Simple corn husk dolls from America̵7;s pioneer days are fun to make and educational, too. The rough texture of the husks is a contrast to modern soft dolls and reflects the toy-making tools available in the past. Children are taught the joys of simplicity while crafting a highly tactile toy. Corn husks left over from the dinner table or from husks purchased in a craft store are tied into sections with thread or string. A wooden or Styrofoam ball is covered with husks for a head, and arms, waist and legs are fashioned by tying off the sections. The dolls are then soaked in water to soften them. Wipe the husks to remove excess moisture because the dolls will crack and fall apart if allowed to remain wet.