Barefoot Walk Sensory Play Preschool Activity
Preschoolers can explore the sense of touch with this barefoot sensory activity. Create a fun space for walking with textured mats and other materials spread on the floor.
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Do your kids like to go barefoot around the house? When mine were little they usually hit the floor running in the morning, so barefoot was the norm.
We might pull on socks on an especially cold wintery day, but barefoot was the preferred mode of motion.
This sensory walk activity is a no-brainer for kids who like to move and explore with bare feet. You and the kids can work together to set up this fun activity. Use items you have on hand to create a variety of surfaces that spark hands-on - or 'feet-on' - sensory experiences.
Kick off your shoes and get started!
Barefoot sensory play
1. Choose materials.
Look for household items that have different colors and textures.
- We used a yoga mat, a long piece of corrugated cardboard, and a hall runner.
- Other options include bubble wrap, canvas, a furry blanket, a foam play mat.
You can define the space by cutting the cardboard and other materials to match the width of the yoga mat and hall runner.
Materials can be cut in different sizes and shapes to add interest to the activity.
Depending on your floor covering, choose materials that will not slip and slide when kids are walking on them.
- You can place pieces of foam or rubber under certain materials to help keep them in place, or secure them to the floor with double-sided tape or rolled tape.
2. Set up the walking path.
Place materials with different textures end to end.
Alternate colors and textures to make an interesting path.
3. Start walking!
Incorporate different movements as you move along the sensory walk.
- Walk on tiptoe; walk sideways; take baby steps; take giant steps.
- Stop on a section of the path and wiggle your toes, or jump up and down.
- Incorporate yoga moves like the 'bear' - walk hands on the floor in front as you move.
Activities like the sensory walk help kids engage their senses in meaningful ways. They also benefit from participating in the setup: observing available space; lining up materials; getting lots of exercise.
Kick off your day with this fun activity!
Visit our Sensory board on Pinterest for more daily play.