Tactile Input/Sensory Play Activities

I have several students who just can't seem to get enough sensory input with their hands- it may be that they do not or can not explore their environments enough, it may be because they crave or seek that type of input...I also have students who are tactile avoiders (especially anything wet/gooey/messy)... I have students who are tactile seekers, and I have students who are skin and hair pickers, etc.

• If you have a student or child who does not like messy play or who does not like to get their hands dirty, providing them tactile sensory input can be approached by starting with exposure to dry tactile play- stuff that doesn't stick to their hands and has texture to it. Examples would be rice, sand, a squishy bag, etc.  
• From dry tactile play you could progress to something that has a bit more moisture, but that still doesn't stick to hands, such as play in cooked spaghetti or playing with playdough. 
• Progressing to something a bit wetter, move on to trying tactile play with cloud dough, water beads, goop or glarch. 
• Of course the really wet/messy play would be water, finger paints, shaving cream, pudding, etc.

Providing your student with weight bearing opportunities through their hands and upper extremities also gives them proprioceptive input, which is grounding to their central nervous system. It also helps provide awareness of body in space and can assist in controlling responses to sensory stimuli.
Proprioceptive input can be calming for those who are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimulation. All of this lends itself to being better able to tolerate tactile input and improve tactile processing.

The following link includes some fun tactile sensory activities for you to try, and they range from dry to messy play:
https://www.learning4kids.net/list-of-sensory-play-ideas/

The following link includes some non food sensory bin filler ideas:
https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2015/08/non-food-sensory-bin-fillers-for-kids.html