, ,

Tactile Art Activity

Looking for a fun craft? All you need is some large paper, painter’s tape, and paint (and of course your hands!).  And bonus: this tactile art activity you can modify depending upon the skill level of the child.

What is a Tactile Activity?

Tactile input is a fancy work for using the sense of touch.  This type of sensory input is enjoyable for some children and for others they may strongly dislike it.  By introducing tactile play at a young age, children get to explore and feel all different types of sensations and learn to interpret that input in their brain. Examples of tactile input can range from touching a soft cat to touching sandpaper.

How to Set Up the Tactile Act Activity

Grab your materials – painter’s tape (low adhesion), paint and paper. Easel is optional or you could do the activity on the floor.

Decide how you want to use the painter’s tape.  Would you like to make a letter, word, shapes, abstract design… It really depends on what skills you are working on.

We chose to do a name but you could make this activity much more simple by just doing lines or random designs. It could also be done on a canvas bag to make a great tote bag gift for someone special.

Step By Step Directions

Put painter’s tape (low adhesion) on a large piece of paper in a design or create a name.

If able have the child help to tear the tape to encourage fine motor skill development.

When design is completed paint the palms of the child’s hands. The child will then press hard on the picture with flat hands.

 

When the paint has dried completely remove the painter’s tape to reveal the design.

What Skills Are Children Working On With the Tactile Art Activity?

This activity encourages the following skills:

  • fine motor skill development
  • upper extremity muscle strengthening
  • proprioceptive input
  • tactile input

Suggestions if a Child Does Not Want to Get Their Hands Messy

Some children may dislike tactile input or avoid it entirely.  By grading the tactile input, you can help guide them along a continuum. For example, perhaps they can use a paint brush or paint roller to go over the painter’s tape instead of using their hands.

Maybe try putting the paper on the floor with the painter’s tape design. Pour some drops of paint over the picture and cover it with plastic wrap or a recycled plastic bag.  The child can press their hands on the plastic to spread the paint but they are not touching the paint.

Need More Ideas?

Need more ideas to encourage tactile input? Check out these resources:

Creative Clay Activities

Fine Motor Stations

Wax String Activities

Play Dough Game Boards