Texture Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can be fun and provide an opportunity for exploration and movement. A scavenger hunt focused on textures can help with concept development and sensory skills. Hunting for and discriminating characteristics of objects, (size, texture, temperature, weight) can best be done by helping the child to use her/his hands in a structured search and exploration approach i.e. feeling an object from top to bottom, left to right, front side - back side. Similarly, the child can search the area in front of them, behind to left side to right side and/or structured thorough search of one room before going on to the next.
Materials
Objects around the house and/or yard.
Ideas for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
For infants, say “Here’s something that is…” filling in the qualities of each object. Allow the child to explore the object and describe its features to them.
For toddlers and preschoolers, start out with hunting for objects with a single quality before gradually getting more complex. If they have never done a scavenger hunt before, participate in the first few searches with them. Review concepts of small, large, short, tall, smooth, soft, rough, fuzzy and so on. Provide examples of these concepts if needed.
For the first couple of hunts, be sure to play along enthusiastically with your child. As the game progresses, you can provide less support/hints in the search.
Let everyone have an opportunity to call out characteristics to search for.
For a child with multiple exceptionalities, start with his/her strength, such as favourite toys or objects used during favourite activities.
Scavenger hunt search ideas
Look for objects of different sizes (large, small, short, tall, wide, thin…)
Look for objects with different textures (hard, soft, rough, smooth, bumpy…).
Look for objects with the above qualities that are used different purposes (dressing, eating, playing, cleaning…).
Look for objects with the above qualities in each room or area of the house (kitchen, bedroom, living room, bedroom, basement, backyard…)
"Find Something That Is…"
Small and fuzzy
Long and thin
Short and soft
Tall and smooth in the kitchen
Rough and a piece of clothing
Big and soft in the bedroom
Small and rough in the backyard
Credit: Blind Beginnings, PRCVI, BC Blind Sports, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada