The Importance of Textures

Our five senses—touch, smell, hearing, taste, and sight—are how we explore and connect with the world around us. For children who are blind or partially sighted, the sense of touch becomes an extraordinary tool for learning, discovery, and connection. By incorporating textures into everyday activities, parents and caregivers can create fun and meaningful opportunities for children to explore, grow, and thrive.

Why Sensory Activities Matter
Textures aren’t just enjoyable to feel—they open doors to curiosity, skill-building, and a deeper understanding of the world. For children with blindness or low vision, engaging in sensory-rich activities fosters critical developmental milestones, such as:

• Fine Motor Skills: Handling different materials helps strengthen finger and hand movements.

• Language Development: Describing textures promotes vocabulary growth and encourages communication.

• Environmental Awareness: Exploring diverse textures provides a richer understanding of the surroundings.

• Curiosity and Creativity: Sensory activities spark imagination and encourage problem-solving.

Most importantly, sensory activities are a wonderful way to bond with your child while encouraging their natural curiosity and supporting their development.

Indoor Sensory Adventures for Winter Days
Winter is here, and while the weather outside might be cold and uninviting, you don’t have to venture far to create sensory experiences for your child. Here are some easy, engaging, and sensory-rich activities to try from the comfort of home:

Sensory Play-Dough Adventure

Play-dough is a classic favorite that’s both fun and versatile (we’ve included a tried and true Play-Dough recipe at the end of this article).

Add a twist to this timeless activity by incorporating materials that enhance its sensory appeal:

• Grains and Seeds: Mix in rice, oats, or flaxseeds to create unique textures.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder to stimulate the sense of smell as well as touch.

Let your imagination lead the way! Shape, squish, and explore. This hands-on activity can become a whole new sensory experience just by adding a little extra creativity.

Texture Walks at Home

Transform an ordinary walk into an extraordinary sensory journey. Explore a variety of surfaces and textures in your home or backyard:

• Carpet vs. Tile: Encourage your child to walk barefoot and feel the difference.

• Wooden Floors vs. Grass Mats: Let them notice the smoothness of wood and the prickly texture of synthetic grass.

• Fabric Paths: Create a sensory trail using soft blankets, towels, or textured rugs.

As your child explores, talk about the differences they notice—soft vs. rough, warm vs. cool, smooth vs. bumpy. This activity is not only fun but also encourages movement, awareness, and descriptive language.

Everyday moments are opportunities for exploration. Whether it’s feeling the patterns on a knitted sweater, squishing pudding during snack time, or running fingers over the grooves of a wooden table, these small experiences add up to a richer understanding of the world.

By incorporating sensory play and textures into your routine, you’re not just creating fun memories—you’re building your child’s confidence and helping them discover the incredible potential of their sense of touch.

Play-Dough Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of all purpose flour

• 1 cup of salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cup of warm water

INSTRUCTIONS

• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl

• Add oil and water

• Mix until dough comes together

You can store it in a airtight container or resealable bag and you can use it for 2 weeks.