Tactile Sense: Texture

Sensitizing Fingertips

Materials: A waterproof tray

A small container, such as a small teapot or pitcher, filled with
warm water and covered with a cloth for insulation (alternatively,
a wide-mouthed small thermos or insulated creamer filled with
warm water)
Small bowls
A supply of terry cloths or a natural sponge for drying the
fingertips briskly
A small bucket

Preparations: none

Purposes: To sensitize the fingers for work with the tactile materials

Age: 2½-3½

Presentation:
1. Invite the child and name the activity.
2. If necessary, wash hands first. “Are your hands clean?... Mine were recently
washed.”
3. The guide and the child should go to where the sensitizing fingertips
materials are kept on the shelf (these materials should be kept on a
waterproof tray, and are used directly on the shelf rather than brought to
a table).
4. Pour a small amount of warm water into the bowl, and place the fingers of
both hands into the bowl for about 10 seconds.
5. Grasp the sponge, cradled in the fingers of one hand, palm up. Place the
four fingertips of your other hand on top of the sponge, palm down.
6. Model drying your fingertips using a brisk back and forth movement on
the sponge until your fingertips are tingly. “My fingertips feel tingly now.”
Repeat with the other hand. Set the sponge down.
7. Invite the child to sensitize his fingertips.
8. Empty the bowl into the bucket.

Control of Error: none

Following Exercises:
none

Language:
 Tactile Sense: Texture
Sensitizing Fingertips
none

Sensorial Games: none

Pedagogical Notes:
 There are various different ways of sensitizing the fingertips (the
illustration provides 2 different models). For example, a sensory brush can
be used for this purpose. If the child’s fingertips become dulled to sensory
input during an activity, he can also rub them briskly against his legs for
several seconds.
 The fingertips are sensitized to experience the tactile sense for texture.
 The purpose of the back and forth movement is to bring blood to the
fingertips so the sensation is stronger.
 This exercise should be made quick and easy for the child. Otherwise, it
can become an obstacle to engaging in activities that focus on the tactile
sense for texture, including sandpaper letters.
 The adult should empty the water from the bucket at the end of the day.
 Tactile Sense: Texture
Sensitizing Fingertips

Sensitizing Fingertips
 Tactile Sense: Texture
Sensitizing Fingertips
Suggested materials