Detective Feet Under the Towel

Sitting barefoot, children explore objects hidden under a towel with their feet (a ball, a sponge, corrugated cardboard, a stuffed animal, a big hair clip) and guess what they are. It builds foot sensitivity and dexterity and describing sensations.

How to play

1. Take off shoes and wake up the feet: spread and curl the toes, rub the soles (2 min).
2. The teacher hides an object under a towel in front of a child; they step on it, circle it and push it with their feet (2 min).
3. They describe what they feel, “it's round, squishy, it rolls,” then guess what it is (2 min).
4. In groups of three with a towel, one hides, one explores with feet and the third checks (4 min).
5. Final challenge: try to pick up the object with both feet without removing the towel (2 min).

Rules

• Feet explore; hands stay on knees.
• Step gently so nothing breaks.
• The hider doesn't give clues with their face.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited leg mobility: explore with hands under the towel and guess the same way.
• Foot sensitivity: start with thin socks and soft objects.
• Hearing loss: use picture cards of the objects so the child can point to the answer.

Learning goals

• Recognize objects with the feet.
• Move toes and soles on purpose.
• Describe sensations with words.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Towels: 6
• Large objects with different textures: 18

Teacher tip

Check feet and floor beforehand: no cuts and a clean floor. Objects should be large with nothing that can come loose.

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