Texture Hunters: Rough, Smooth and Soft
Children explore the park looking for something rough, something smooth and something soft, and touch it with different body parts. It builds tactile perception, body awareness and attention to their surroundings.
How to play
- In a circle, touch three things the teacher points out in the park: tree bark (rough), the back of the bench (smooth) and the grass (soft) (2 min).
- The teacher calls 'Rough!' and everyone walks to touch something rough with a hand, then comes back to the circle (2 min).
- Now change the body part: 'Smooth with your elbow!', 'Soft with your knee!', 'Rough with your back!' (3 min).
- Each child picks a texture treasure and stands next to it; the others go touch it and say what it feels like (3 min).
- Back in the circle, eyes closed, the teacher passes a big leaf and a pinecone across their hands: 'What does it feel like?' (2 min).
Rules
- We touch; we don't pull up or break anything.
- We only touch park things the teacher said are OK.
- We walk there and walk back.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, hands only, in a small area close to the teacher.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, hands, elbows and knees.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add 'cold' and 'warm,' and each child looks for something that's both smooth and cold.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: an adult brings over treasures the child can't reach or goes with them to the ones on the path.
- Visual impairment: this is their moment to shine; give extra time to explore and let them guide a buddy with eyes closed.
- Autism: respect it if a texture feels unpleasant; they can touch it through a scarf.
Learning goals
- Tell textures apart with different body parts.
- Explore and observe things in the park.
- Make choices when picking an object with a certain texture.
Teacher tip
Mark off the area first and check for glass, dog poop or stinging plants. Don't let them put pebbles or small seeds in their mouths: everything gets touched and stays put.
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