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In order to help your child overcome or manage their sensory needs, it's critical to understand if your child is over or under processing sensations. Come find out 3 ways to figure out what your child's sensory needs are!
The last few weeks we've talked about how kids that get labeled as bad, weird, or hyper could be very misunderstood. Because underneath it all, they're unique sensory processing may be the culprit for all their confusing and frustrating behaviors.

Then you learned about, what in my opinion, is the most essential and powerful tool for kids with sensory needs big and small: the sensory diet.

But, to use a sensory diet simply and have it flow as part of your life, you've got to know what your kid's sensory needs are.

We teach this inside of our online class, Sensory Solutions, in depth. One of the components to understanding your child's sensory needs that students learn is how to identify if your child is over processing or under processing sensory input.

What is Over and Under Processing?

Usually, I avoid using the terms: over-processing and under-processing. There's a lot of sensory jargon, and when occupational therapist's start throwing it around, it's hard for parents to follow. But, in order for you to help your child overcome and mange their sensory needs, this is a critical concept to understand.

Over-processing happens when the brain keeps sending signals about a particular sensation instead of adapting to or ignoring it. For example, if a child is losing their mind over a tag in their shirt, they are over processing that sensation.

Their brain won't start telling them the tag is touching the back of their neck. That signal keeps firing. Over and over and over again. The result, a child becomes upset, seems overly particular, and may even have a meltdown.

Under-processing occurs when the brain doesn't seem to register the sensation. In this case, you could see your child repeatedly spin without getting dizzy. It's as if they could spin forever.

Children that are developing and growing naturally seek out sensations from all the senses, they're designed to. But, when their brain doesn't register the sensation or barely registers it, they'll keep trying to get the input. Over and over and over again. The result of under processing is often a child that doesn't seem to listen or follow directions.

They may be described as wild, hyper, or even bad all because their brain isn't registering sensations from their environment.

Where Do These Sensory Issues Come From?

Over or under-processing gives us a glimpse of how a child's sensory processing is working. While it can be tempting to label this as good or bad, try to avoid that because kids can't help how their brain is processing sensations. Each child's sensory processing is as unique to them as their fingerprint.

However, it's common to see genetic similarities, although that's not always the case. There's lots of speculation and theories as to why so many kids have sensory "issues" or needs these days.

In part, a greater awareness and recognition of challenges explains the increase. But, it's also possible that environmental toxins are playing a role, and since our sensory system is one of the last brain functions to develop in utero, many children born prematurely (even just a few weeks early) often have sensory processing difficulties.

Why Does Over and Under Processing Matter for Your Child?

Over-processing and under-processing sensory input matter because it's the first way we can start to look at a child's behavior and link it to a specific sensory need. Once we know what that specific sensory need is, then you can begin to address it!

Remember that we have 7 different senses:

Most sensory needs are related to one or more of the senses. And, for each of the senses, with the exception of proprioception, your child can over or under-process sensations.

Signs Your Child is Over-Processing Sensations

Over-processing sensory input can also be described as hyper-sensitive or avoiding. Basically, if your child is over-processing, they're going to appear sensitive and avoid those types of sensations. These are just some of the most common signs that a sense is being over processed, but there are many more:

Vision:

Shields eyes in sun

Gets upset in stores or spaces with bright lights

Hearing:

Smell:

Complains about the smell of food

Comments about smells in the environment all the time

Taste:

Touch:

Vestibular (movement):

Remember that it's very rare to see a sensitivity or over-processing with proprioceptive input.

Under-Processing Sensations

When a child under-processes sensations, we'll see the opposite behaviors. But, kids can and often do a have mix of both under and over-processing over all the senses. For instance, a child may hate to get messy (over-processing touch) and be a bull in a china shop (under-processing proprioception).

Let's take a look at a few common examples of under-processing across the senses:

Vision:

Hearing:

Always making sounds and noise

Loves having music on

Smell:

Smells everything in their environment, even other people

Taste:

Vestibular:

Proprioception:

Climbs anything in sight

Jumps and crashes into things in their environment

Head over to Sensory Red Flags to learn more signs for both under and over-processing.
3 Ways to Figure Out if Your Child is Over-Processing or Under-Processing

Now that you know why under and over-processing is important and some common signs that your child may be having difficulty with over or under-processing, I want to teach you three ways to identify it in your child:
#1: Observe
It may sound basic, but simply taking a moment to observe your child through a different lens, not the usual exhausted why-won't-he-stop-jumping-on-the-couch lens, is often very eye opening. And listen, I'm not pointing fingers. I'm guilty of missing signs in my own son. They were subtle and I was busy managing multiple young kids. Once I shifted my focus, suddenly all sorts of signs he was under-processing jumped out at me.

I couldn't believe that as an OT, that loves sensory, I had missed them. My point is that it's easy to miss.

Think about making a conscious effort to simply observe your child. As you do, ask yourself if you're seeing any signs that you read above or that you need to do some more research on.
#2: Experiment
If you aren't sure what your child's sensory needs are, put specific opportunities in front of them.

Set up finger painting or paper mache.

Go to the park and ride some swings, go down slides, and climb the monkey bars.

Watch for their response. If they pull away, that's pointing to over-processing. If they love it and seem to be more grounded afterwards, it's a sign that they're under-processing.
#3: Ask Them!
It's so obvious, but we often don't think to ask kids what types of sensations they like and which they don't. Yet, kids as young as 2 can start to voice this if we give them a chance.

I like to find a quiet time to talk to them, when they're most likely to be receptive to me asking questions like, "Why don't you want to ride the swing at the park?" Or, "How does your body feel when you're running around? Is it difficult to stop?" These are great conversation starters to have with your child. Try to listen to your child and let them do as much talking as possible.

Their answers can give you tremendous insight into how their brain is over or under processing sensory input.

It's also helpful at times to ask them in the moment why a particular activity or situation is hard for them. However, if they've already reached a point of dysregulation, they may not be able to answer you.

Take the Free Workshop...

There's no sugar coating the fact that sensory processing is complex. Parents often feel really overwhelmed, which is why I share as much as possible here on Your Kid's Table, but it can still be difficult to put all the pieces together. That's why I teamed up with a behavior expert, Wendy Bertagnole, 4 years ago to create on online class to simplify all the sensory stuff and give you a crystal clear plan so that your child can overcome their sensory challenges.

That class is called Sensory Solutions and in this free workshop we reveal our signature 4 steps to creating a simple no-stress sensory diet. This is game changing! Grab a seat by clicking below.
Click Here to Get A Free Seat in the Online Workshop
"Going through the course has been eye opening. I've seen improvements with my son immediately. The course connected those missing pieces I didn't understand and couldn't apply." - Jamie D., a Sensory Solutions student
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid's Table. She has over 15 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here

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3 Ways to Figure Out if Your Kid Has Sensory Over or Under Processing

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In order to help your child overcome or manage their sensory needs, it's critical to understand if your child is over or under processing sensations. Come find out 3 ways to figure out what your child's sensory needs are! The last few weeks we've talked about how kids that get labeled as bad, weird, or hyper could be very misunderstood.

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The holidays with a sensory kid can add another whole layer of stress, but despite all the extra stimulation, I've got 23 hacks to not only help you survive, but also to enjoy the season.
Long before Theo was ever her kid, she imagined taking her future child to see Santa. Of course, he'd wear a cute Christmas plaid bow tie and adorable little suspenders. She'd hold her son's little hand as they patiently and excitedly waited their turn for her child to get a chance to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.

Just thinking about it reminded Jessica of all the wonderful holiday memories from when she was little.

But, that's not exactly how it went down for Theo.

The problems started before they even left the house. Theo refused to not only wear any sort of tie or suspenders, his mom couldn't even get him into a pair of dress pants without him screaming like someone was trying to cut his leg off.

And, once they had arrived at the mall and stood in line, his mother had to practically tackle him to physically keep in the line.

By the time it was Theo's turn to get his picture taken, both he and his mom were disheveled, sweaty, and totally frustrated. While Jessica mustered every ounce of patience she could find from the depths of her soul, Theo finally had a total meltdown on the floor in front of Santa.
Theo did not get his picture taken with Santa.
Around the holidays, kids seem to have freak outs on the regular. But, in Theo's case, there was something more going on. For him, it was about sensory processing. And, for Theo and any other kid that has sensory needs or issues, the holidays can be 10X harder as they have to face even more sensory input than the rest of the year.

And, going to see Santa is just one of a ton of challenging situations during the holiday season!

As an occupational therapist and mom, I've got all sorts of holiday sensory hacks for you so that you keep your sanity and find some joy!

Sensory Hacks are Great, But...

Before we get into the list, I have to say a word about sensory hacks, tricks, and tips. Obviously, I think they're helpful or I wouldn't be writing this post, but they're only part of the solution.

What's even more helpful is to understand what your child's sensory issues are. That means which of the 7 senses are being affected. Like for Theo, his problems started with putting on dress clothes, it's likely that he's sensitive to different textures which means his tactile sense is in need.
When you know what sense needs help, then you target addressing it.
The short term solution is the sensory hack you'll find below, but the long term solution is actually improving his sensory processing so that he's not so sensitive in the first place!

This can be done through a tool that OT's like myself commonly refer to as a sensory diet. It's powerful and when done right changes the way you and your child live and function every day.

Sensory diets are for kids with known sensory issues, but not all kids have a diagnosis or need one. Head to Sensory Red Flags to see if there's any signs your could be missing.
Affiliate links used below. See our full disclosure.
23 Sensory Hacks for the Holiday Season

These sensory hacks are for the entire holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, and really anytime your kid has to manage themselves in a highly stimulating environment. My advice is to read through the list and write down any hacks that would help your child through a challenging situation.

But, also pin this post,so that you can find it quickly because sometimes other challenges arise that we weren't planning on with sensory kids. Remember that sensory needs fluctuate so it's not uncommon for something that never bothered them before to suddenly start to bother them now.

Lastly, keep in mind that sensory kids tend to have a couple of different issues with sensory needs at the holidays:

They're sensitive to sensory input in general, get overstimulated and generally melt down

They get overstimulated by all the sensory input and get wild and have a hard time listening

They need a lot of movement everyday and not getting that outlet can make them aggressive or constantly moving.

There are hacks for each of these situations below. In no particular order, here are 23 sensory hacks to use this holiday season with your sensory kid:

1. If your child is sensitive to different textures of clothing, then forget the dressy clothes. Do a check of your priorities (I know it's had to let go) and give them a choice of 2 outfits you're okay with them wearing from their regular pool of clothes.

2. Or, if it's really important to you for your child to wear a special holiday outfit, go shopping together and find something you can agree to in advance. Try not to talk them into something while you're in Target because when it comes time to put it on a few days or weeks later for the second time, they might down right refuse.

3. If you want to try and go see Santa, ride the holiday train, or go look at Christmas lights, get there early to beat the crowds. Crowds mean noise, lots of incidental touching and bumping, and all sorts of extra stimulation. Or better yet go on an off day like a Tuesday, if you can make that work with your schedule. A little pre-planning can go a long way.

4. Besides public events, it could also be helpful to arrive early for family parties and dinners. It's a whole different situation when your family is the first to arrive at Grandma's versus when you walk in with all the cousins running around and well meaning aunts and uncles storming the door for hugs. When you arrive first, the sensations build over time and kids have more of a chance to adapt to them, instead of being bombarded all at once.

5. Whether you're hosting a party or going to someone's house, think about a space where your child can retreat to if they get overstimulated. Most of the time this is a quiet bedroom that's out of the way. But, a cheap pop up tent, like this one, can also work and travels well! Make sure you tell your child what the plan is so they know they can come to you when they're getting overstimulated.

6. If your child like's wearing a ball cap or one with a large brim, bring it to any party or public event. Lights and large amounts of people can be a lot to take in, having a simple visual block can help tremendously.

7.Call your relatives ahead of time and let them know any accommodations you're making for you child, like why they'll be wearing a t-shirt instead of a dress with tights. Or, ask for permission to use that room that's away from all the action.

8. If your sensory kid is particular about what they eat and stuffing and gravy isn't on their "I'll eat that" list, then bring a side dish of something they do eat so they don't just fill up at the cookie table or skip a meal - that will only add to any potential meltdown. Check out these 5 holiday dinner ideas for picky eaters.

9. While it might seem rude to let your kid pop in some air pods or headphones in the middle of a party, have them handy in case the noise gets too loud. Again, you want to talk with your child in advance and show them what you're packing so they can let you know if they need it.

10. Before you go to ANY stimulating holiday event, party, or dinner, think about what your child needs the most. It's probably not one more quick trip to Target. Instead, give them time to chill if that's what helps regulate them, or space to jump on the trampoline, ride a swing, or squeeze between the couch cushions. Before you arrive anywhere, you want to have their sensory systems as balanced as possible so they can tolerate more sensations!

11. Crunchy snacks also help some kids stay calm, or keep them from running wild. Think about having apples slices, raw carrots, nuts, or granola on hand.

12. Not all sensory kids get overstimulated and melt down. Some have a hard time listening, following directions, and/or staying calm in stimulating holiday environments. For kids that need to move, take a 5 minute break in the middle of the party and let your kid run around outside, even if it's cold. Encourage them to run hard and fast!

13. Have your child help carry in presents and packages to parties and dinners. The heavy work and deep pressure input they get can help calm them too.

14. As soon as you leave your car, stomp or march to wherever you're going. Park down the street from Aunt Sally's if you need to so they can get some strong, grounding proprioceptive input in.

15. Take a weighted lap pad or pillow to that holiday dinner and lay it across your child's lap to help keep them seated. Wiggle seats are another option too!

16. Have your own drink handy with a spouted rubber top. The sucking from the straw is also calming and they can bite on the top of they need extra input. This is one I like for younger kids, and this is a good one for older kids.

17. Put on their chewy necklace, even if they haven't used it in a wild. Uncle Joe won't even question this modern design, because it just looks like a kid's necklace, but for the kids that licks or mouths everything it can help a ton. The chewy necklace can also give calming input across the board.

18. If a lot of people are opening presents at one time, the noise gets very loud and paper and boxes fly everywhere. If your child gets overwhelmed, have them open their presents separately or propose taking turns instead of mass opening.

19. Use joint compressions in the long line while your waiting for Santa, before your kid needs to sit down for that formal dinner, or when your kid won't stop running around. If you've never used joint compressions, learn how here.

20. Put a small plastic snow globe, like this one, in your purse and give it to your child to look at when you're waiting in lines. If there's a lot of noise or crowds, it can help them focus their attention on one singular thing and help keep them from getting overstimulated.

21. Have a fidget or hand sized stuffed animal in your bag of sensory tricks too for when your kid is getting overstimulated or they can't keep their hands to themselves. Use whatever texture fidget spinner your child responds the best to, or have a couple of options. Some kids love to hug and squeeze a stuffed animal, others may do better with a stress ball. Get more fidget ideas.

22. Give your child a small book bag to wear that has all of the sensory tools they might need it in (i.e.: headphones, snow globe, crunchy snacks, etc.) when you'll be in busy shopping areas. Not only does this keep their supplies organized and close, the weight of the book bag gives steady deep pressure that is calming.

23. Put a string of holiday lights in your child's bedroom at night to serve as a nightlight, the soft glow of the steady (avoid blinking for most kids) lights can be calming after a busy night.

There you have it, 23 different sensory hacks to happily survive the holiday season with a sensory kiddo! I bet you have some more ideas though, share them below so we can all get even more inspired with your own hack.

Learn More in the Free Workshop

Come learn more about your child's sensory needs and how to build the sensory diet they need in 4 simple steps! This is the perfect time because having the sensory diet in place will help your child stay regulated throughout the whole season.
Click here to get a seat!
More on Sensory Kids
17 Extraordinary Sensory Activities That Help Toddlers Learn and Grow Sensory Tricks to Help Your Kid Fall Asleep Fast! 37 Sensory Toys to Help Kids Learn, Communicate, and Calm Down Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid's Table. She has over 14 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here

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Genius Hacks to Survive the Holidays with Sensory Kids - Your Kid's Table

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The holidays with a sensory kid can add another whole layer of stress, but despite all the extra stimulation, I've got 23 hacks to not only help you survive, but also to enjoy the season. Long before Theo was ever her kid, she imagined taking her future child to see Santa.

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Introduction

All children can benefit from appropriate sensory experiences. There is much research available demonstrating the benefits of sensory rich environments for animals and the same appears to be true for humans. For children who have atypical reactions to the sensory environment, the world can be a scary and challenging place.

Many aspects of home and family life may be affected when living with a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). As a parent of a child with SPD, you know how hectic and chaotic it can be at home. Any activity suggestions must fit easily into typical home routines or they will not be utilized. Therefore, the following suggestions are organized around typical daily household tasks wherever possible.

Before attempting any of these activities, it is important that you understand some basic principles.

Any activity list available on the Internet cannot possibly be individualized for a child and therefore some activities may not be appropriate for your child.

Some children may be over sensitive to sensations and will be fearful or withdraw from certain activities or sensations. Other children may be sensory seeking and find many of these activities enjoyable. You must carefully observe your child's reactions and respect them.

A child who is indicating fear or distress should not be forced to participate. The child's fear and discomfort is based on his or her nervous system's reaction to sensation and is real, and not under his or her control.

Many children fluctuate between sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking behaviors, and others may be sensitive to certain sensations but seek other ones. Each child's patterns may be highly unique and individual, and it is not uncommon for those patterns to change depending upon the context the child is in (where, when, what is going on, etc.).

Sensory seekers tend to be very active children, who are on the go. They often respond positively to very intense forms of sensory stimulation and look for ways to move, jump, fall, crash, kick, push, etc. Creating ways to incorporate these needs into safe and fun activities that provide the desired intensity may allow your child to come to a calm and focused place. Think about ways your child can safely push, pull, kick, hang, jump, and lift. (For example, bowling, playground monkey bars, trampolines, pushing a "heavy bag" back and forth with you, pulling a heavy wagon.)

Children who are sensitive to certain sensations (sounds, lights, smells) may like activities that provide intense deep pressure to the skin, resistance to the muscles, and input to the joints. In general, these inputs are calming for the system.

Lastly, watch for signs that your child is becoming overly silly, unsafe, extremely over-active, or inattentive. Also watch for sudden yawning, hiccoughing, burping, or changes in skin color. If you note these things, stop the activity immediately and if necessary find something calming for your child (wrapping up in a blanket, very slow rocking, big bear hug, snuggling in a big comfy chair, warm bath or shower).

The best way to approach these activities is to present some ideas to your child and allow their preferences to guide you. You may also find other similar ideas to add to your child's list of personal favorites.

Incorporating Sensory Input into Daily Activities

Bath time: Scrub with washcloth or bath brush, try a variety of soaps and lotions for bathing, play on the wall with shaving cream or bathing foam, rub body with lotion after bath time (deep massage), sprinkle powder onto body and brush or rub into skin.

Meal preparation or baking: Let your child mix ingredients, especially the thick ones that will really work those muscles. Let child mix and roll dough and push flat. Allow child to help you carry pots and pans, bowls of water or ingredients (with supervision, of course). Let your child tenderize meat with the meat mallet.

Grocery shopping: Have your child push the heavy cart (as long as the weight is within their capability). Let your child help carry heavy groceries and help put them away.

Mealtime: Encourage eating of chewy foods and drinking out of a straw. Try having your child sit on an air cushion to allow some movement. A weighted lap blanket may be helpful as well.

Household chores: Allow the child to help with the vacuuming or moving the furniture. Let the child help carry the laundry basket or the detergent. Let the child help with digging for gardening or landscaping.

Play time: Reading books in a rocking chair or bean-bag chair may be beneficial. You can help your child make up obstacle courses in the house or yard using crawling, jumping, hopping, skipping, rolling, etc. Listen to soft music. Play the sandwich game (child lies in between two pillows and pretends to be the sandwich, while you provide pressure to the top pillow to the child's desired amount). Ask them "harder or softer?" as you push on the pillow. Some children will like much more pressure than you would expect. You can also go for a neighborhood walk with a wagon and have your child pull it (make it semi-heavy by loading it with something the child would like to pull around). You can do the same with a baby-doll carriage. Swimming in a pool is a wonderful activity if you have that available, as are horseback riding and bowling. Mini or full-size trampolines are excellent for providing sensory input as well. Make sure the child is using them safely. Sandboxes, or big containers of beans or popcorn kernels can be fun play-boxes. too, if you add small cars, shovels, cups, etc.

Errands and appointments: Before visiting the dentist or hairdresser try deep massage to the head or scalp (if tolerated), or try having your child wear a weighted hat. Try chewy foods or vibration to the mouth with an electric toothbrush. Let your child wear a heavy backpack (weighted to their liking with books and with the straps padded as needed). Be sure to give the child ample warning before any changes in routine or any unscheduled trips or errands. Many children with SPD need predictability.

Other General Guidelines for the Home

Keep routines and possessions organized.

Be consistent with rules and consequences.

Keep an activity schedule or calendar posted.

Create specific routines for troublesome times of day (bedtime or getting ready for school).

Discuss upcoming anticipated changes in routine at a point in time that is beneficial for your child. You will have to experiment with how early the child "needs to know."

Try to indirectly use your child's sensory preferences for fun rewards to help you handle behavior. For example, having your child work towards an extra trip to go bowling or horseback riding may be helpful. However, try not to restrict movement activities when your child is being disciplined. For example, taking away recess time or playground time for not sitting at the table appropriately during dinner may not be the most effective way to deal with these issues. Your child may need that movement time, and by removing it, his or her behavior may actually become more difficult later.

About the author:
Heather Miller-Kuhaneck currently teaches in the graduate occupational therapy program at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. She has practiced in pediatrics for years, and has specialized in school-based practice and outpatient occupational therapy using Ayres' sensory integrative approach. She has edited a book on occupational therapy for children with autism, and has been the quarterly editor for AOTA's School System Special Interest Section. She is currently developing an assessment tool to examine behaviors indicative of sensory integration dysfunction in the school setting. She can be reached at Hmillerot@yahoo.comor kuhaneckh@sacredheart.edu.

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Introduction Incorporating Sensory Input into Daily Activities Other General Guidelines for the Home Introduction All children can benefit from appropriate sensory experiences. There is much research available demonstrating the benefits of sensory rich environments for animals and the same appears to be true for humans.

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Children today spend half the time playing outside compared to their parents. (1/15/2018 National Trust). Building the habit of time outdoors can lower a person's stress levels, decrease the risk of disease, boost mental health and increase life expectancy.

Since the pandemic, we've seen a 50% increase in kids' screen time. (Axios, January 17, 2021). Now more than ever, our kids need to spend more of their day outside.

The percentage of kids who are worried about people damaging the planet (The Guardian, September 2011). The best way to prepare kids to protect the earth is to help kids learn to love it.

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Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids | Tinkergarten

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Children today spend half the time playing outside compared to their parents. (1/15/2018 National Trust). Building the habit of time outdoors can lower a person's stress levels, decrease the risk of disease, boost mental health and increase life expectancy. Since the pandemic, we've seen a 50% increase in kids' screen time.

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Ok, deep breath everyone. We are all in this together. As we lay low and practice social distancing at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my good friend, Shannon Merenstein from Hatch in Pittsburgh, and I have come up with an art and play activity guide for all the kids in quarantine who will be learning from home over the next few weeks. Think of this as a creativity supplement to homeschool learning for kids ages 3-8.

Many of you already homeschool so you've totally got this. But most of us have probably not had to be responsible for our child's everyday learning. Life at home with kids for the next few weeks will be a challenge. Not only is school canceled, but you might also be working from home or forced to take time off. It's not ideal at all and will be disruptive to your family's routines and rituals. With this art and play activity guide, we will try to bring some semblance of routine and order to your day. Our guide will promote imagination, creativity, and problem-solving while peppering in some of those math, literacy, science, and social studies skills and concepts that your kids will be missing over the next few weeks.

Art and Play Activity Guide Week 1: Drawing Tools

This week, we are focusing on art and play experiences that use simple drawing tools that you have at home, like pencils, markers, and crayons. With just a few basic supplies and a little prep, you can help create a balanced and engaging day for your children. Feel free to pull bits and pieces from each day, or use it as a loose guide to frame your day. We'll suggest ideas, provocations, and invitations that children can do on their own and with you, with plenty of variations for younger and older children. This guide is not sequential so you can skip around if needed.

We hope this guide will make your day feel productive and creative, and maybe even joyful. Maybe this is exactly what your family needs to feel safe, secure, and fulfilled during these turbulent times.

Day 1: Nature Walk / Science

Today is all about reconnecting with nature, in whatever way you can. You can venture as far as the backyard, or head to a nearby park or wooded area if it is safe to do so. Get your muck boots and rain jackets ready, even if it's raining some fresh air will feel good.
Click here to print Day 1: Nature Walk/Science
Morning Ritual

Start the morning finding just a few minutes to stand still outside in your backyard or on your balcony, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. If you're with your children already (because you've all been up for hours at this point), encourage them to do the same. They can stretch in the morning sun if its especially warm, or just stand next to you under an umbrella while you hold the baby. Just get outside for a few minutes, breathe in gratitude and calm, and breathe out anxiety and frustrations.

Prep

While your children are eating breakfast or playing independently, grab a bag for each child for a backyard nature walk (or in the woods/at a park if it's safe). Set aside a couple of trays and a jar of a few drawing tools for each child. Don't feel like you need to put out tons. A pencil, a black marker, and a few green and brown crayons would work perfectly. Prepare a simple snack for when you return, so kids can much away while they're working or for afterward.

Art Activity

1. Take a walk outside and collect "specimens", like leaves, pinecones, flowers, or even small rocks.

2. Take the collection inside and arrange them on a table or on a tray.

3. Picking one specimen at a time, kids draw what they see using their observational skills.

Supplies

~ Pencils

~ Colored pencils

~ Markers

~ Crayons

~ Paper

Variations

Younger kids can:

~ Trace their specimen collection then color in their shapes.

~ Find as many shades of brown as they can, or green if you're lucky.

~ Create leaf rubbings with crayons.

~ Make a collage with their specimens using paper or cardboard, and glue or tape.

~ Punch holes in the leaves with a hole punch and string them together with a pipe cleaner or yarn.

Extensions

Older kids can:

~ Research the names of their specimens, with the help of a parent, such as "oak leaf" or "crocus" or "river rock", then write the names and descriptions underneath their drawings.

~ Cut out their drawings and tape them into a Nature Journal, then keep adding to the journal as the seasons change.

~ Take pictures of their specimens with your phone, zooming in to capture textures, or arranging the specimens in an interesting composition.

Play Activity

1. Take a walk outside and collect "specimens".

2. While outside, the child can play on a log, dig in some dirt, touch and feel and explore nature in a safe way. Encourage this kind of play for as long as you can, while you soak in some extra vitamin D.

3. Take specimens inside and line them up, count them, make piles of the same color.

4. Add in some figurines and they can create an imaginary world and play with their collection. Maybe they can take their imaginary world outside!
TIP: Set aside specimens, like acorns, buckeyes, small sticks, and other sturdy natural items to be used in later collages, block play, counting games and more.
Day 2: Shapes Scavenger Hunt / Math

Math is all around us, and today your child will have fun being a shape detective with an active scavenger hunt around the house.
Click here to print Day 2: Shapes Scavenger Hunt/Math
Morning Ritual

Since we'll be playing with shapes today, everyone can warm up with some "circle moves" (and coffee for the grownups). First, trace circles in the air with your fingers. Make small circles, big circles, scribbly circles. Then, use your arms to make bigger, faster circles. Try doing some with one foot, too. Lay down on the ground and draw big circles in the air with your legs. Make circles with your head and hips, too. Try these moves with other simple shapes.

Prep

You can do this activity in two ways. Your child can grab items and bring them back to the table one at a time (this would be a good way for them to burn some energy), or you can give your child a bag and they can go around the house and collect as they go. Prepare a snack and some water for your child if they need some refreshments along the way.

Art Activity

1. Find 5-10 different shapes around the house (parent and child can have a conversation about shapes prior to the scavenger hunt).

2. Bring them back to a table covered in butcher paper, or a paper bag that has been cut open, or just plain paper.

3. Trace the shapes with a pencil, then color them in.

Supplies

~ Butcher paper, paper bags, or just plain paper

~ Pencils

~ Colored pencils

~ Markers

~ Crayons

Variations

Younger kids can:

~ Find 10 circles that are different sizes (or triangles, rectangles, squares).

~ Cut out shapes and use tape or glue to make a collage.

~ For extra cutting practice, cut shapes in half, then in quarters.

~ If you have collected some recyclables, they can dip shapes into some washable paint and stamp the shapes onto paper.

Extensions

Older kids can:

~ Write the names of the shapes underneath.

~ Create patterns inside each shape with a black sharpie.

~ Cut out the shapes and make a mobile with a wire hanger.

~ Trace the shapes onto cardboard, then cut them out and use the shapes to build something.

~ Trace a single repeating shape over and over to create an interesting composition, then add color.

Play Activity

1. Go on a texture hunt, like "find something fuzzy, bumpy, smooth..."

2. Create a grab bag or different shapes and ask a sibling or parent to reach their hand in and "tell me what you feel..."

3. Line up shapes from smallest to biggest.

4. Bring out Magna Tiles or blocks in a new area of the house.

Afternoon Ritual

After quiet time, offer a shape snack buffet. This doesn't have to be hard at all. Wheels of cheese, sandwiches cut into triangles, some rectangular crackers, oval-shaped almonds. Ask kids to think of other things to add, too.

Day 3: Storytelling / Literacy

Children are natural storytellers. Have you ever noticed just how much detail and imagination they pack into the stories they share as they play? Let's build upon this and incorporate some literacy skills into the day.
Click here to print Day 3: Storytelling/Literacy
Morning Ritual

Start the day with some books. Maybe books are usually saved for bedtime, but today curl up together for some favorite stories or scroll through photos together from some fun family times (a vacation, getting some ice cream, a hike) and retell the story of that memory together.

Prep

Clear a table and get out all the drawing tools. You can even bring our watercolors if you have them. Prepare a snack and a drink for when your little storytelling needs a boost of energy.

Art Activity

1. Find some large paper, either butcher paper or a paper bag cut open or a big piece of cardboard.

2. Using a black sharpie, kids tell a story and draw their story at the same time (see video below).

Supplies

~ Large paper

~ Black sharpie

~ Pencils

~ Colored pencils

~ Markers

~ Crayons

Variations

For younger kids:

~ Take turns with a sibling or parent telling and drawing a story.

~ Read a book with a parent or older sibling and retell the story through drawing.

~ Read a book and draw a character from the book, or draw one main element from the story (for example, in the book Smitten by David Gordon, the child can draw a sock or mitten).

~ Tell a story with playdough.

Extensions

For older kids:

~ Write their story underneath their drawing.

~ Draw 3-5 boxes and tell an unfolding story with a beginning and an end, similar to a graphic novel.

~ Fold one sheet of paper into a mini-book ( here is a good tutorial) and create a story on the pages.

Play Activity

1. The child tells a story through playing with animal figures, dolls and figurines, and blocks.

2. An adult or older sibling writes down the story as the child is telling it.

3. Act out a favorite book together.

Afternoon Ritual

After independent play and quiet time, enjoy a storied snack together. Dig around in the pantry for jam you bought at the orchard in the fall, or popcorn you enjoyed together at the movies. Find snacks that bring up shared memories to talk about. Then, draw a map of the experience together to tell the story of that memory. For example, "First we, then we, next we, finally we...".

Day 4: Envelope City / Social Studies

What is social studies anyway? By definition, it's the study of human society. In this instance, and for most early elementary students, it's all about community and the social activities that make a community function. Today we will be thinking about the people and places we see each day in and around our town or city. It's weird not playing at recess with our friends, or chatting at the coffee shop with our neighbors. Let's make a virtual community so the kids can still feel connected.
Click here to print Day4: Envelope City/Social Studies
Morning Ritual

Just as in your community, everyone in the house has a job to do. This morning it's collaborative cleaning! Brainstorm together what these cleaning jobs might be. Maybe an older child can wipe down the counters, and a younger child can put away silverware. Start the morning by collaborating, connecting, and cleaning.

Prep

While the kids are playing, find some envelopes in as many shapes and sizes that you have. If you don't have any, cut some house shapes from paper. Set out some drawing and coloring tools and some tape. Prepare a snack for later.

Art Activity

1. Use envelopes with the flap folded up so that it looks like the shape of a house, or cut envelope shapes from paper.

2. Turn envelopes into houses and create a town or a city.

3. Prompt children to make their own hometown, with buildings that are familiar to them like schools, a post office, and a grocery store.

Supplies

~ Envelopes (multiple sizes) or paper cut into envelope shapes

~ Pencils

~ Colored pencils

~ Markers

~ Crayons

~ Clear tape

~ Colored tapes for added decor

Variations

For younger kids:

~ Make a rainbow village by coloring each envelope a different color.

~ Use stickers to decorate the houses.

~ Make people out of crafts sticks, then the people can fit inside the envelopes and it can become a portable playset.

Extensions

For older kids:

~ Create 3-D houses using cereal boxes or shoe boxes, making their own town or city where they live.

~ Make signs for the names of each building.

~ Create a town for ladybugs, birds, fairies, or any other imaginary community.

Play Activity

1. Build your own hometown using blocks.

2. Roll out some butcher paper on the floor and the kids can draw roads for their town.

3. Gather cars and figurines to add to the town, or make them from tea boxes and craft sticks.

Afternoon Ritual

This quarantine can be very isolating, so take time to call or facetime a friend/family member who could use a comforting chat. Maybe they can enjoy a snack with your child while your phone is propped up. Or maybe you and your kids can whip up a recipe that reminds you of them. Think about folks who are extra lonely right now, and find out from nursing homes or other quarantined spaces whether it's OK to send some cheerful art. Or, phone an elderly neighbor to see if they would like you to deliver some goods to their doorstep.

Day 5: Drawing Sticks / Process Art

Phew, we made it to Friday! Today it's all about open-ended exploration, trying things, imagination, and creativity. That's what process art is all about!
Click here to print Day 5: Drawing Sticks/Process Art
Morning Ritual

After breakfast, start the day with another backyard adventure. Do some deep breathing in nature (or wherever you can find a little fresh air - even if it means opening a window). Now set the kids loose to find some long sticks for today's process art activity.

Prep

While the kids are playing or eating breakfast, make sure you have some tape and markers ready. Set out some paper. If you have butcher paper, then tape a long strip to the floor or cover a wall. Gather some bits and bobs that they could decorate their sticks with.

Art Activity

1. Find some long sticks outside.

2. Tape markers to the end and use them to draw on paper taped to the floor or wall, or taped to an easel.

Supplies

~ Sticks

~ Drawing tools, such as markers or pencils

~ Paper

~ Optional: materials to add to sticks, such as feathers, yarn, pom-poms, tape, rubber bands, or anything lying around in your junk drawer

Variations

For younger kids:

~ If you are worried that your child will turn the drawing stick into a sword, tape sidewalk chalk to the end and use black paper. Or tape a drawing tool onto a long cardboard tube.

~ Kids can use their feet to hold the drawing stick and try drawing with their feet.

Extensions

For older kids:

~ Decorate the sticks with the collected materials.

~ Create a self-portrait with the long drawing stick.

Play Activity

1. Make magic wands with the sticks.

2. Tape fabric to the sticks and make flags. Use the flags in imaginary play, or to march in a parade.

3. Make a fort from really big sticks.

Afternoon Ritual

Share a stick(y) snack together. Offer cut up fruits and veggies with mini skewers, toothpicks, or chopsticks (if it feels safe for your family) for spearing snacks. Or search the pantry/freezer for another option on a stick, such as popsicles. You can even make your own frozen fruit pops! Hang out and enjoy the rest of the day together.

Shannon and I hope to bring you a new guide each week, for as long as we have kids in quarantine. Sign up for my newsletter to get immediate communication about our weekly art and play activity guides.

Sign up here:

xo, Bar and Shannon

PS: Shannon sells amazing art kits, too!

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A little about Shannon:
Shannon Merenstein is the founder and director of Hatch, an art and play studio in Pittsburgh. She is the author of Collage Workshop for Kids from Quarto Publishing, and a mom of two. Before that, she was an art teacher and instructional coach for years in an elementary school. Shannon also facilitates professional learning opportunities for teachers around the region to bring open-ended art-making and creative play into the school day.

Follow Shannon on IG @hatchartstudio, and find her on Facebook.

Shannon also makes the cutest "Hatch On-the-Go Art Kits", and you can find her book on Amazon.

Read more of Shannon's posts on Art Bar here.

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Did you like this post? Here are more art ideas for home learning:

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Art & Play Activity Guide for Learning at Home

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Ok, deep breath everyone. We are all in this together. As we lay low and practice social distancing at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my good friend, Shannon Merenstein from Hatch in Pittsburgh, and I have come up with an art and play activity guide for all the kids in quarantine who will be learning from home over the next few weeks.