DIY Valentine’s Day Door Ornament from a Special Needs Perspective

Posted by on 08 February 2012 in Be Informed, Be Inspired, Make It, Special Needs | 1 comment

DIY Valentine’s Day Door Ornament from a Special Needs Perspective
Many of our special needs children, including children with sensory processing disorder and children with autism spectrum disorder, have difficulty processing and integrating sensory information. Discovering what sensations our children struggle with, and what sensations our children like and dislike, allow us, as parents, to encourage our child’s preferred sensory environment, and to work through sensory obstacles.
This Valentine’s Day craft is great for children that prefer tactile sensations; and, it can also be used to gently encourage exposure to the integration and exploration of tactile sensations that are unfamiliar. During this activity you may want to minimize competing sensory input, like the TV or distracting toys. This is a simple and cute Valentine’s Day activity that encourages sensory integration, fine motor skills, and creativity. Your child will feel empowered when you hang his art project on your front door!
Please note: This DIY craft includes the use of scissors, glue, and small pieces. Always be aware of your child’s abilities, disabilities, and safety.
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
Sensory Craft Items ($1, each): Kidney beans, lentils, pom poms, feathers, and crinkle paper.
Poster Board ($1): It’s Valentine’s Day, so a pink or red poster board is ideal.
Yarn ($1): You may, like me, already have yarn. String, ribbon, a pipe cleaner, or floss will do the trick, too.
Scissors, a Hole Punch, and Glue ($1, each): If you have a kiddo at home and/or you’re crafty, you probably already have these stuffed in a drawer somewhere.
Step 2: Cut the poster board to create a large heart, punch a hole on the top of each side of the heart, and tie the yarn through each hole to create the hanger.
Step 3: Take time to encourage your child to feel each sensory craft item. These items allow your child to explore a variety of tactile sensations.

Step 4: Help your child add glue and craft items to the poster board. This sensory integration activity allows your child to handle and manipulate different tactile items while practicing fine motor skills and creativity.

Step 5: Allow your child’s art project to dry overnight, and, then, hang the masterpiece on your front door to show off for Valentine’s Day!

One Comment

  1. Jen @ TheUnProcessed Kitchen February 8, 2012

    Ooh, I love these ideas! There used to be a place on Grand Rapids where kids could make art projects and they had all the ‘stuff’ so you didn’t have to buy it. Sadly, it went out of business but these are the kinds of things we loved going there!

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