Helping young minds grow starts with executive function—the set of cognitive skills that regulate thoughts, emotions, and attention. This Quick Tip explores practical strategies, including structured activities, routines, and games, to support these skills in children’s early years and an example of a scavenger hunt to illustrate how play can enhance cognitive and social development. Happy playing and learning!
The research article mentioned can be found here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389906736
1. Create a Predictable Environment
Consistency helps children feel safe. Establishing structured routines, using visual schedules, and preparing children for transitions can reduce anxiety related to sensory unpredictability.
2. Provide Sensory Breaks
Sometimes children with autism need time to regulate their senses. Designate quiet, calming spaces where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Incorporate activities such as deep-pressure squeezes, weighted blankets, or fidget tools to help with sensory modulation.
3. Modify Sensory Input
Adjusting the environment to meet sensory needs can make a big difference. Consider dimming harsh lights, reducing background noise, offering noise-canceling headphones, or using soft clothing and textures that feel comfortable.
4. Use Gradual Exposure
For children sensitive to certain stimuli, slow and controlled exposure can help them build tolerance over time. For example, if loud sounds are distressing, gradually introduce softer versions of the sound while pairing them with positive reinforcement.
5. Encourage Self-Regulation Strategies
Teach children techniques to manage their own sensory sensitivities. Whether it’s practicing deep breathing, engaging in movement-based activities, or using calming techniques like squeezing a stress ball, self-regulation can empower children to navigate their environment more comfortably.
6. Collaborate with the Child
Observe and listen to the child’s reactions to sensory inputs. What makes them feel overwhelmed, and what helps them feel comfortable? Honoring their preferences fosters trust and helps create a more supportive environment.
Have you heard of pudding painting? I hadn’t—but it did not disappoint… Watch out, Martha Stewart! All you need is pudding, a shower curtain (or another surface to paint on), and optional everyday tools if you want to get fancy with this Play of the Month activity. It’s an ultra-fun experience that might even turn edible if children can’t help themselves! From simple, curiosity-sparking activities to multi-step creative play that builds new skills, these ideas invite children to explore, create, and grow.
From single-step activities that spark curiosity to multi-step combination play that builds new skills and pretend play adventures that fuel creativity, these ideas encourage children to explore, create, and grow. See below for activity ideas and learning goals linked to the ESDM Curriculum Checklist items to help you discover the play level that best suits your child or the children and families you support in early learning environments.
Pay attention to what children like (or seem curious about) and follow their lead as long as you are a part of the action, too. Remember, the most important thing is for children to have fun doing this with you! Fun means engagement and that excites children's brains and bodies for meaningful learning to happen.
Simple play actions that encourage children to explore, use their senses, and move their bodies:
Finger Painting Fun – Let kids explore textures by using their hands to spread and swirl pudding on the surface.
Color Mixing – Add drops of food coloring and watch as colors blend into fascinating patterns.
Sensory Bag Exploration – Fill a ziplock bag with pudding and let kids squish and manipulate it without the mess.
Freeze & Paint – Freeze small blobs of pudding and let kids use them as "paint cubes" for a chilly sensory twist.
Pudding Brush Art – Use paintbrushes to create designs with different strokes and techniques.
Texture Experiment – Introduce different tools like sponges, forks, or combs to explore patterns.
Stamp & Print – Dip toy animals, cars, or small objects into pudding to make fun imprints on paper.
Imaginary play that encourages children to make-believe and role-play:
Cooking Pretend Play – Children can "bake" pretend cakes, cookies, or cupcakes using pudding as frosting or batter to decorate their pretend cakes or cookies.
Mud & Construction Play – Pretend the pudding is mud for toy construction vehicles or animals exploring a wild habitat.
Edible Storytelling – Create scenes using toy animals and objects—kids can narrate their stories while painting!
Face Painting & Makeup Play – Use pudding as pretend face paint or makeup for dolls, stuffed animals, or even themselves (safe and edible!).
Treasure Hunt Maps – Paint a treasure map with pudding and let kids go on an adventure to find hidden treasures.
Superhero Power Boost – Kids can pretend pudding is a special energy source that gives their superhero characters extra strength.