This leaflet has been produced after an initial review of the literature and where there is a lack of evidence, a consensus of expert opinion is agreed, correct at time of publication.
Using your walking aid
Messy play is an important part of development for a child’s senses and imagination.
Touch is an important sense that is developed through messy play. It may be useful to do some preparation for the task with your child e.g. heavy work activities or deep pressure (push ups, carrying objects, hand massage). If your child is over sensitive you may wish to start with dry materials (e.g. pasta, rice, lentils) then progress to different textures. Allow your child to explore a wide variety of activities listed below, however if your child becomes upset or distressed allow them to stop the activity and re-introduce at another time.
Everyday activities
- Sandpit or sand tray activities
- Play doh
- Draw in different textures with hands or index finger e.g. salt, sand (wet or dry), rice, shaving foam spread on table
- Arts and craft activities
- Finger painting
- Making Slime
- Make ice cubes using food colouring and place in a small tray of water for the child to explore
- Add some food colouring to greek yoghurt and encourage finger painting
- Hide objects or favourite toys in tubs of dried beans, rice or lentils
- Hide small toys or objects in jelly and allow to set and then encourage your child to find the hidden toys
- Get some readymade custard, add cereals and pulses to this and spread on table with hands
- Cook up some spaghetti/pasta and add some food colouring. Put in a bowl and allow it too cool. Let your child play with this
- Water play- use different cups, bottles and toys
- Sit in a large box lined with different textured materials that you child can touch and explore.
- Provide a selection of soft brushes, pieces of sheepskin/fur/soft dusting mop. A soft furry blanket etc for your child to brush/rub over the skin firmly and slowly. Could incorporate this into a game by child with eyes closed, identifying where they have been touched.
- Use a paintbrush for messy play activities e.g. paint, water play, foam
- Garden play e.g. digging, making mud pies
- Massage hand lotion into hands
Messy play booklets
See Messy Play booklets from KIDS Scotland website for further activity ideas.
You can scan the QR code or use the link below.
NHS GGC | Occupational therapy
Parent advice line
If you have concerns about your child's physical abilities, attention, sensory differences, or how they manage in school, we're here to help.
Call our parent advice line at 01592 226699 and speak directly to an Occupational Therapist on Mondays from 12 noon to 2pm and Wednesday 10am–12pm.
Professional enquiry line
Looking for professional help with speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy for children and young people?
Call our enquiry line at 01383 674055
on the following days and times:
- Speech and Language Therapy: Mondays and Thursdays from 2-4pm.
- Occupational Therapy: Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 3-5pm.
Physiotherapy: Wednesdays from
3-4pm and Thursdays from 9-10:30am.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
