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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 3
activities like when we worked on life cycles, and even social studies activities such as
maps. Therefore, this simple technique developed to increase the child's creativity also
proved to be very beneficial in his ability to access the information with greater
independence.
Image 4. A sunflower created using clay
and fabric paint that has textured flower
petals, center, and stem.
Image 5. A close-up of a textured sunflower
that highlights the textured detail on the
flower petals and center.
By taking an interest in what this child wanted to learn about the process of
painting and then adapting it into a format that he was able to engage directly with, it
allowed him to be inventive and create something unique and gratifying.
Some simple suggestions I would have for educators and family members to
introduce and explore tactile representations is to use everyday items found in your
home. For example, if you add oatmeal, rice, or even sugar to play dough, it will create
a new texture for the child and make playing with dough more of an adventure. By using
hot glue to create a small tactile cue at the edge of the table, a child could know that
their cup of juice is located in front of this cue near their left hand.
