How many times have you told your child to “turn on his listening ears?” Well, this activity makes learning to listen fun as children explore their environments together. The only catch is – one friend is blindfolded! You’ll definitely want to add this activity to your arsenal of learning games for kids!
Looking for another fun way to play with a blindfold? Check out this blindfolded drawing actvity!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Blindfold, balls, basket, or any additional objects to incorporate into the game
WHAT TO DO: Designate a clear, safe space for this activity and be sure to have an adult supervising! Children take turns being a leader and a follower. When it is the child’s turn to follow, they are blindfolded…no peeking! The leader gives the blindfolded friend directions to move around the room. For example, he may say, “take 4 steps forward” or “turn to your right.” You may need to assist the leading child with their directions until they catch on…be creative!
HOW TO CHANGE IT UP:
-Choose any combination of partnering including an adult with a child, a friend with a friend, or a sibling with a sibling
-Start by practicing without the blindfold, listening to the directions, and seeing where they’re going
-Direct the blindfolded child to move across the room to reach a designated spot. Try varying the child’s movements (e.g. skipping, jumping with two feet, bear crawling, etc.)
-Direct the blindfolded child to carry a ball or object across the room to place into a basket
-Interject additional directional words such as “place the ball under the pillow” or “beside the chair”, or have the child “step over” or “duck under”
SKILL AREAS ADDRESSED: cognitive skills, proprioception, motor control, sensory integration, social skills
Want to take a closer look at the skills kids are using in this activity? Check out our Clinical Closeup page, where we break down the skills listed below in terms everyone can understand.
Looking for more inspiration?
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[…] Christmas movement activity is a little twist on one of our other gross motor games, Blind Play. Blind play is an excellent way to stimulate the sensory system, develop listening skills, and […]