This post from contributing writer Katy is great for toddlers and preschoolers of any ability but especially geared towards children who are resistant to textures, either because of having special needs or simply being resistant to new sensations. Having a purpose to make something like the earth makes an exercise in textures more authentic instead of simply touching something squishy. I love it!
______________________________________________________________________
Before I do any craft with Charlie, I get all of my supplies ready to go. For this project I rolled three large balls of blue craft clay and then several small balls of green craft clay.
I placed a ball of blue clay in Charlie hands and then took a piece of green and helped him smash it into the blue. 
We did this several times for each ball creating something that looks a lot like Earth.
Charlie, like many kids with special needs, can be resistant to new textures. He did not like the feel of the clay, but we kept at it for a as long as we could. I had wanted to create a total of four Earths, but we stopped at three in order to prevent a meltdown. It’s good to push your child, but not so far that they become resistant to all new activities.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Katy is a mom of one who loves art, mystery novels, and anything involving peanut butter–she blogs about raising her little miracle at Bird on the Street.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum says
I love this! I can see how it would be a great activity to do with my special needs daughter.
.-= Kelly Be A Fun Mum´s last blog ..Play Memories =-.
Joan says
Have a fun day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!