Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Texture rubbing match
Make crayon rubbings and match them to safe textured surfaces.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
Two full sheets of thin paper, a large child-appropriate crayon, and two clean, stable textured surfaces.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Choose two safe surfaces with different textures, such as a ridged placemat and a textured book cover.
Adult's role: Check surfaces for sharp edges and keep them steady while the child draws.
Let's make it happen
- Lay one sheet over the first surface and rub gently with the side of the crayon until its pattern appears.
- Make a second rubbing over the other surface. Move both sheets away and mix up their order.
- Feel or look at each surface and decide which rubbing came from it. Take turns explaining your choices.
Make it simpler: Compare one rubbing with its surface first.
Clean up: Put away the paper and crayon and return the surfaces.
Adult stays beside the child. Avoid hot, sharp, fragile, or electrical surfaces.