5 Minute Friday - Sponges!

June 06, 2025 in posts

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated (and under-the-sink!) tools for child development—sponges! If you’re anything like me, dishes are a regular part of the day. And guess what? Kids love to mimic what they see! So why not turn that everyday item into a sensory-rich, skill-building activity?

Whether you have a baby just learning to grasp or a big kid looking for a creative challenge, sponges can provide endless opportunities for play and development.

Sponges for Babies

Babies are all about exploring the world with their hands (and mouths!). Try these sponge ideas:

Grasp & Reach Practice: Cut a sponge into long strips to encourage a palmar grasp—the same movement babies use to bring things to their mouths. Great for early hand development!
Core strengthening Practice: Get a sponge wet and stick it to a mirror or glass door just out of your baby’s reach. Encourage them to sit, reach and grab the sponge from the vertical surface. If your baby has mastered sitting, try it in a tall kneeling position for even more strengthening benefits!
Sensory Tummy Time: Create a mini water world! Add a little water to a cookie sheet, toss in some chunky sponge pieces, and let your baby explore during tummy time. It’s soft, safe, and oh-so-engaging.

Sponges for Toddlers

Toddlers thrive with hands-on learning. Try these sponge games to support motor skills, sensory play, and early learning:

Sponge Puzzle: Cut a shape out of a sponge and have your child match it with the missing piece. This simple game supports form constancy, visual-motor integration, and problem-solving.
Matching Game: Cut sponges in half and draw shapes, letters, or colors on them. Set up an obstacle course where your toddler finds and matches the pairs. Perfect for pre-writing skills and visual perception!
Squeeze Game: Have your child soak up water with a sponge and squeeze it into a clear cup. Measure how much they squeeze—great for fine motor strength and fun competition.
Sponge Towers: Stack sponges to build towers! This encourages fine motor coordination, spatial awareness, and patience.
Crawling Challenges: Place a sponge under your child’s chin or on their back and have them crawl across the room. It’s silly fun that helps integrate reflexes like ATNR and STNR!
Chore Time = Sensory Time: Let your toddler help wash the car or wipe tables with a sponge. These activities offer proprioceptive input while giving you a helping hand—win-win!

Sponges for Bigger Kids

Big kids can still get in on the sponge fun with more complex activities that build strength, creativity, and coordination:

Mega Squeeze Challenge: Strengthen fine motor muscles by squeezing sponges into measuring cups—set goals and make it a game!
Obstacle Course: Use sponges as “stepping stones” in a balance course to work on coordination and core strength.
Creative Play Scenes: Build a sponge playscape for cars, animals, or figurines. This encourages executive functioning and imaginative play—all while having a blast.

Final Splash

Sponges might seem simple, but they’re a powerhouse for development. They’re soft, safe, and versatile enough for kids of all ages. Whether you’re working on motor skills, sensory processing, or creative play—sponges have you covered.

So go ahead—grab a few, get messy, and have fun!

About the Author

Maria O’Farrell, MS, OTR/L, is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to helping children thrive through compassionate, play-based therapy. She provides individualized support in home and school environments, empowering both children and their families to learn and grow.

Sponges for Babies

Sponges for Toddlers

Sponges for Bigger Kids

Final Splash

About the Author

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