How can I share “Body Touch Game” as a gentle, child-led activity?

By Down Syndrome Digital ·

Suggested age: 24–35 months

About this activity

Activity: Body Touch Game — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 24–35 months. Follow your child’s cues and enjoy the activity at their pace.

The illustrations come from the source activity. The written steps have been adapted for safer, child-led play; do not copy equipment or handling positions shown unless they are specifically recommended for your child.

What can this activity invite?

Share sounds, faces, or familiar textures without asking your child to make a particular movement.

What do I need for this activity?

A comfortable, stable place to play and the familiar items named in the steps. Choose materials made for your child’s age and ability; keep small parts, loose strings, plastic bags, and balloons away from babies and young children.

How do I play this activity?

1. Choose a comfortable position

Illustration for “Body Touch Game”, step 1: Prepare colourful sticky notes and attach them along the edge of the table.

Let your child be awake in a familiar, stable position that they manage comfortably. Stay close and keep their hands and face free to move.

2. Share a song or a mirror

Illustration for “Body Touch Game”, step 2: Invite your child: “Now it’s your turn.

Sing a short rhyme, make a gentle sound, or look together in a mirror. Let your child decide whether to watch or join in.

3. Show the action on yourself

Illustration for “Body Touch Game”, step 3: Ask your child to stick a sticker on you, naming a body part but without pointing: “Stick it where my hand is?” Keep playing with all the stickers, taking turns and sticking them on your child too

If you name a hand, foot, or face part, point to your own or the mirror’s. Do not bend, pinch, press, or move your child’s joints or face.

4. Offer a safe object to explore

Illustration for “Body Touch Game”, step 4: Depending on your child’s level, choose one of two options: Option 1: Name a body part (yours or your child’s) and ask to remove the sticker from there: “Where is your ear?

You may offer a large, washable, age-appropriate toy within reach. Do not guide your child’s hand or place objects in their mouth.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need to finish every step?

No. Follow your child’s interest and stop whenever they need a break. There is no correct pace or required outcome.

What if my child is not interested today?

That is okay. Pause, try another activity, or return another day. Looking away or turning away is a cue to give your child space.

How long should we play?

There is no set duration. A short, comfortable moment is enough; stop if your child seems tired, distressed, or uncomfortable.

Is this therapy or a developmental assessment?

No. This is a play invitation, not therapy, a milestone target, or an assessment. It does not replace advice from your child’s clinicians.

Can I adapt this activity for my child?

Yes. Keep it comfortable and child-led. For questions about feeding, oral-motor skills, bath safety, positioning, or movement, use guidance from your child’s own care team.