A texture walk is a pathway or special area with a variety of surfaces that give infants and toddlers different tactile experiences.1 Programs can use many materials to create the pathways and areas; for example, dirt, sand, bark, wood rounds, patterned rock, sanded planks, half logs, bricks, cobblestones, stepping stones, and raised stud rubber tiles. Choose materials that are safe for the age of the child who will be using the path or area. Paths should be about 2 feet wide, and each section should be about 4 feet long. Consider providing railings for children to hold. When creating a texture path or area for mobile infants who crawl, avoid using materials that are too rough. Choose smooth materials such as sanded wood or wood rounds. Different colored grasses or other soft ground covers will also work.
In home-based programs, talk with families about the value of paths and areas with different surfaces or textures and where such places might exist in their communities.
1Lally et al., Guide to Setting Up Environments, 57–58.
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning
Last Updated: December 2, 2019