Why Tape Sticky-Smooth Compare works

The value of Tape Sticky-Smooth Compare comes from the choices between its steps, beginning with the request to adult secures a broad tape sample sticky-side up on a tray. Compare the sticky side of secured tape with a smooth non-sticky surface without wrapping tape around skin. That opening should make it easier to understand why the next instruction is to touch it briefly with one fingertip.

Set up — Adult secures a broad tape sample sticky-side up on a tray

Prepare tape and household items before the child is asked to adult secures a broad tape sample sticky-side up on a tray. The setup is ready when the child can adult secures a broad tape sample sticky-side up on a tray and then move on to the instruction to touch it briefly with one fingertip without a new explanation. Use clean, non-toxic, age-appropriate materials and stop with any irritation or discomfort while those two steps are connected.

Step 2 — Touch it briefly with one fingertip

One careful attempt to touch it briefly with one fingertip is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to touch a smooth comparison surface, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to adult secures a broad tape sample sticky-side up on a tray.

Step 3 — Touch a smooth comparison surface

Use the result of asking the child to touch a smooth comparison surface as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to describe the difference until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 4 — Describe the difference

Ask the child to describe the difference. Compare what happens with the earlier step to touch a smooth comparison surface, then continue by asking them to try pressing with less or more fingertip area once the difference is clear.

Step 5 — Try pressing with less or more fingertip area

Let the child try pressing with less or more fingertip area and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to try pressing with less or more fingertip area.

What to notice before Try pressing with less or more fingertip area

After the child has tried to describe the difference, ask what changed. An answer connected to the earlier attempt to touch a smooth comparison surface is good evidence of which texture, sound, pressure, or material difference is actually noticeable before the final step.

Make Touch a smooth comparison surface easier or harder

If asking the child to touch a smooth comparison surface is too demanding, use two clearly contrasting materials. Once that step is comfortable, compare subtler examples while keeping the handling method the same before returning to the final request to try pressing with less or more fingertip area.

Finish after Try pressing with less or more fingertip area

End while the result of asking the child to try pressing with less or more fingertip area is still clear. Once they can connect it with the earlier attempt to touch a smooth comparison surface, move on to another idea through the activity search or activity generator.