Scratch Boards

Scratch board with textures mounted on APH tactile connection cardsScratch Board with Textures Mounted on APH Tactile Connection Cards
​Moving hands over materials is the beginning step in tactile exploration and learning to use hands in a meaningful way. A scratch board can help students practice these early tactile exploration skills. Pictured below is a scratch board. Use a board such as the back of a large textbook that has been discarded or other sturdy board. Place loop Velcro fabric over the board. Obtain APH tactile connection cards or other similar firm cards. Attach a different texture to each of the cards and teeth Velcro on the back. By using cards that have Velcro, it allows you to reposition the cards to keep the board interesting and maintain interest. 
  • bubble wrap
  • bumpy plastic
  • burlap
  • chenille pipes
  • corduroy
  • corrugated paper
  • emery board
  • felt
  • netting
  • pom poms
  • reflective curling ribbon
  • reflective ribbon
  • ribbon
  • river stones
  • rubber bands
  • sandpaper
  • scouring pad
  • sequins
  • shells
  • sponge
  • Velcro rollers
  • velvet
  • wire pad
  • wood

Build a Texture Book

​Present the student with two texture cards on a board with a tactile line separating them. Using hand under hand assistance encourage the student to feel each texture and choose which texture to place on the first page. As the student touches it, demonstrate how to explore it in different ways and describe the texture. Help as needed in placing the texture on the page and turn the page to the next blank page. Present another two textures and repeat. Once the student has finished assembling the book, review the sequence of the textures placed on each page, encouraging the student to turn pages. Example: First you picked the scratchy sponge, then you picked the stretchy rubber bands, etc.  Extend the activity by incorporating braille labels . Make it a matching activity by having the student locate the matching texture.

Tactile Books

Introduce tactile books designed to compare textures. Obtain or create books with pages that include different textures. Encourage students to feel and compare the textures and explore the pages. Guide students through the book, as you describe each texture and note any similarities or differences.

Texture Match

A texture card on a page of a book with two texture choice cards in the foreground
​Texture MatchObtain a variety of textured papers, fabrics, and materials. Using the materials, create a texture match board or file folder activity. Encourage the student to match texture swatches. To further develop unit concepts, use materials of different textures that are related to the unit.

Feely Bag

Place unit-related items in a bag or container related to the unit (e.g., All About Me: Reach inside a birthday bag, Costumes & Candy: Reach inside a trick or Treat bag, Christmas: Reach inside a stocking, Grocery Store: Reach inside a grocery bag.)  Have the student take turns reaching into the bag or container and identifying the item(s) by touch. Once the student has identified the objects, extend the activity by encouraging the student to match the item with the printed word. Encourage the student to have more time exploring the details of the materials. 

Clothing Texture Comparison

Provide a range of clothing items with different textures, such as cotton, wool, silk, and denim. Encourage students to feel each fabric and compare their textures. Discuss how the texture of each fabric feels against the skin and how it might be suited for different purposes or seasons.

Sorting Textures

Set up a sorting activity where students categorize various objects based on their textures. Provide a mix of items with smooth, rough, soft, and bumpy textures. Students can sort these items into different groups based on their tactile qualities.

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​