Heavy work: We use this term describe proprioceptive input. Proprioceptive input involves providing input to our muscles, joints, and ligaments to help our body realize where we are in space. It also can have a calming/focusing effect for those who have a hard time staying seated during academic work.
*Try a few of these heavy work activities before seated work*
Push a filled laundry basket: Heavy enough so it requires some work but not too heavy so that the child cant move it. Make an obstacle course to push the basket around. Try putting different weighted items inside: books, stuffed animals, what ever you can find!
Wheelbarrow walking: Have a partner grab your legs while you use your arms to propel forward. Race against another team if there are enough people. Maneuver through an obstacle course if you and a partner are by yourself!
Scrub with a sponge or brush: Have you kids help you clean table top surfaces by scrubbing them with sponge or brush. This provide great proprioceptive input for the upper extremities.
Turtle walks: Place a heavy pillow, blanket, or other item on your child’s back. See how far they can crawl with their “turtle shell” on their back.
March or Jog: Stand in place and march or jog to a beat. Make sure you are really stomping your feet!
Click the links below for more heavy work ideas:
