Movement and Activity
Regular movement breaks throughout the day allow students to practice using their bodies in different ways and in different positions, help alert the nervous system through the change in position and the movement itself, and help those students who need movement to stay alert so they can focus their energy on learning. The following activities provide stimulation of the vestibular system:
- Bouncing on kangaroo balls, therapy balls, old mattresses
- Swinging on swings
- Spinning on swivel chairs, scooter boards, or tire swings
- Rocking on rocking horses, rocking chairs
- Walking, running, hiking, swimming
- Rough-housing and play-wrestling
- Using playground equipment such as slides and teeter-totters
- Bouncing on kangaroo balls, therapy balls, old mattresses
- Swinging on swings
- Spinning on swivel chairs, scooter boards, or tire swings
- Rocking on rocking horses, rocking chairs
- Walking, running, hiking, swimming
- Rough-housing and play-wrestling
- Using playground equipment such as slides and teeter-totters
Deep Pressure Activities
Proprioceptive activities provide students with deep pressure or input through the large muscles and joints of the body. These activities help them know where their body is in space and how to move it effectively. They can also have a calming effect. Here are some example of deep-pressure activities:
- Pulling or pushing carts with added weight, like heavy books
- Catching and throwing heavy balls, bean bags, etc.
- Carrying heavy items such as books, boxes, etc.
- Pulling apart toys (such as snap beads, Lego)
- Pounding and rolling play dough
- Body stretches: e.g., yoga
- Pulling or pushing carts with added weight, like heavy books
- Catching and throwing heavy balls, bean bags, etc.
- Carrying heavy items such as books, boxes, etc.
- Pulling apart toys (such as snap beads, Lego)
- Pounding and rolling play dough
- Body stretches: e.g., yoga