Proprioceptive Play involves activities that provide deep pressure and heavy work to the muscles and joints, helping to develop body awareness and regulation.
These activities can be particularly calming and organizing for individuals who seek proprioceptive input. Here are some ideas for proprioceptive play
Pushing and Pulling Activities
- Tug-of-War: Play a game of tug-of-war with a rope or stretchy band.
- Heavy Object Push: Push a heavy object across the floor, like a laundry basket filled with books or toys.
- Resistance Bands: Use resistance bands for pulling and stretching exercises.
Carrying and Lifting
- Weighted Backpacks: Carry a backpack filled with books or other heavy objects.
- Shopping Bag Carry: Carry shopping bags or other weighted items from one room to another.
Jumping and Stomping
- Trampoline: Jump on a trampoline to engage the whole body.
- Stomping Games: Play games that involve heavy stomping, like pretending to be a dinosaur.
- Jumping Jacks: Do jumping jacks or other jump-based exercises.
Squeezing and Compression
- Bear Hugs: Give or receive deep, firm bear hugs.
- Compression Clothing: Wear compression garments that provide consistent pressure.
- Squeeze Toys: Squeeze stress balls, therapy putty, or other resistive materials.
Climbing and Crawling
- Climbing Frames: Climb on playground equipment, like monkey bars or climbing walls.
- Obstacle Courses: Create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course that involves crawling under tables, through tunnels, or over cushions.
- Crawling Games: Play crawling games, like pretending to be an animal or crawling through a maze of pillows.
Rolling and Rocking
- Log Rolls: Roll across the floor like a log, using the entire body.
- Rocking Horse: Use a rocking horse or rocking chair for rhythmic, deep pressure input.
- Body Rolling: Roll up in a blanket and unroll yourself, or roll over large therapy balls.
Weighted Activities
- Weighted Blankets: Use a weighted blanket for quiet time or naps.
- Weighted Vests: Wear a weighted vest during activities to provide extra proprioceptive input.
- Weighted Toys: Play with toys or stuffed animals that have weights inside them.
Digging and Shovelling
- Sand Play: Dig and shovel in a sandbox or at the beach.
- Snow Shovelling: If its snowy, shovel snow outside.
- Gardening: Dig in the dirt, plant flowers, or pull weeds.
Yoga and Stretching
- Animal Poses: Practice yoga poses like Downward Dog, Cobra, or Bear Walks that require muscle engagement and stretching.
- Stretching Routines: Engage in daily stretching routines that focus on lengthening and engaging the muscles.
Rough-and-Tumble Play
- Wrestling: Engage in safe, supervised wrestling or rough-and-tumble play.
- Pillow Fights: Have a pillow fight with soft, heavy pillows.
- Crash Pads: Jump and crash into a pile of pillows or soft mats.
Cooking and Baking
- Kneading Dough: Knead bread dough or play with modeling dough.
- Mixing Batter: Stir and mix thick batters or dough with a spoon.
- Rolling Pins: Use a rolling pin to roll out dough or clay.
Swinging and Hanging
- Therapy Swings: Use a therapy swing that provides resistance and requires effort to move.
- Hanging Bars: Hang from monkey bars or a pull-up bar, holding on for as long as possible.
- Rope Climbing: Climb a rope or use a rope ladder, engaging arm and core muscles.
Sports and Physical Games
- Tug-of-War: Play tug-of-war or other games that require pulling or pushing.
- Obstacle Races: Set up races that include heavy pushing, pulling, or lifting elements.
- Rowing: Try indoor rowing on a machine or outdoor rowing in a canoe or kayak.
Biking and Scootering
- Cycling: Ride a bike or tricycle, which requires muscle engagement for pedaling.
- Scooter Riding: Ride a scooter, engaging leg muscles to push and balance.
- Pedal Cars: Use pedal cars or go-karts, which require sustained leg and core effort.
These activities can be tailored to suit different environments and needs, whether at home. They help to satisfy proprioceptive cravings and can contribute to improved body awareness, coordination, and overall emotional regulation.
At Moo, we cover lots of activities to reach all sensory seeking developmental needs throughout our classes or at The Secret Garden
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