vestibular sensory needs, which involve movement and balance. These activities can help individuals who crave vestibular input feel more regulated and focused:
Swinging
- Regular Swings: Spend time on swings, enjoying both gentle back-and-forth motion and more intense swinging.
- Hammock Swings: Use a hammock or indoor swing for a soothing, swaying motion.
- Rotational Swings: Use a tire swing or a platform swing that allows for spinning as well as swinging.
Spinning
- Sit-and-Spin Toy: Provide a sit-and-spin toy where the individual can spin themselves around. we have one at the secret garden if you wish to try
- Office Chair: Use a spinning office chair for controlled spinning movements.
- Spinning in Place: Encourage spinning around in circles, either standing or on the ground.
Jumping
- Trampoline: Use a trampoline (indoor or outdoor) for high-energy bouncing.
- Jumping on the Bed: Safely allow jumping on a soft surface like a bed or couch.
- Jump Rope: Engage in jump rope activities, which combine vestibular input with rhythm and coordination.
Rolling
- Log Rolls: Practice rolling across the floor or a mat in a straight line, mimicking the motion of a rolling log.
- Rolling Down a Hill: Go to a park and roll down grassy hills.
- Exercise Ball: Roll back and forth on an exercise ball while lying on the stomach or back.
Balancing
- Balance Beam: Walk on a balance beam, curb, or a straight line taped on the floor.
- Balance Board: Use a wobble board or balance board to challenge balance while standing.
- Yoga Poses: Practice yoga poses that require balance, such as Tree Pose or Warrior III.
Climbing
- Gymnastics : Spend time on playground equipment like climbing frames, monkey bars, or ropes.
- Rock Climbing: Try indoor rock climbing or bouldering at a gym or climbing wall.
- Climbing Walls: Create or use a climbing wall with holds that allow for vertical movement.
Bouncing
- Exercise Ball Bouncing: Sit and bounce on a large exercise ball.
- Space Hopper: Use a space hopper (a large inflatable ball with handles) for bouncing and moving around.
- Pogo Stick: Use a pogo stick for a more intense bouncing experience.
Running and Skipping
- Running Games: Engage in running games like tag, relay races, or obstacle courses.
- Skipping or Galloping: Encourage skipping, galloping, or hopping as a form of movement.
- Obstacle Course: Set up an indoor or outdoor obstacle course that includes crawling, jumping, and running.
Biking and Scootering
- Bicycle Riding: Go for bike rides, which provide vestibular input through balancing and movement.
- Scootering: Use a scooter, which also challenges balance and coordination.
- Rollerblading/Skating: Try rollerblading or roller skating, which provides continuous vestibular input.
Dancing and Movement Games
- Dancing: Engage in dancing, especially styles that involve spinning, jumping, or swaying.
- Twister: Play games like Twister, which involve bending, stretching, and balancing.
- Hopscotch: Play hopscotch, which includes jumping and balancing on one foot.
Water-Based Activities
- Swimming: Swimming provides a full-body vestibular workout with movements in multiple directions.
- Water Slides: Visit a water park to experience the fast movements and changes in direction provided by water slides.
- Inner Tubes: Use inner tubes in the pool or lake to float and spin.
Therapeutic Equipment
- Therapy Balls: Use therapy balls for rolling, bouncing, or balancing activities.
- Swinging Platforms: Use a platform swing that allows for gentle, rhythmic motion or more intense swinging.
- Vestibular Stimulation Devices: Some sensory gyms or therapy centers have specialized equipment designed to provide controlled vestibular input.
These activities can help children who are seeking vestibular input feel more balanced and regulated. They can be incorporated into daily routines or playtime, providing the necessary movement to fulfill vestibular needs safely and enjoyably.
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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