Sensory Fun: Heavy Work Activities
Five Ways to Meet Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Learn five fun ways to meet the needs of your child with sensory processing disorder. These heavy work activities are easy to do at home; get started today!
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), sometimes called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, can affect children in many different ways. One commonality among children dealing with SPD is that they all can benefit from what is called “heavy work”. Heavy work allows a child to get adequate proprioceptive input which in turn allows him to have better focus and increased self-regulation, among other things. Here are five fun and easy ways to help your child get the sensory input he is seeking but in a safe and constructive manner.
Push a Filled Laundry Basket
Get a laundry basket that is appropriate for your child’s size and fill it with weighted items. You want to ensure that the basket is heavy enough that it requires work on your child’s part, but not too heavy that he has to struggle to push it. Once the basket is filled, set up an obstacle course in your house and make a fun race out of it. Have long straight areas where the child can pick up some speed and then, depending on his age, put in some twists and turns adding a degree of difficulty.
Spend Some Time “Crashing”
A favorite activity of children who are sensory-seekers is crashing. They’ll crash into anything, or anyone, they see which can lead to injuries. Setting up a controlled area to crash lessens the likelihood of injury. A quick and easy way to do this is if you have a bean bag, or even some couch cushions, to use as a crash pad. Set these up on the floor and then put some blankets or other padding around the edges. Allow the child to jump into the crash area while under your constant supervision. This activity can provide endless fun for the child while also meeting his sensory needs.
Jumping
Something as simple as jumping can benefit a child’s need for sensory input. Naturally it’s the most fun if you have a trampoline, even a mini trampoline, however any form of jumping will do. If a child is old enough, using a jump rope or even a pogo stick is a great way to get some fun jumping in.
Wheelbarrow Walking
Good old-fashioned wheelbarrow walking, or even a fun wheelbarrow race, is another easy way to provide your child with some heavy work. Depending on the child’s age, you may need to support him at the waist. As he gets older, or more proficient at wheelbarrow walking, start moving your hands down to his hips and then progressively down his legs. Once he's at a point where you just need to hold his ankles, challenge him by walking farther distances.
Clean the House
This one serves a dual purpose, your child can get some fun sensory work in and you’ll end up with sparkling floors! What child doesn’t like to emulate mommy or daddy and help them clean? Pushing around a vacuum, broom, or mop provides the child with proprioceptive input. Younger children can “help” with the use of a toy vacuum, broom, or mop.
Picking one or two of these sensory activities and implementing them into your day may lead to a calmer and more attentive child at the end of the day. An added benefit may be a restful night of sleep for a previously restless child. Always take your child’s cues; if he gets tired take a break, if he protests skip the activity. Heavy work activities are meant to be a fun way of meeting your child’s sensory needs.
For more sensory integration ideas read the article Sensory Fun: Messy Play.
