Heavy-duty activities for proprioceptive input in the classroom: for children with sensory difficulties

All children, but particularly those with sensory processing disorder, can benefit from movement activities in the classroom that provide input to proprioceptive receptors in joints and ligaments. In addition to providing exercise, these types of “heavy lifting” movements make it easier for a child to focus and pay attention. For the child with SPD, it is vital to receive deep pressure and proprioceptive input throughout the day as part of what is called a “sensory diet” of activities. It’s not enough to get plenty of exercise and soothing stimulation before or after school, or during an OT session. Most children with SPD need to be encouraged and guided to get the information they need throughout the day.

There are many ways to help children obtain this information within an ordinary classroom and school building. The child who is a sensory seeker will likely participate enthusiastically and even find her own ways to get the information that she feels her body needs (but be sure to guide her in finding appropriate activities). In contrast, the child with sensory issues who is underaroused or avoids the senses may need to be reminded to follow the sensory diet that the OT has established. In any case, while it’s great to provide opportunities for input, a child who isn’t disciplined or motivated enough to pull off a sensory diet on her own will definitely need guidance to make sure it happens. Since the alternative is a child who is unfocused, increasingly anxious and agitated, and progressing toward sensory overload and a panicked fight-or-flight reaction such as aggression or total withdrawal, implementing a sensory diet during the school day during the school day is crucial.

When you integrate these activities into the classroom routine, and other children can also participate, it helps the child with SPD not feel so different or singled out. If the child is the only one doing the activity, put a positive spin on it. Let him be the “playground equipment monitor” who carries the balls and equipment to and from the playground, or the “blackboard monitor” who erases the blackboard at the end of each day. You can even have a team of kids, including kids with sensory issues, in charge of washing desks or helping the janitor, and give them an honorific name like “clean team.” All of these strategies will reduce the stigma for the sensory child who must have a sensory diet in school to stay focused.

Remember, the child who focuses on his body’s discomfort and his need to move may be courteous and obedient, appearing to pay attention when, in fact, his mind is not on what the teacher is saying. By incorporating a sensory diet tailored to the specific and unique needs of the sensory child by a sensory smart school or private OT, it makes it much easier for them to focus on what we would all like them to focus on: learning! If the child is verbal, be sure to include him in establishing a sensory diet. What works for one child may not work for another.

And check on him regularly to make sure he’s really benefiting from the activities arranged for him, and make it a goal for him to advocate for himself and meet his sensory needs in a socially acceptable way.

Here are some easy ways to gain deep pressure and proprioceptive information within the classroom and school setting (of course, the playground and gym also offer many more activities during recess and gym):

* Move stacks of books

* Deliver items from one classroom to another part of the building (especially if it requires carrying and climbing stairs)

* Stack items, such as reams of paper, books, or storage containers

* Clear whiteboards and whiteboards

* Move chairs or tables, put chairs on top of tables at the end of the day and take them down at the beginning of the day.

* Wash desks or cafeteria tables

* Assemble and store folding chairs and tables

* Carry lunch box containers in and out of the cafeteria

* Empty bins, sweep, mop

* Sharpen pencils with an old-fashioned crank sharpener

* Assist the gym teacher or playground supervisor in removing and putting away equipment such as bags full of balls, mats, scooters, etc.

* Do laps around the gym or playground

* Climbing stairs

* Cut cardboard and card stock from heavy paper

* Do push-ups against the wall

* Do chair push-ups (holding the chair on either side as you sit, then push up to lift your body)

* Bounce while sitting on an exercise ball (loose or on a stand)

* Press your legs against a lycra band stretched around the legs of a chair or desk

* Sit on an inflatable cushion like the Disc O’ Sit

* Go up a ramp or incline, such as a wheelchair ramp or playground hill

* Hold heavy doors open or open them for people to enter or exit the building

* Pushes or drags boxes, carts, or furniture across carpeted floors.