Sensory Help Now

Heavy work activities that provide proprioceptive feedback can have a calming and organising effect, which is especially helpful for children and young people who feel overloaded by sensory input. These activities can also improve focus and concentration, making them great for use at home or during the school day. 

Additionally, heavy work activities (depending on the activity) can improve core stability, shoulder stability (important for developing fine motor skills and grasp), and body awareness. Activities that include resistance provide excellent proprioceptive input. 

Below are some simple, low-cost activities that can easily be added to your child's daily routine.

Lifting Heavy Items

Encouraging your child to help with lifting and moving everyday items like chairs, books, or toys can be an easy way to incorporate heavy work into their day at school or home. At home, they can help by taking out the rubbish or carrying a laundry basket. 

Seated Push-Ups

Seated push-ups are a great resistance exercise. You don't need any specialist equipment either - just a chair. While seated, the child places their hands, palm downwards, on their seat, under their legs. Then, they push down through their arms to lift themselves slightly upwards. This activity can be done anywhere, whether at home, school, or even while waiting in public spaces, providing a quick and simple sensory break.

Pushing a Trolley

Pushing a grocery trolley when out shopping or an equipment trolley at school provides ample opportunities for proprioceptive input. Many supermarkets now have smaller, child-size trolleys for younger shoppers, which are great for children who find supermarkets overwhelming.

Chair Bands

Therapeutic elastic bands placed on the front two legs of a chair can provide proprioceptive input for a child or young person needing extra sensory input in order to focus. It is also ideal for those who do not like their feet dangling on the floor. Chair bands are affordable and available from a range of retailers, including these from Amazon*.

Gardening

Whether it’s a home or school garden, gardening provides several opportunities for heavy work activities that provide proprioceptive feedback. From carrying watering cans and watering plants to digging, gardening has something to offer for all age groups.

Summary

Adding heavy work activities to your child's daily routine can make a real difference in their sensory development and overall well-being. These activities not only help with sensory regulation but also build core stability and upper body strength, offering a well-rounded approach to supporting your child's physical and sensory well-being.

* Amazon Affiliate links: Sensory Integration Education, the host of Sensory Help Now, may earn a commission (at zero cost to you) when you purchase by clicking on an affiliate link. SIE is a not-for-profit organisation that provides sensory integration training, supports research, and works to raise awareness of sensory processing and integration challenges.