Feet-on-Mirror    Ball-Pit    Magic-Carpet

 

  1. Children love to jump and jumping can be helpful in calming and alerting children. Try a mini-trampoline, mattresses, jump-roping, or a hoppity-hop.
  1. A large exercise ball can be used to roll on, sit on, bear weight on, or watch TV on.
  1. Playing with resistive mediums gives greater feed back about the sensory systems. Use play dough, clay, beeswax, moon sand, and kitchen activities.
  1. Playing, drawing, and writing on a vertical surface is one of the greatest power tools for supporting visual attention, sensory feedback, hand development, and finger skill.
  1. Try a variety of seating options to support attention to the relevant task at hand, whether it is homework or mealtime. This might include a gel cushion, rocking chair, beanbag chair, or rotating chair.
  1. External structure, organization, predictability and familiarity supports sensory processing.
  1. Swimming is a total sensory experience. The weight and pressure of the water against the body can be relaxing and increases body awareness.
  1. The mouth supports focused attention, which is why children often times chew on non-food items (jewelry, shirtsleeves, pencil). Replace with more appropriate oral activities, such as sugarless gum, water bottles, straws, and healthy snacks.
  1. Provide small, safe, self-enclosed spaces to retreat and calm. This might include small tents, homemade ‘forts’, and/or pillow corners.
  1. Stress depletes the neurotransmitter serotonin, while deep-pressure sensations enhances it. Other serotonin boosters include peaceful music, nature, sunshine, natural lighting, cuddling pets, and relaxation breathing.