Do you have kids in your class who are ADD, ADHD, Autistic, extremely hyper or maybe not even diagnosed yet, but showing signs?

You’re gonna LOVE THIS!

I’m about to give you 3 activities to try ASAP with your little friend and you will see benefits almost immediately!

What am I talking about?

It’s called HEAVY WORK.

What is Heavy Work?

Heavy work is any type of activity that pushes or pulls on the body.

It can help kids with sensory processing issues to feel more “centered.”

Heavy work engages a sense called “proprioception,” which is also known as “body awareness.”

Proprioception (kinesthesia) is your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location.

It is stimulated through:
✔️running
✔️jumping
✔️climbing
✔️crashing
✔️hugging
✔️pushing
✔️lifting
✔️pulling

✨MANY kids with special needs relax and calm down when they get proprioceptive input. It can even help improve their focus! Heavy work is one direct way to make get that input!

I'm gonna give you three easy examples.

So you can start doing this with your kids today.

***Oh, and this is not a one size fits all kind of activity. So make sure you're choosing things that each child enjoys. I am going to start with 3 examples, but I am going to include a LONG LIST with more examples at the bottom of this post… make sure to choose something your kiddo ENJOYS!

👇🏻👇🏿 WATCH THE VIDEO👇🏽👇🏾

Why should kids do heavy work?

Basically, it helps kids regulate their bodies.

Oh, and make sure you set them up for success by showing them how to do the activity correctly.

All kids love to be helpful and they want to have a purpose to their work, even if the purpose is just for them to get stronger. Let them know why they're doing it.

Here are three ideas to start with:

1-Fill a box with heavy items and let the child push it across the floor.

2- Put book in a backpack and encourage the child to walk around with it on for a few minutes.

3-Let them carry reams of paper for you…. from one spot to another.

BUT, remember every child is unique and they will prefer different types of heavy work… let the child guide you as you let them experience different options and stick with the ones they like! 💚

✨MORE EXAMPLES OF HEAVY WORK:

-Push a cart with books
-Tie a rope to a laundry basket or box and let them pull it around
-Chair push ups
-Push open doors
-Climb up a slide
-Rake leaves or wood chips
-Dig a hole
-Pull a scooter board with a rope
-Lay on belly on scooter board and use hands to move around
-Sit in their seat and see if they can lift their chair

*Think about what you have access to on your playground, there are great ways to use outdoor equipment as a time to push and pull and move and DO HEAVY WORK!