Every child is unique, and for those with sensory processing challenges, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Bright lights, loud sounds, textures, and even the feeling of clothing on their skin can cause discomfort or anxiety. One of the most effective ways to help children with sensory processing challenges feel more centered, grounded, and calm is through a concept known as heavy work. But what exactly is heavy work, and how can it benefit children in our care? Let’s dive in.
What is Heavy Work?
Heavy work refers to any activity that requires the body to push, pull, lift, carry, or exert force against resistance. These activities engage a sensory system called proprioception, which helps children become more aware of their body in space. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position and movement, and it plays a critical role in how children interact with the world around them.
For children with sensory processing challenges, heavy work can be incredibly beneficial because it provides deep pressure input that calms the nervous system, helps regulate emotions, and improves focus and attention. It’s like a reset button for their sensory system, helping them feel more centered and able to process other sensory input more comfortably.
How Heavy Work Helps Kids with Sensory Processing Challenges
Heavy work activities are especially helpful for children who struggle with sensory regulation, whether they’re seeking out intense input or trying to avoid certain sensations altogether. Here’s how heavy work can benefit them:
Calms the Nervous System: Deep pressure from activities like pushing, pulling, or lifting can have a calming effect on the body. This is particularly beneficial for children who may feel overstimulated by their environment, as it helps them feel more grounded and in control.
Improves Focus and Attention: Heavy work provides sensory feedback that helps children concentrate better and focus on tasks, whether that’s learning, playing, or participating in activities.
Regulates Emotional Responses: For children who have difficulty with emotional regulation, heavy work can help to reduce anxiety and agitation. This input can provide them with a sense of control and stability, which in turn helps them manage frustration and big emotions more effectively.
Boosts Body Awareness (Proprioception): Heavy work helps children become more aware of their body’s movements, which improves coordination, balance, and motor planning. This sense of body awareness is essential for navigating the world and interacting with others in a more organized and purposeful way.
How We Create Opportunities for Heavy Work at Our Childcare Center
At our childcare center, we recognize the importance of incorporating heavy work into daily routines to support children’s sensory processing needs. By integrating activities that promote proprioception, we can help children develop body awareness, regulate their emotions, and thrive in their environment. Here’s how we do it:
Obstacle Courses
We love creating obstacle courses that encourage children to push, pull, carry, and lift as part of a fun, challenging activity. These might include pushing large cushions across the floor, crawling through tunnels, climbing over low structures, or lifting weighted objects (like soft bags filled with materials). Obstacle courses are not only a great way for children to engage their proprioceptive system, but they also help build motor skills and strength.
Wheelbarrow Walks
Wheelbarrow walks are a simple yet effective heavy work activity. Children walk on their hands while an adult or peer holds their legs up like a wheelbarrow. This activity requires upper body strength and provides deep pressure through the arms, shoulders, and hands, helping to calm the body and improve body awareness.
Push and Pull Activities
We integrate plenty of push and pull activities throughout the day. Children might push large boxes, pull weighted sleds, or even help rearrange furniture or large toys. These activities provide resistance that helps activate the proprioceptive system, giving children the deep pressure they need to feel more grounded and regulated.
Carrying and Lifting Objects
Another great way to engage children in heavy work is by encouraging them to carry or lift objects that are slightly heavier than they’re used to. This could be as simple as lifting a large bag of blocks, carrying a tray of toys, or pushing a toy cart. These activities can be integrated into play or learning activities, so they feel natural and enjoyable.
Weighted Blankets and Vests
In some cases, we use sensory tools like weighted blankets or vests to give children the calming deep pressure they need. When worn during quiet time or during specific activities, these items provide a gentle, calming effect, helping children self-regulate and focus.
Tug-of-War Games
Tug-of-war is a great group activity that involves children working together to pull on a rope. This fun and cooperative game offers a lot of proprioceptive feedback, as it requires strength and coordination. It also fosters teamwork and social interaction, making it a win-win for sensory integration and social development.
Jumping and Stomping
Jumping and stomping are simple, effective ways to engage heavy work. Whether it’s jumping on a trampoline, jumping into a soft pit, or stomping on a large mat, these activities provide deep pressure input through the legs, helping children feel more grounded. These activities can be used as a sensory break when children need to burn off excess energy or when they need to calm down and regulate.
Therapeutic Play with Resistance Bands
We use resistance bands in various games and activities to give children feedback through their muscles and joints. Children can stretch the bands, pull them apart, or push them back into place, which creates the type of heavy work input that is both fun and calming.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
In addition to heavy work activities, we’ve designed our childcare center to be sensory-friendly in general. We have quiet spaces for children who need a break, calming lights and soft music, and sensory toys like fidget spinners and stress balls that help children stay regulated. Heavy work is a key element in this sensory-rich environment, but it’s part of a broader approach to create a space where children can feel calm, focused, and comfortable.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Proprioception
For children with sensory processing challenges, heavy work is more than just physical exercise—it’s a powerful tool for emotional regulation, sensory integration, and social development. When children engage in activities that challenge their proprioceptive system, they can experience a sense of calm, focus, and balance that helps them navigate their world with confidence.
At our childcare center, we understand the importance of heavy work and make it an integral part of our daily routines. By offering opportunities for proprioceptive input in a playful, supportive environment, we help children with sensory processing challenges feel more centered, confident, and capable. The benefits of these activities extend far beyond the sensory experience—they play a crucial role in helping children build the skills and self-awareness they need to succeed in all aspects of life.