Sensory Circuit #1: At-Home Activities For Body Awareness
Sensory Circuit · By Matt Barker (Digit the APE), Adapted Physical Education specialist
Published · Updated
Welcome to the first episode of the Sensory Circuit series! This circuit focuses on engaging your child’s proprioceptive and vestibular systems with fun, hands-on activities you can easily set up at home. These exercises help improve balance, coordination, and body awareness while allowing your child to explore dynamic movements and sensory inputs. You don’t need […]
Welcome to the first episode of the Sensory Circuit series! This circuit focuses on engaging your child’s proprioceptive and vestibular systems with fun, hands-on activities you can easily set up at home. These exercises help improve balance, coordination, and body awareness while allowing your child to explore dynamic movements and sensory inputs. You don’t need fancy equipment—just some blankets, pillows, and a bit of creativity to get started!
1. Monkey Rolls
What to Do: The adult stands upright while the child climbs up their legs. Once the child reaches a comfortable height (such as the thighs or hips), they flip backward in a controlled motion with the adult’s support. For variety, you can also guide them through a forward flip. Adjust the flip based on the child’s comfort and abilities to ensure safety and confidence.
Why It Works: Climbing engages the child’s upper body, core, and legs, providing deep proprioceptive input as they stabilize themselves. The flipping motion activates the vestibular system, helping to enhance balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. This activity is not only great for sensory development but also fosters a sense of adventure that kids love!
2. Blanket Burrito with Toppings
What to Do: Lay a blanket flat on the floor. Have your child lie down at one end, then roll them up tightly like a burrito. Once they’re snugly rolled, add “toppings” like salsa or cheese by gently tickling or applying firm, calming pressure on their body. Kids love the playful interaction, and the “toppings” can be anything they imagine!
Why It Works: Rolling provides proprioceptive input by compressing the joints and muscles, offering a calming and organizing effect. Adding tickles or gentle pressure stimulates the tactile system, promoting sensory integration and bonding. This is not only a sensory-rich activity but also a delightful way to share laughter and connection.
3. Brush & Balance
What to Do: While your child brushes their teeth, have them balance on one foot. Start with short durations (10–15 seconds) and gradually increase as they get stronger. Encourage them to switch legs halfway through. For an extra challenge, have them close their eyes while balancing.
Why It Works: Balance is a critical skill that influences posture, coordination, and even cognitive functions. According to Michael Mosley’s “Just One Thing” podcast, practicing balance daily can improve focus and help prevent falls as children grow. Balancing while brushing adds an element of multitasking, further enhancing motor planning and proprioceptive feedback.
4. Crash Mat Jumps
What to Do: Set up a crash zone using a pile of blankets, cushions, or a crash mat. Have your child jump off a sturdy couch or low surface onto the soft landing area. Encourage them to try variations like a big jump, a small hop, or landing on one foot.
Why It Works: Jumping provides proprioceptive input as the joints absorb the impact. The vestibular system is engaged during the airborne phase, helping kids refine their spatial awareness and dynamic balance. Plus, the activity encourages confidence as they explore safe ways to move through space.
5. Animal Walks with Directional Challenges
What to Do: Have your child imitate animal movements like bear crawls, crab walks, or frog jumps. Add a pillow, cone, or any household object for them to navigate around, encouraging directional changes. For example, they might crab walk backward to one side and then bear crawl forward.
Why It Works: Animal walks activate the proprioceptive system by engaging large muscle groups and joints. Adding directional challenges helps children practice motor planning and spatial awareness. This activity is perfect for at-home obstacle courses and can easily be modified to suit your child’s age and skill level.
These simple yet effective at-home activities are designed to strengthen your child’s body awareness while keeping them engaged and entertained. Don’t forget to Subscribe or follow along with the rest of the Sensory Circuit series on X, YouTube, and Instagram for more creative ideas to support your child’s sensory development!
Introducing the Sensory Circuit Series
The Sensory Circuit series is designed to engage children in fun, dynamic activities that stimulate their sensory systems, with a primary focus on the proprioceptive and vestibular systems. These systems are essential for helping children develop strength, coordination, and body awareness, laying a foundation for both physical and cognitive growth.
Inspired by seeing Mike Webb present on these systems in Sharjah, UAE, in March 2024, I realized how vital this knowledge is for every PE teacher. The proprioceptive and vestibular systems play such a crucial role in our profession, and understanding how to incorporate activities that target these systems can elevate our ability to support children’s development. This episode focuses on simple, engaging activities you can easily set up at home to help kids build body awareness and confidence.
What Is the Proprioceptive System?
The proprioceptive system helps children understand where their bodies are in space by providing feedback through muscles, joints, and movement. Activities that involve pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying stimulate this system, enhancing strength, coordination, and motor planning. For example, tasks like carrying a weighted basket or crawling through resistance help children feel more in control of their movements while improving their overall stability.
What Is the Vestibular System?
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. It is activated through movements such as spinning, jumping, and balancing. Activities that challenge the vestibular system, like walking on a balance beam or rolling down a hill, help children improve their sense of equilibrium and ability to process dynamic motion.
Other Sensory Systems We’ll Explore
While this series focuses on proprioceptive and vestibular development, sensory integration involves many systems working together. Future episodes may delve into:
- Tactile System: Processing touch sensations like texture and pressure.
- Visual System: Supporting spatial awareness and visual tracking.
- Auditory System: Enhancing rhythm and coordination through sound.
- Interoceptive System: Helping kids tune into internal body signals like hunger or heart rate.