Welcome to the third episode of the Sensory Circuit Series! This ninja-inspired circuit is packed with action-packed challenges that engage the proprioceptive and vestibular systems—helping kids develop body awareness, coordination, and strength while embracing their inner ninja. Using simple equipment like balloons, boxing gloves, hurdles, and a martial arts pad, you can create an engaging, movement-filled sensory circuit right at home!
🥷 1. Boxing Balloon Battle
What to Do: Put on your ninja boxing gloves and punch a balloon into the air, keeping it from touching the ground! Can you keep it going for 30 seconds?
Why It Works: This activity improves hand-eye coordination and stimulates the proprioceptive system by activating shoulder and arm muscles. The focus required also enhances visual tracking and motor planning.
🥋 2. Nunchuck Ninja Jumps
What to Do: Use your nunchuck jump rope to jump and land on a noise-making ninja spot (like a buzzer or pressure-sensitive pad). How many silent ninja jumps can you do in a row?
Why It Works: Jumping stimulates the vestibular system, improving balance and spatial awareness. The rhythmic movement of jumping rope builds coordination, body control, and endurance.
🤫 3. Ninja Stealth Course
What to Do: Crawl under hurdles like a sneaky ninja, jump over obstacles, and travel across the balance beam without making a sound! Move quickly and quietly to complete the challenge.
Why It Works: Crawling activates deep proprioceptive input by engaging core and arm muscles, while jumping over obstacles strengthens vestibular awareness and balance. This also enhances motor planning and agility.
💪 4. Ninja Power Push
What to Do: Push against the martial arts pad with full force to activate your ninja strength! Hold your push for 5-10 seconds, then reset and push again. Bonus: Use a pad with a squeeze button to get instant feedback when enough force is applied.
Why It Works: This is a proprioceptive powerhouse—engaging muscles, joints, and deep pressure receptors to help kids develop strength, endurance, and body awareness.
🏯 5. Ninja Pose Challenge
What to Do: Master five ninja poses, holding each for 10 seconds without losing balance:
⚔️ Ninja Warrior – Low squat, arms extended
🌳 Stealth Tree – One-legged balance
🐉 Dragon Squat – Deep squat with hands together
🦶 Crane Balance – Standing on one foot, arms wide
🛡️ Samurai Stance – Lunge with arms overhead
Why It Works: These poses challenge balance and stability, strengthening the vestibular system and proprioceptive control while improving focus and posture.
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.
