![]() What can you do with a paper bag in pre-k? EVERYTHING!!! My favorite thing to do with a paper bag is unconventional stress relief! What? They are kids! They don't have a reason to be stressed! Right? Well.....maybe not! In pre-k world the reasons may not always make sense to those of us "adulting." But they are real nonetheless. Here in the Midwest we have had lots and lots of rain. We play regardless, but when the storms are in full swing it's just not an option. So when the littles get the wiggles and nap is upon us, I can quickly grab a paper bag and make up a new game. You see I have a large group of boys. They NEVER stop!!! They crave heavy resistance play. They crash! They bang! They tear it up!!! This is not the "coloring" crowd. This boy band never rests. So.....the challenge for a teacher is to find activities that promote a safe way to release all this before it erupts into all out WWF (World Wrestling Federation for those who don't know!)! Today, I gave them each a brown crinkly paper shopping bag (I had visited Aldi's the night before) and gave everyone one simple instruction. "Make this bag as small as you can!" The fun ensued! We had stomping, smashing, giggles and grins. Boys especially need this type of play in a preschool setting. Look at the determination! They were squeezing with all their might. They are wired to NEED large muscle work. This type of exercise is vital to developing their healthy bodies, muscles, and minds. It actually helps them to be able to calm their little bodies. After this type of release, a little fella' is far more able to be still for stories and circle times. Have boys that can NEVER seem to settle down? Try heavy resistance play! So where is the science of it all?Boys (and girls) who need this type of play, "...may seem disruptive, full of excessive energy, or even unsafe. These are the crashers, jumpers, movers, and shakers! These are the children we ABSOLUTELY want to target with heavy work activities. It WILL make a difference in them!" - http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/heavy-work-activities.html Now don't get nervous if this describes your child! I'm not indicating that every kiddo that seems to play crash derby has SPD; I TRULY believe that most boys in the pre-k years are wired to need this type of active energy releasing play as a part of their DAILY lives. They are not made for quiet table activities that will actually promote MORE anxiety and classroom disruptions.
The following is an extensive list from http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/heavy-work-activities.html article of types of play that helps children direct this energy safely while still meeting their real needs of "heavy" sensory engaging play. Gross Motor ActivitiesCarrying objects, such as...
Wearing wrist or ankle weights Using a weighted lap pad or weighted blanket Swimming with or without swim weights Pushing or pulling objects and activities, such as...
Potato sac/ jumping bag races Lizard crawl (belly on floor, push self with elbows) Climbing/hanging on things, such as...
Walking/running/playing in the sand "Sandwich"/ Squishing activities...
Working at vertical surfaces (at/above eye level), such as...
Fidget or play with stretchy/squishy items, such as...
Multi-person parachute games and activities Cooking activities, such as...
Dig and play in the sand toy backhoe, or with some cool beach and sandbox toys usingsand and water tables or, wooden covered sandboxes Oral Motor Activities: Chewy foods such as...
There are so many ideas and resources in this list that we could keep those busy bodies happy and learning for weeks. I hope this gives you some fresh new ideas for helping your little ones grow and understanding how really "normal" it is for little ones to engage in "heavy" sensory and active play. It isn't something we need to worry about or discipline our children out of. It is truly all in a day of play at Woolsey Academy. I wish you well and I hope you get to play today! - L Related Resources from the article http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/heavy-work-activities.html The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder Growing an In-Sync Child: Simple, Fun Activities to Help Every Child Develop, Learn, and Grow Check out more great products, heavy work activities, and ideas within these two articles... Sensory Integration Activities and Sensory Integration Products Childrens Playground Equipment - A comprehensive article on the benefits, and a great selection of, children's playground equipment. This includes; outdoor, indoor, wooden or plastic playground equipment, AND climbers or swing sets. Oral Sensitivities - A great resource for the signs of oral sensitivities (hypersensitive or hyposensitive) as it relates to Sensory Processing Disorders, as well as great treatment ideas! Proprioception And Proprioceptive Dysfunction - An in-depth article defining proprioceptive dysfunction; signs and symptoms to help you understand the REAL reason your child may not be able to learn new motor tasks or has a high energy level. Sensory Room - extremely therapeutic for both children and adults with, or without, sensory processing/sensory integration disorders. http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/heavy-work-activities.html - an extensive article about ideas and tips to help those in need of "heavy" play. By www.sensory-processing-disorder.com
2 Comments
paula henry
7/24/2015 07:18:50 am
Great ideas, just would make it clear that some of these activities should only be done under the supervision of an OT and with permission of the parent. Ones like wrapping child in a blanket or rug. Weighted vests, shorts, swimming items, etc can cause negative effects and make things worse for some children. Having out weights for exercise during a unit of Healthy Bodies is one thing, but encouraging or having a child use them regularly is not good. Also, all of the ideas here are good for boys as well as girls. I agree heavy play should be offered all the time. Children will self-regulate and use the items themselves if available.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Life is made of moments..."There isn't anything more full of hope, joy and peace than a child's smile... It captures the mundane and makes it extraordinary." - LaDonna Woolsey I am a www.prekwithme.com blogger. I decided to become one after trying their products because I they are comprehensive and serve my mixed age group well. I do receive products to review from www.prekwithme.com and do so with my own honest and thorough opinions. For more information, please contact me at [email protected]
Categories
All
Archives
January 2025
Categories
All
|
Location |
|