Heavy work tasks can improve sensory integration, regulate emotions, and help students display appropriate behaviors throughout the school day (or at home).
Proprioceptive activities, or heavy work tasks, can be done in a whole group setting or in centers. Here are some heavy work task ideas for school, home and a few for physical exercise.
AT SCHOOL
Carry books or stack books.
Hold door open for others.
Erase the board.
Sharpen a pencil with a hand-held pencil sharpener.
Stack chairs.
Carry a heavy bag.
Wipe tables.
Knead dough.
Squeeze stress ball.
Rip cardboard or thick cardstock.
Move heavy bricks or boxes.
Pull a cart.
Carry bucket full of sand/water/toys.
Wear ankle or wrist weights.
Use weighted lap pad.
AT HOME
Water flowers/garden with watering can.
Vacuum.
Clean windows or mirrors.
Take out the trash.
Drink thick liquids through a straw.
Carry laundry basket (not empty).
Stack cans of food. Unstack cans of food.
Sort recycling bin.
Make the bed.
Use hammer and nail to build something.
PHYSICAL WORK OUT
Wheelbarrow walk.
Do jumping jax.
Do push ups or wall push ups.
Crab walk.
Use jumprope.
Do somersaults.
Jump on trampoline or jump in place.
Give yourself a bear hug.
What heavy work tasks do you utilize in your classroom? Share in the comments below to give more ideas to other teachers!
