Day to day, most people don’t think too much about their body awareness. We each move and react to our environments as a second nature however, there is a term for this and it’s called proprioception.
In our blog, we talk about the ways in which you can implement fun activities with your child to help increase body awareness!
What is Proprioception?
This is the sense of where our body is in space, the position of our body parts, and where and how our body parts are moving. The receptors for this sense are located in our muscles and joints. Every time we move, information from these receptors surges to our brain to allow us to plan our movements and move in a controlled and efficient manner.
In addition to being in charge of our body awareness, the proprioceptive sense also plays a big role in organizing all of our other senses!
Why is Proprioception Important?
Proprioceptive input is not only very regulating to kids who are over-responsive to sensory input or needing to calm down their nervous system, but it also is alerting for kids who are under-responsive and need a little help pepping up in order to focus and engage with their environment.
Fun Activities to Improve Your Child’s Body Awareness
Proprioceptive activities are fun and easy way to help improve your child’s body awareness and motor planning skills as well as to help organize their nervous systems.
Animal Walks
Try crab walks around the kitchen table, bear walks in the backyard, or bunny hopping from room to room!
Chewy Snacks
Chewy foods are great for giving proprioceptive input to the jaw. Try jerky, fruit leather, or day old bagels.
Helping with Chores
Kids can help to carry laundry baskets or bring in groceries, water plants with a hose or watering can, or push the vacuum.
Outside Play
Outdoor playtime is a great opportunity for getting proprioceptive input! Try swinging from the monkey bars, riding a bike or tricycle, or jumping on a trampoline.
If you or a loved one is in need of physical, occupational, speech, or applied beahvior analysis therapy call our office today at 586-323-2957 to schedule your FREE 30 minute screening.
Written by: Elizabeth Horsch, COTAL
