NO RECESS? NO PROBLEM!!!
SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S SENSORY AND MOTOR NEEDS DURING HOME INSTRUCTION
Adapted from online resources by Kathryn Polidoro, OTR/L and Jessica Dunn, PT
Here are some suggestions to boost your child’s development and effectively fill time outside
of structured educational activities!
MOVE!
Kids do better when academic time is broken into smaller, more easily achievable segments!
Take a break from the technology and move your body! Movement has been shown to boost
cognitive development, physical health, and mental well-being.
-GoNoodle
-CosmicKidsYoga
-TheLearningStation
-Brain-Breaks.com (click on content and it will show free videos)
Create an obstacle course—no special equipment needed! Walk like animals, jump over pillows, or
use masking tape on the floor to create visuals. Each family member can take a turn at choosing
how you move through the course. (Added bonus if you incorporate a functional component
such as picking up a site word, carrying it across the obstacle course and writing it down at the end!)
Have a dance party! Play your favorite songs and show off your favorite moves.
Go for a nature walk
UNSTRUCTURED play!
Our kids are so used to having their days planned out for them from school, to
extracurricular activities, to evening routines. Unstructured play leads to cognitive,
social-emotional, and physical development by giving children freedom to explore and
problem solve independently. Limit screen time, go outside, let kids create, allow them to get
messy, and don’t solve ALL of their problems for them.
Teach your kids new things!
Endless time at home is a great opportunity to practice new skills. Teach your children simple
household chores, how to tie their shoes, or practice new recipes! Learning new skills allows children
to gain responsibility and will boost their independence and confidence.
Create a safe, calm space
This is a stressful time. We are out of routine and not able to engage in our regular activities.
It is important to have a safe space to take a break and relieve stress. Use a comfy chair, make a fort,
or offer hugs. Encourage use of coping strategies such as deep breaths, talking about feelings,
listening to music, or squeezing a ball or play doh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEJT9cYsm0&t=15s (Mindfulness Exercise)