Be nimble like a ninja warrior and move from one floating island to the next without stepping into the hot lava, then scale around the volcano and jump through the tire wall! Creep quietly around the border to sneak up on the dragon. Keep moving over the boat to find the treasure chest and get the prize!
This fun and challenging activity was created with one our Great Kids who is a Sensory Craver. He enjoys moving and touching so much that it is sometimes hard for him to focus and often challenging to move in an organized and coordinated way.
By developing this story he is able to determine when to start and stop his movements. He is also challenged to use precise, coordinated movements to navigate through the plot of the story. The benefits of this reach beyond coordination, timing and pacing of his movements!
Through this type of play he will be better able to develop clear logical stories when writing in school. He will be able to control his gross motor movements in a way to support fine motor movements, which will improve academic skills such as writing and visual scanning to support reading. As if that’s not cool enough that this fun game will help with all of these academic skills, this type of game will also support him to interact more effectively with his friends as he slows down his movements to take in and respond to their social gestures.
Who knew you could play a super fun ninja warrior game and make all of these great developmental gains?!?!
Founder and Creator of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model
Michele Parkins, MS, OTR, is an Occupational Therapist specializing in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, and Sensory Treatment and Research Institute faculty.
Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a book to help support parents and families to understand better the impact of SPD on family dynamics and relationships and the day to day demands of life with sensory processing differences. Follow her on Facebook for updates and tips!
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- 10 play-based motor planning activities - December 10, 2019
- 10 play-based vestibular activities - November 22, 2019
