Occupational Therapy Sensory Strategies and Sensory Diet

Activities for Homework

Sensory activities provide a child’s central nervous system with important and
necessary input. Kids’ brains learn through the body.

Every child’s sensory needs are different. Most kids need movement or
vestibular input to help them learn and focus. Many children need input to the
body’s muscles and joints (proprioceptive input) through heavy work and deep
pressure activities.

Some kids need tactile input or fidgets to help them focus and remain
regulated. Others need the right amounts of auditory input or visual input in
order to prevent sensory overload.

Use the following sensory diet strategies and ideas at home to help your child
focus.

Choose the ones that your child would benefit from to meet his/her specific
needs.

The sensory activities and tips listed include vestibular and proprioceptive
activities, oral sensory strategies, and visual and auditory activities, strategies
and tips.

Sensory Input for the Vestibular System to Increase Focus at

Home:

Movement play and exercise before learning is the most important thing kids
need for their nervous systems. Kids’ bodies NEED MOVEMENT!

It provides nourishment for the body and brain. Movement and balance
activities improve core strength and postural stability that support attention
centers. The vestibular system works in the brain with the visual system and the
eye muscles.

Movement input before learning increases focus. Short, quick movement breaks
can be added to any homeschooling day or added in the evening before
homework.

If your child is a mover, create a path for walking back and forth in a room or
hallway (or even outside!) while reading or studying flashcards.