My students are fairly used to the sequence of activities that take place during a therapy session.  We, at times, change things up, but for the most part there is consistency.  

 

I typically start each session with jumping.  This can be done on the floor, a mini-trampoline (please supervise), etc.  

The name of the song is called  A Waiting Game by Aubrey and Art Lande off of the Songames for Sensory Integration CD. 1-02 A Waiting Game (Featuring Amy J.m4a .

 

The students jump as the music plays and freeze when the song says wait, hold your horses, etc.  The song has 5 choruses and each wait time progressively gets longer.  This is not only providing your children with a good cardiovascular warm-up but it also is giving them proprioceptive input and self-regulation.  

 

First chorus:  jumping (2 feet together in place).

Second chorus: switch (standing with one foot in front of the other and in the air switch feet so that whatevet foot was in front is now in back).

Third chorus: cross (in air jump so legs are crossed and then legs are open).

Fourth chorus: spaceship and statue (these are nothing more than jumping jacks.  Using spaceship and statue gives the students a visual they can relate with).

Last chorus: hop on one foot (I tell them to switch feet after 3.  The goal is to do this without holding on).

 

Believe it or not that only takes about 1.5 minutes.  I usually demonstrate as they are trying the skills. I verbally will say switch or cross and definitely control the speed and accuracy of their jumping jacks with demonstration and verbal cues.

 

The next area we prep is core strength.  I shoot for 10 pull to sit or sit-ups and 10 bridges or 10' crab walk. 

 

Pull to sit /sit-ups

I stabilize the students legs and provide assistance at their hands or just taps at the hands.   I do this so they don't put hands down for support.  It is a dance.  

 

Bridges/crab walking

bridges start with child on back with both arms and legs, have them crab walk straight and then lift the buttocks off of the support surface as hi as possible and hold for 3-5 seconds.  If this is too hard you can start with the child on their back and feet bent.  If these 2 options are too easy, have them crab walk.  

 

When crab walking look for stable movement of the arms and legs.  Look for them to make a table with their bellies and not drag their bottoms on the floor.  This is tough.

 

Next I incorporate a fun activity, like the ones I am posting daily, that address each students IEP needs.  It could be as easy as using a puzzle and the balance beam or gross motor dice to have the child control their body in space. Another one they love is the old game of hit the penny (they bounce a ball to hit a coin and if they make the coin move they get a point.  First to 10 wins! This incorporates throwing catching and accuracy.  Practice stairsby completing a puzzle or doing chores.  Remember only one foot on each step.

 

My sessions end with writing parents a note and they get a sticker or stamp.

 

As always I am here to help!  Do not hesitate to reach out!