Heavy Work: A Powerful Sensory Strategy for Young Children

Supporting Self-Regulation at Home and in the Classroom

As parents, you may have noticed moments when your child struggles to manage their emotions or energy levels. Whether it’s difficulty sitting still, frequent emotional outbursts, or trouble following directions, these behaviors can be signs of dysregulation. When we notice these types of behaviors, we use a powerful sensory strategy called heavy work to help children feel more in control of their bodies and emotions.

What is Heavy Work?

Heavy work activities engage the proprioceptive system—the body’s internal sense of movement and position—through resistance-based tasks like pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying. These activities provide deep sensory input, which helps children regulate their emotions, improve focus, and feel more grounded.

Why Heavy Work Matters

When children have ways to regulate their energy and emotions, they feel more confident and capable. By incorporating heavy work into daily routines, both at school and at home, we can help children develop the tools they need to navigate their world with greater ease.

How We use Heavy Work in the Classroom

At Discovery World, we integrate heavy work with regular tasks throughout the day to support self-regulation and learning. Some examples include:

• Carrying classroom materials like books or small bins
• Helping set up and clean up by stacking chairs or wiping tables
• Engaging in gross motor activities like dancing, jumping, and climbing
• Using resistance bands during seated activities to provide sensory feedback

These activities not only support emotional regulation but also build confidence and independence as children take on helpful classroom tasks.

How Parents Can Use Heavy Work at Home

Heavy work isn’t just for the classroom—it’s a great tool to use at home, too! If your child struggles with transitions, meltdowns, or boundless energy, incorporating heavy work into their routine can help. Try these simple activities:

• Let your child carry groceries or push a laundry basket
• Have them help with chores like sweeping, wiping counters, or raking leaves
• Encourage activities like wall push-ups, jumping jacks, or yoga stretches
• Use weighted blankets or resistance bands for calming sensory input
• Set up obstacle courses or movement breaks during playtime

By using these strategies at home, you can provide your child with the sensory input they need to feel more balanced and ready to engage in daily activities.

Starting at Prevention!

Preventative strategies can make a significant difference in reducing dysregulation before it even starts. Here are some key ways to create a more regulated environment:

• • Create a Consistent Routine – Using visual schedules and consistent transitions to reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
  • Incorporate Movement – Including activities like jumping, skipping, and running to help children regulate energy.
  • Offer Calming Tools and Spaces – Providing items like fidget toys, stretchy sensory sacks, or calming areas with a sensory treasure chest for children to self-regulate.
  • Adapt Activities – Tailoring activities to meet individual needs, such as using large muscle activities, playing in a private backyard shirtless on a windy day, or eating dinner in the grass without shoes for children who need extra sensory input.
  • Promote Emotional Awareness and Regulation – Teaching self-regulation skills through play, acknowledging emotions, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Supporting Positive Behaviors and Preventative Strategies for the Classroom

In addition to heavy work, several effective strategies can help support children’s positive behavior:

• Remain Calm & Empathetic – Use a calm tone and validate your child’s feelings (e.g., “I see you’re upset, it’s okay to feel this way. We cannot throw our toys, but we can stomp our feet.”).
• Offer Choices & Empowerment – Giving children control over small decisions can help them feel more secure and reduce frustration (e.g. “Which veggie do you want me to cook up today – purple cauliflower or green broccoli?”).
• Teach Self-Regulation – Model and encourage techniques like deep breathing, counting, or mindfulness exercises.
• Create a Safe Space – Designate an area where your child can calm down without distractions. Distinguish between time-out (adult-controlled for an unacceptable behavior) and time-away (child-controlled when dysregulated), and model when adults need time-away to regulate. Encourage reflection on these strategies, “You seem really frustrated. Do you want to take a moment by yourself in your calm corner and come back to tell me why you are feeling this way?”
• Encourage Physical Movement – Provide opportunities for running, jumping, climbing, or other gross motor activities to help regulate energy levels.

If you have any questions about how to use heavy work strategies at home, we’d love to share more ideas! Feel free to reach out to our team for additional resources.