Activities to Increase Level of Alertness

• Carrying heavy objects (gallon jugs filled with sand, backpacks, heavy box, books to library)
• Crawling/Climbing: playground equipment provides a variety of climbing challenges
• Moving chairs from on top of table to floor
• Pushing heavy objects
• Drawing in clay
• Jumping on floor or trampoline, jumping rope, jumping jacks
• Hopscotch
• Wheelbarrow walking
• Pushing wall/chair push-ups
• Crunches
• Monkey bars, teeter totter, walking uphill
• Push/pull toys and games: loaded boxes, wagons, wheelbarrows, furniture, vacuum, push broom.
• Animal walks: crabwalk, frog hop, duck walk, bear walk, monkey walk, seal walk
• Putting something in mouth e.g. strongly flavored hard candy, chewy candy (starburst, hot tamales, Mike and Ike) or gum
• Crunchy foods e.g. pretzels,
• Listening to up-beat music

Calming Activities

• Keeping lights low and sitting "snuggled" in a small space.
• Scents such as lavender and vanilla may be calming.
• Use oral input: sweet tastes/sucking are relaxing.
• Drinking water out of a straw (sports bottle)
• Listen to slow, rhythmical music.
• Wrap child snugly in blanket or towel. (do not place over child's head)
• Make a "quiet corner." Have a tent with a beanbag chair and blanket inside. Use only for quiet things such as reading, or getting composure when upset.
• Make a "pizza" on your child. Knead the "dough" with deep pressure massaging on arms, legs and back. Firmly press on pepperoni, sauce, cheese or whatever else child wants.
• Make a "sandwich" by placing child's body (not head) between two pillows and giving deep pressure. Take care not to press too hard and hurt child. Always respect child's cues.
• Rock child slowly in a hammock. Place a blanket on them if they wish. Play relaxing music and dim lights.