Empowering Calm: The Benefits of 'Move the Walls' for Children with Special Needs

Children with disabilities, autism, or other additional needs often benefit from activities that promote physical engagement and sensory regulation. One such activity is “Move the Walls,” which involves using muscles to press against a surface and then allowing those muscles to relax. This simple yet effective exercise can help children feel calm and relaxed, and it can be easily adapted to suit various ages and abilities. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of the Move the Walls activity, how to implement it, and ways to adapt it for diverse needs.

The Concept of Move the Walls

The Move the Walls activity is designed to provide children with a sensory experience that involves both physical exertion and relaxation. The basic idea is for children to press against a wall or another sturdy surface with their hands, feet, or body, and then release the pressure. This action engages their muscles and provides proprioceptive input, which is the sense of body position and movement. Proprioceptive activities are known to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making them particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing challenges.

Benefits of Move the Walls

1. Calming Effect: The repetitive action of pressing and releasing helps to regulate the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. This can be especially helpful for children who experience anxiety or sensory overload.
2. Muscle Strengthening: Engaging in this activity helps to build muscle strength and endurance. It can be particularly beneficial for children with low muscle tone or those who need to improve their physical fitness.
3. Sensory Regulation: Proprioceptive input from the activity can help children with sensory processing disorders to better understand and manage their sensory experiences. This can lead to improved focus and attention.
4. Adaptability: The activity can be easily modified to suit the needs of individual children. Whether a child is very young, has limited mobility, or requires more intense sensory input, the Move the Walls activity can be tailored to meet their needs.

How to Implement Move the Walls

Implementing the Move the Walls activity is straightforward and requires minimal equipment. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Choose a Suitable Surface: Find a sturdy wall or another surface that can withstand pressure. Ensure that the area is safe and free from obstacles.
2. Explain the Activity: Clearly explain to the child what they need to do. Demonstrate how to press against the wall with their hands, feet, or body and then relax.
3. Encourage Participation: Encourage the child to press against the wall with as much force as they are comfortable with. They can use their hands, feet, or even their back.
4. Monitor and Support: Stay close to provide support and encouragement. Monitor the child’s response to ensure they are not overexerting themselves.
5. Incorporate Variations: To keep the activity engaging, introduce variations such as pressing with different body parts, using different surfaces, or incorporating movement (e.g., pushing a heavy object).

Adapting Move the Walls for Different Ages and Abilities

One of the strengths of the Move the Walls activity is its adaptability. Here are some ways to modify the activity to suit children of different ages and abilities:

1. For Younger Children: Use a soft surface like a padded wall or a large cushion. Encourage them to press with their hands or feet while sitting or standing. Make the activity playful by incorporating songs or stories.
2. For Children with Limited Mobility: Adapt the activity to be done while seated or lying down. Use a therapy ball or a resistance band to provide the necessary resistance. Ensure that the child is comfortable and supported.
3. For Children Needing More Intense Input: Increase the resistance by using a heavier object to push against or by having the child press against the wall with more force. You can also incorporate additional sensory input, such as weighted vests or compression garments.
4. For Group Activities: Turn the activity into a group exercise by having children work together to push a large object or by creating a relay where each child takes a turn pressing against the wall. This can promote social interaction and teamwork.

Tips for Success

To ensure the Move the Walls activity is effective and enjoyable, consider the following tips:

1. Create a Routine: Incorporate the activity into the child’s daily routine to provide consistency and predictability. This can help the child feel more secure and engaged.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise the child’s efforts and progress. Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation and build confidence.
3. Be Patient and Flexible: Every child is different, and it may take time for them to become comfortable with the activity. Be patient and willing to adjust the activity as needed.
4. Involve the Child in Planning: Allow the child to have a say in how the activity is conducted. This can increase their sense of ownership and motivation.
5. Consult with Professionals: If you are unsure how to adapt the activity for a specific child, consult with occupational therapists, physical therapists, or other professionals who work with children with disabilities.

Incorporating Move the Walls into Daily Routines

Integrating the Move the Walls activity into daily routines can enhance its benefits and make it a regular part of a child’s day. Here are some ideas on how to seamlessly incorporate this activity:

1. Morning Routine: Start the day with a quick Move the Walls session to help wake up the body and mind. This can set a positive tone for the day and help children feel more alert and focused.
2. Transition Times: Use the activity during transitions between tasks or activities. For example, after completing homework or before starting a new game, a few minutes of pressing against the wall can help children reset and prepare for the next activity.
3. Before Bedtime: Incorporate the activity into the bedtime routine to help children wind down and relax. The calming effect of the proprioceptive input can make it easier for children to fall asleep.
4. During Breaks: Use the activity as a break during long periods of sitting or concentration, such as during schoolwork or therapy sessions. This can help children release built-up energy and improve their focus.

Creative Variations of Move the Walls

To keep the Move the Walls activity engaging and fun, consider introducing creative variations. Here are some ideas:

1. Themed Pressing: Incorporate themes that interest the child, such as pretending to be superheroes pushing against a villain’s force field or animals pushing against a giant boulder. This can make the activity more imaginative and enjoyable.
2. Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course that includes Move the Walls stations. Children can move through different stations, pressing against walls or objects as part of the course. This adds variety and excitement to the activity.
3. Interactive Games: Turn the activity into a game by adding elements like counting how many times they can press in a minute or seeing how long they can hold the press. This can add a competitive and playful aspect to the exercise.
4. Art Integration: Combine the activity with art by having children press against a wall covered with paper and paint. The pressure can create interesting patterns and textures, making the activity both sensory and creative.

Supporting Emotional and Social Development

The Move the Walls activity can also support emotional and social development in children. Here are some ways to leverage the activity for these purposes:

1. Emotional Expression: Encourage children to express their emotions through the activity. For example, they can press harder when they feel frustrated or gently when they feel calm. This can help them connect physical sensations with their emotions.
2. Social Interaction: Use the activity in group settings to promote social interaction. Children can take turns pressing against the wall or work together to push a large object. This can foster teamwork and communication skills.
3. Building Confidence: Celebrate the child’s achievements and progress in the activity. Positive reinforcement and encouragement can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Safety Considerations

While the Move the Walls activity is generally safe, it’s important to consider the following safety tips:

1. Supervision: Always supervise the activity to ensure the child is performing it safely and not overexerting themselves.
2. Environment: Ensure the area is free from hazards and that the surface being pressed against is sturdy and secure.
3. Comfort: Make sure the child is comfortable and not experiencing any pain or discomfort during the activity. Adjust the intensity as needed.
4. Professional Guidance: If you have any concerns about the child’s physical abilities or how to adapt the activity, consult with a healthcare professional or therapist.

Conclusion

The Move the Walls activity is a versatile and beneficial exercise for children with disabilities, autism, or other additional needs. By engaging their muscles and providing proprioceptive input, this activity can help children feel calm, relaxed, and more in control of their sensory experiences. With its adaptability and ease of implementation, Move the Walls can be a valuable addition to any child’s routine, offering both physical and emotional benefits. Whether used individually or in group settings, this activity can make a positive impact on the lives of children with diverse needs.