Monday Mornings with SPD: Warm up that brain!

I recently learned of an exercise to help get SPD kids warmed up for homework or other school assignments.  My son's OT showed me cross-overs which involves tapping the right knee with the left hand, and then the left hand to the right knee.  This is done a few times before the routine changes to tapping the left foot with the right hand, and right foot with left hand.  Then you switch it up again with the cross-over foot tapping behind your body.  Both of my boys struggled with this at first, but eventually got the hang of it. The OT says that these exercises can help the SPD child (or anyone):

• improve concentration
• reduce stress
• feel more centered and balanced
• increase energy

and I would add that it helps with hand-eye coordination.

This activity and more can be found at http://www.braingym.org/
So, today, we implemented this activity during our music lessons.  We turned it into a dance and stood in front of my full-length mirrors as we danced to Wee Sing Silly Songs (http://www.weesing.com/) The boys loved it and after about 15 minutes of this, we went right into doing math and it was the easiest lesson to give today.  Son #2 was relaxed and calm and able to concentrate.  Son #1 was very cooperative and finished his assigned work in record time.

It's important to switch the exercises up so the boys don't get bored - so I'm always on the look out for new ideas.  The OT did mention that having a swing and/or some spinning toy they can sit on to spin would be just as calming and relaxing for them.  So, it's off to IKEA to pick those items up. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80100251 spinning chair.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00065497 swinging chair.

Until next time, eat well, be happy and be well.