Inclusive Resource on Sensorimotor Child Development for Parents and Teachers

Proprioception

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The nerves for this sense are in our joints. When we  stimulate the joint nerves or “Proprioceptors,” a message gets sent to specific nerve cells in the brain called “Inhibitory Neurons.” The job of these nerve cells is to get rid of unnecessary information or “noise” in the brain. They serve as primary filters in the brain.

When our brains work properly, a sorting occurs of all the sensations bombarding the nervous system.

  • A determination is made as to what is important while simultaneously figuring out what is unimportant.
  • The unnecessary information then gets blocked or thrown away.  The “proprioceptors” activate this filtering system in the brain. These nerves trigger brain cells that extinguish, or block the unnecessary stimuli.

Some grownups feel better after a long run or intense physical workout. They have charged up their proprioceptors and thus help organize or calm the brain. When children jump up and down, crawl and do many other moving activities the proprioception system activates these inhibitory nerves, thereby increasing the ability to pay attention and calm down.

Links to Activities that Fire up the Proprioceptive System for Organization are the following:


Proprioception for Babies

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Wheelbarrow Walking

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Jumping Rope

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Scooters

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Scooter and Plunger*

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*Always use a plunger dedicated to this activity…NOT borrowed from the toilet!


Barrel

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Crawling

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Crab Walking

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Bear Walking

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Climbing

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Lifting and Pushing Heavy Objects

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  Positioning

Reaching for toys while on the tummy strengthens back, neck and arm muscles.