Play & Proprioception – Pre-school

Many young children are still developing this sense, so it’s normal to see behaviours like:

• Being very active or always on the go
• Tripping or bumping into things more often than you’d expect
• Finding it harder to settle or becoming upset quickly

These behaviours are common in early childhood and are often just part of how children learn about their bodies.

Activities that include pushing, pulling, or lifting—sometimes called proprioceptive activities—can help children feel more settled and in control. Including these activities in your child’s day can help their body get the information they need to: 

• Feel more in control of their body
• Stay calm
• Sleep better at night

We’ve listed some activity ideas below. Choose the ones that suit your child’s abilities and what they enjoy. Always supervise your child during these activities. Try them in short, fun sessions throughout the day—at home or nursery.

Try these activities for 10–12 weeks to see if they help. If they do, keep using them as part of your child’s daily routine.

Balance and Movement Games

• Mini obstacle courses for crawling, rolling, climbing
• Move like animals (frog, crab, snake)
• Sing and move to nursery rhymes (like 'Row Your Boat')

Pushing and Pulling

• Push a toy shopping trolley or baby walker.
• Pull a wagon or toy with a string.
• Push large soft blocks or cushions across the floor.

Carrying and Lifting

• Carry a small basket with soft toys.
• Help carry light laundry items to a basket.
• Stack and carry soft blocks or pillows.

Climbing and Crawling

• Crawl through tunnels or under tables.
• Climb over soft play equipment or cushions.
• Play on toddler-safe climbing frames.

Heavy Work Play

• Squish and roll play dough or soft clay.
• Fill and empty containers with sand, rice, or water.

Deep Pressure and Calming

• Wrap up in a blanket like a “sausage” (with supervision).
• Give big, gentle hugs (only if the child enjoys them).
• Roll a soft ball over their back or legs while lying down.

Bouncing and Jumping

• Bounce on a parents/carers lap or a soft surface.
• Jump on a toddler trampoline with a handle (supervised).
• Dance to music with jumping and stomping. Sing and move to nursery rhymes.