About Heavy Work
Heavy work refers to activities that push or pull against the body or involve carrying. Heavy work strengthens and maintains the proprioceptive system by offering resistance to joints, muscles, and connective tissues. According to pediatric occupational therapist (and author of Balanced And Barefoot) Angela Hanscom, “Heavy work helps to develop a strong and capable proprioceptive system.”1
There are many benefits to heavy work, it:
- Can be emotionally calming
- Builds large and small muscle strength and control
- Can build confidence and pride in children as they complete tasks and meet physical challenges
- Can increase focus and alertness
- Releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and regulates the sensory system
- Helps children learn to self-regulate
A few examples of heavy work:
- Climbing up a slide, tree, rope, piece of furniture, or playground structure
- Riding a bike, scooter board, scooter, skateboard, or tricycle
- Carrying buckets, rocks, backpacks, laundry baskets, or suitcases
- Digging in sand, dirt, snow, or mud
- Pushing a wheelbarrow, wagon, shopping cart, vacuum cleaner, or person on a swing
- Manipulating play dough, clay, or mud
- Pulling weeds, wagons, or sleds
- Throwing rocks, balls, or bean bags
Contribute content to Playvolution HQ
Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning
Thoughts On This Entry?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on improving this entry, your reaction to it, and suggestions for additional glossary additions in the comments below. You can also contact us with comments or concerns.
Browse Trainings
Author
Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author and the founder of Explorations Early Learning and Playvolution HQ.
Notes
- Hanscom, Angela J. Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children (p. 41). New Harbinger Publications. Kindle Edition.
Thanks To Our Patrons
This post was made possible by patrons like these, who generously fund our work:
Supporters
Lissadell Greene Stephanie Goloway
Lagina Kozak Michelle Hankins Marie Messinger
Fans
Jen Flemming Lizz Nolasco
Susan Warner Kelly Sigalove
Vittoria Jimerson Codee Gilbert
Monica Morrell Pam Soloman Melissa Franklin
Teresa Watson Erika Felt
Melissa Taylor Jahmeela Robinson
Amber Maurina Terra Calamari
Lagina Kozak Samantha Yeager-Cheevers
Elizebeth McCoy Sammy Cousens Ellen Cogan
Leave a Reply