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4.7.2 Regulation activities for different ages
Young children . Let the child touch and play with physical objects . To regulate down
• Play with pets ( kind and calm animals ).
• Wrap the child in a blanket .
• Sing or read to the child .
• Cradle the child , let it sit in your lap ( safe touch ).
• Play calm music .
• Play with stuffed animals .
• Magic rocks .
• Pleasurable smells .
To regulate up
• Play “ I spy ” ( notice things in the environment ).
• Describe objects in view ( name 10 things ).
• Rub hands with glitter cream .
• Play with water and sand .
• Throw balls .
• Make a box with different things to touch .
• Pick flowers , berries , leaves , seeds .
• Stand on one foot ( like a ballerina ).
• Jump up and down . Play “ popcorn hop ”: pretend to be heated like popcorn in a pan .
• Visual contrasts , strong colours .
Children of school age . School children may enjoy the same activities as preschool children , but they can bring objects with them to play with and will understand simple psychoeducation .
Regulating down
• Squeeze a stress ball .
• Butterfly self-hugs ( arms crossed across chest ).
• Calming music .
• Pet animal or soft material
• Safe touch , massage .
• Heavy blankets .
• Balancing activities .
• Grounding stone .
• Mild and pleasant smells .
Regulating up
• Squeeze a stress ball .
• Focus on things in the environment .
• Bike , run , hop .
• Music with fast rhythms .
• Chew different forms of food .
• Play the “ taste game ”, the “ smell game ” or the “ sensory game ”.
• Chew gum , blow bubbles .
• Taste ice cream .
• Touch ice -cubes .
HELP AND ACTION