Activity
Jump Like the Animals
Imitate jumping animals for a fun game to stimulate the vestibular system!
This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and Monica Allon and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition,Volume 2, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This activity provides vestibular stimulation, improving balance, spatial awareness and the ability to catch oneself when off balance. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility.
Materials
Exercise mat or soft surface
Procedure
- The student should stand on a soft surface such as an exercise mat or carpeted floor. The student picks an animal, jumps and makes animal sounds, or jumps pretending to be that animal (bunny, using hands to be ears; kangaroo, holding a ball on his stomach for a pouch; monkey, scratching and making noises).
- Provide assistance as needed.
The student can jump around a room following the instructor, another student, or a sound source (can hold onto a guide’s shoulder).
Hints: Guard students from bumping into obstacles. Watch for any adverse responses, such as avoidance, grimaces, withdrawal or verbal outbursts. Stop the activity if any of these reactions occur. Reintroduce the activity slowly with the student in control. Let him be the guide for how much vestibular stimulation he can tolerate.
