Rope Swing: Vestibular Sensory Play

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The vestibular system is one that is rarely included in lists of the senses, but it plays a huge role in children's growth and development.  What is the vestibular system?  Let's find out...

The vestibular system is made up of vestibular receptors in the inner ear and the pathways that connect them to the rest of the nervous system and brain.  It is a powerful system to activate and can have an effect on your children hours after it receives sensory input.  Activities that provide sensory input include things like spinning, swinging, and rolling.

Today I am joining several other bloggers to bring you sensory activities that activate the vestibular system!  Our activity is a rope swing:




The rope swing is easy to set up...simply tie a rope to a tall tree or other structure.  Your children will figure out the rest!  So far, our kids have used the rope for swinging, climbing, and hanging upside down!

Besides providing amazing vestibular sensory input, the rope swing also strengthens large muscles and is fabulous for improving gross motor coordination!

For more sensory activities, visit the 6 Days of Sensory Play here!  


Also, be sure to come back tomorrow for our toddler-safe scented paint recipe--it's a great olfactory activity!




I may share at any of these parties!

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