Specially-Designed Sensory Play Equipment
We Rock the Spectrum – Hickory, NC was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kid’s gym that offers an inclusive philosophy, we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, in our experience, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level.
We have a host of staffers and volunteers who assist our gym and its goal of helping children with special needs grow beyond the expectations of their doctors and therapists. Open to children of all abilities, our staff and volunteers are equipped with patience and understanding so that individual differences in children are met with kindness and caring, fostering a community of acceptance in our gym!
Our 12 Specialized Pieces of Sensory Equipment:
ZIP LINE
The zip line is a great way to build strength and muscle endurance, enhancing a child’s ability to integrate and tolerate movement while they challenge themselves to hold on long enough to make it to the other end.
This Encourages:
Upper Body Strength
Fast Movement
Jumping & Tumbling
Zip Box with Slide
The zip box works like a stepping stool that children can climb in order to use the zip line. The structure has stairs, a ramp, and a slide – making it a great social gathering place for kids engaged in different kinds of play to interact.
This Encourages:
Gross Motor Coordination
Climbing & Planning
Socialization
Crash Pit
The crash pit is fun and inviting! It’s a perfect landing spot for the end of the zip line, or for kids who are practicing their highest jumps. Add a weighted blanket to the crash pit for a calming quiet space for a child who needs a sensory rest.
This Encourages:
Safe Falling
Deep Pressure Stimulation
Self-Regulation
Trampoline
The place for building lower body strength, the trampoline helps teach balance. Jumping or sitting on the trampoline helps vestibular perception, and playing on the trampoline improves proprioception – the control and movement of ligaments, joints, and small muscles.
This Encourages:
Gross Motor Control
Balance
Socialization
Tunnel
The tunnel is a non-threatening cozy hideout for a child in need of a break. It can also make a great hiding spot in a pinch! The resistance, enclosed space, and tactile input from crawling through the tunnel can all be sensory experiences.
This Encourages:
Self-Regulation
Tactile Exploration
Abstract Thinking
Carpet Swing
The carpet swing is fun and stimulating for swinging, spinning, or gliding side-to-side. Stationary eye hooks and strong rope make it a great place for reading, schoolwork, and various occupational therapy exercises.
This Encourages:
Balance
Self-Regulation
Body Control
Hammock Swing
The hammock swing is a small, cozy, yet sturdy swing that’s great for self-calming. Reclining in the swing and rocking rhythmically can help soothe strong emotions, improve proprioception, and provide deep pressure.
This Encourages:
Relaxation
Deep Pressure Stimulation
Balance
Climbing Structure
The climbing structure promotes full-body awareness, motor planning, and bilateral coordination. The total-body exercise, combined with gravity, provides important joint and body coordination experiences.
This Encourages:
Motor Planning
Upper Body Strength
Socialization
Bolster Swing
The bolster swing is most often straddled like a horse. Pushing and pulling on the ropes gives it motion from side to side, and is a great motor planning and motor sequencing activity.
This Encourages:
Relaxation
Motor Sequencing
Balance Control
Swivel Rotators
Rotators’ ability to move in any direction make swinging extra fun and challenging. The webbing and carabiners offer a secure way to hang swings and give children the fun of not knowing exactly what direction their swing is going to move!
This Encourages:
Experimental Play
Full-Body Coordination
Fun!
Climbing Mountain
The climbing mountain enhances the body's awareness, body scheme, motor planning, and bilateral coordination. The child’s body weight combined with gravity provides additional proprioceptive feedback to his/her joints, helping the child coordinate his/her movements.
This Encourages:
Motor Planning
Bilateral Coordination
Balance Control
Rope Bridge
The rope bridge helps to build lower body strength and teach better balance. Children walk across the rope bridge while working on the vestibular perception of movement throughout their body.
This Encourages:
Lower Body Strength
Balance Control
Motor Planning
Poster Download
At We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, we provide Play With A Purpose™. Play With A Purpose is exercising and stimulating any of the seven senses through positive physical, emotional and social development. These seven senses include sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, the vestibular system, and proprioception. Our specially designed sensory-safe equipment and the classes that we offer all work to encourage these!
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