Heavy Work Heroes Lesson Plan Facilitator Guide Early Elementary (Grades K–2)
Heavy Work Heroes: Movement Circuit
Sensory-Motor Integration
Total Time: 35–45 min
Sensory Rationale: Proprioceptive input (resistance, pushing, pulling, joint compression) activates muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs. This deep-pressure sensory signal has an organizing, calming effect on the central nervous system, dampening hyperarousal, increasing postural security, and sharpening motor praxis.
Core Objectives
Modulate arousal level via deep joint pressure
Increase bilateral coordination & motor planning
Identify physical body states (Engine Check)
Low-Prep Materials
Floor tape or spot markers (5 stations)
Medicine ball (2–4 lb) or heavy book basket
Bed sheet or scooter for cargo pulls
Wall space clear of furniture
Safety Guardrails
No crashing into walls; hands stay flat
Breathing cadence: "Blow out the birthday candle"
Barefoot or non-slip athletic shoes
Circuit Session Roadmap
00–07 Min
Phase 1: Engine Check-in & Superhero Activation
Introduce the "Body Engine" concept (Fast / Sluggish / Just Right). Lead activation warm-up: isometric shoulder self-hugs, wall palm presses, and slow marching stomps to engage core stabilizers.
07–12 Min
Phase 2: Station Mission Demo & Movement Coaching
Walk whole group through the 5 circuit stations. Model deliberate, slow-tempo heavy work over fast chaotic movement. Emphasize "feel your muscles wake up" vs. "racing".
12–32 Min
Phase 3: Hero Circuit Rotation / Power-Up Game
Students rotate in small cohorts (3–4 students per station). 3 minutes active work per station + 45 seconds slow transitional crawl. Facilitate using visual station cards and chime cue.
32–40 Min
Phase 4: Proprioceptive Downshift & Cool-Down Reset
Transition to floor mats for joint decompression: Deep Pressure Burrito Roll, Turtle Tuck breathing, and completion of the Body Reset Reflection Sheet.
Heavy Work Heroes • Instructional Facilitation Plan Page 1 of 2
Station Blueprints & Biomechanical Cues
5 Hero Stations
1 Mountain Pusher (Isometric Wall Press) Upper Body & Core Resistance
Setup: Sturdy wall, floor tape line 2 ft back.
Verbal Cue: "Press flat palms! Can you push the wall into tomorrow?"
Sensory Target: Triceps, serratus anterior, pectorals, foot plantar flexors.
2 Boulder Bulldozer (Heavy Ball / Mat Roll) Joint Approximation & Pelvic Stability
Setup: 3–5 lb slam ball or rolled gym mat.
Verbal Cue: "Hands glued, push from your toes! Drive the boulder forward!"
Sensory Target: Bilateral co-contraction through wrists, elbows, and knees.
3 Bear Patrol & Crab Walk Crawlway Full Quadrupedal Weight Bearing
Setup: 15-ft zig-zag floor tape course.
Verbal Cue: "Bear on the way out (belly down), Crab on the way back (belly up)!"
Sensory Target: Glenohumeral stability, vestibular equilibrium, spine alignment.
4 Cargo Hauler (Towel / Basket Resistance Drag) Traction & Hand Grip Strength
Setup: Heavy towel with weighted beanbags.
Verbal Cue: "Strong tugboat grip! Walk backward slowly, smooth and steady."
Sensory Target: Joint traction across shoulders, latissimus dorsi, finger flexors.
5 Frog Leap & Sticky Landing Eccentric Deceleration & Lower Compression
Setup: 4 foam poly spots or yoga tiles.
Verbal Cue: "Explode up, then FREEZE like your feet are stuck in sticky honey!"
Sensory Target: Quad/glute eccentric control, knee and hip joint compression.
Individualized Sensory Differentiations
For Sensory Seekers (High Need):
Increase drag load (add 2 lb weight); add 5-second isometric wall freeze; prompt slow-motion movement challenges.
For Low Tone or Gravitational Insecurity:
Offer two-hand support for frog landings; shorten bear crawl distance; allow wall press from seated yoga ball.
Regulation Observation Checklist
Decreased fidgeting / body rocking
Improved eye gaze & calm vocal tone
Smooth motor control & posture
Heavy Work Heroes • Instructional Facilitation Plan Page 2 of 2
Heavy Work Heroes Slides Sensory Training Mission
Early Elementary Movement Circuit
Proprioceptive Movement Academy
HEAVY WORK HEROES
Power up your muscles, steady your joints, and find your calm superpower!
Push • Pull • Carry • Ground
Ready for Action Station Check
The Secret Power
What is Proprioception?
Body GPS
Your joints and muscles send messages to your brain so you know where your body is without looking!
Heavy Work Magic
Pushing, pulling, and stomping helps your nervous system feel calm, steady, and focused!
⚡ When our muscles work hard, our brains feel grounded and ready to learn!
Pre-Mission Diagnostic
How is Your Engine Running?
⚡
Fast & Bouncy
Wiggly, fast-moving, high energy. Heavy work helps you downshift!
💤
Low & Sluggish
Tired, heavy, droopy body. Heavy work wakes your muscles up!
🎯
Just Right
Steady, calm, ready to listen. Heavy work keeps you in balance!
Point to your engine right now! We will check again after the mission.
Hero Stations 1 & 2
Push & Roll Missions
1
Mountain Pusher
💪 Flat palms glued against the wall.
• Step one foot back like a sprinter.
• Push as hard as you can for 10 seconds!
"Can you push the wall into tomorrow?"
2
Boulder Bulldozer
🪨 Heavy ball or rolled mat on the floor.
• Both hands flat on the boulder.
• Drive forward across the floor using your legs!
"Keep hands glued! Drive with steady power!"
Station Time: 3 Minutes • Listen for the Hero Chime to Rotate
Hero Stations 3 & 4
Crawl & Haul Missions
3
Bear & Crab Patrol
🐻 Bear Crawl down: Belly facing the floor.
🦀 Crab Walk back: Belly facing the ceiling!
• Heavy hands and feet press into the mat.
"Feel your shoulders working hard!"
4
Cargo Hauler
⚓ Towel or sled with heavy cargo beanbags.
• Grip tight with two hands like a tugboat.
• Walk backward slowly and smoothly.
"Strong grip, slow steps, no collisions!"
Keep your movements slow and controlled — no racing!
Hero Station Circuit Game Hero Training Mission
Roll & Regulate: Hero Circuit Game
Hero Name:
Date:
How to Play: Roll a 6-sided die at each station round. Complete your hero move with slow, controlled strength. Color in your Hero Badge once finished. Can you collect all 6 power stars?
1
Mountain Pusher Freeze
Hands flat against the wall. Push with all your might while counting slowly to 10!
2
Boulder Bulldozer Roll
Roll the heavy ball or cylinder across the carpet to the cone and back 2 times.
3
Bear Crawl Patrol
Belly down, heavy paws pressing! Crawl 10 slow bear steps along the zig-zag tape.
4
Crab Walk Scuttle
Belly up to the sky, strong hands and heels! Walk backward for 8 controlled steps.
5
Tugboat Cargo Haul
Two-handed tugboat grip! Walk backward slowly, dragging the heavy cargo sled.
6
Frog Cannon & Sticky Freeze
Leap forward with explosive legs, then stick the landing! Hold frozen for 3 seconds.
Hero Mission Badges (Color or stamp as you complete each round) 6 Rounds Total
Round 1 ★
Round 2 ★
Round 3 ★
Round 4 ★
Round 5 ★
Bonus ★
Partner Co-Op Power Challenge: The Mirror Press
Stand face-to-face with a partner, feet shoulder-width apart. Place palms against your partner's palms at chest height. Match each other's strength without pushing each other over! Hold steady for 5 deep breaths.
Heavy Work Heroes • Roll & Regulate Movement Game Page 1 of 2
Cut & Post Station Signage
Hero Station Physical Placards
Place at gym or sensory stations
Station 1 Wall Area
Mountain Pusher
Isometric Muscle Power
Action Steps:
1. Place flat palms against the wall at chest height.
2. Step back into a strong runner stance.
3. Push the wall with 100% steady power!
4. Count aloud: "1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi... 10!"
🔥 Superpower: Arms, Shoulders & Back Stability
Station 2 Carpet Lane
Boulder Bulldozer
Heavy Rolling Resistance
Action Steps:
1. Kneel behind the heavy ball or roller.
2. Place two firm hands on the top edge.
3. Push with your legs and roll forward to the cone.
Body Reset Station Cool-Down Sensory Reset & Reflection
Body Reset Station Cool-Down
Hero Name:
Date:
My Body Engine Comparison (Circle your state)
Before Heavy Work:
⚡ Fast Wiggly
💤 Slow Sleepy
🎯 Just Right Steady
Right Now (After Reset):
⚡ Fast Wiggly
💤 Slow Sleepy
🎯 Just Right Calm & Ready
Complete the 3-Step Hero Decompression Routine
1 The Super Squeeze
Wrap both arms across chest. Squeeze your shoulders tight for 10 slow counts.
Done!
2 Turtle Tuck
Kneel and curl into a tight ball. Rest forehead on your mat. Take 3 deep breaths.
Done!
3 Candle Breath
Breathe in through nose (smell the flower), blow out long (cool the soup) 3 times.
Done!
Draw Your Strongest Heavy Work Move Today Draw yourself doing wall push, ball roll, bear crawl, or cargo pull!
How do your muscles and brain feel right now? (Circle 2 words):
Steady Calm Strong Focused Grounded Ready to Learn
Hero Passport Check: My body is regulated and ready for classroom tasks.
Coach/Teacher Initials:
Heavy Work Heroes • Body Reset & Cool-Down Reflection Page 1 of 1
