In this post we discuss ideas for managing lunchtime hyperactivity. Lunchtime can be a very difficult time of day for children with SEN. The unstructured hour poses many challenges. Frequent transitions, increased sensory input from noisy lunch halls and smells from cooking and even physical touch from bumping into excitable children outside. If not managed effectively, this can lead to anxiety and stress, resulting in difficulties coping with the rest of the day.

To help manage lunchtime hyperactivity effectively, it's important to prepare before, during and after lunchtime. We've teamed up with a local Outreach SEN Teacher to provide some ideas to help manage lunchtime energy.

Structured Daily Routine

Establishing a consistent and structured routine is very important with SEN children. Predictability can help SEN children feel more secure and calm. A good way to show this structure is through visual supports and timetables. Visual supports can reduce anxiety and also improve communication for children who may struggle with verbal instructions.

Create a structured daily routine with the use of symbols or signs. This shows the different activities and breaks throughout the day. Incorporate the lunchtime break into the daily routine so children can see when it will happen. You could even create a separate timetable just for the lunchtime break to help understand the sequence of activities and transitions. This could include the transition from eating in the lunch hall, socialising with friends and then relaxing and calming ready to return to the classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before Lunch Heavy Work Activities

Before the lunchtime break it's a great idea to incorporate some heavy work activities. Activities that involve pushing, pulling, squeezing or moving are not only great for releasing energy, but help to provide proprioceptive input. If a child does these types of activities before lunchtime, or before any situation that could be overwhelming, it helps to organise and calm the body, resulting in a more relaxed state for lunchtime.

Heavy work activites can be done easily within the classroom.  We like to try these before lunch;

  1. Stacking chairs ready for lunchtime
  2. Carrying books across the room
  3. Star jumps
  4. Wall push ups
  5. Moving inside a body sock
  6. Sitting with a weighted lap pad or shoulder wrap
  7. Squeezing therapy putty or playfoam
  8. Playing with fidget toys
  9. Stretching
  10. Spinning

Learning a range of heavy work based activities from a young age, provides children with different self-regulation tools that can be used in a variety of situations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunchtime 

You've done a range of heavy work activities, children are in a more relaxed state and now it's lunchtime. Be sure to provide a sensory-friendly lunchtime environment by minimizing noise, distractions and bright light. Provide comfortable seating options to help with hyperactivity such as wobble stools or cushions and consider using fidget toys to help children self-regulate. Ear defenders or ear plugs are a great option if noise is still an issue, leaving hands free to eat.

For pupils that need more routine at lunchtime, consider running lunchtime clubs. This structure offers the predictability children often need, whilst providing opportunities for social interaction and friendship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Lunch Time

After the lunchtime break, it's a good idea to start with some calming activities. This helps to manage the transition from breaktime to class work, and enables children to get in a relaxed state, ready for more learning.

Now is a great time to get out those calming, sensory resources, either in the classroom or within a dedicated sensory space.

We like to try these:

  1. Listen to calming music
  2. Close your eyes and try mindfulness and relaxation exercises
  3. Climb inside a sensory den
  4. Sit watching a bubble tube or sensory lights
  5. Gently bounce on a therapy ball
  6. Sit with a weighted lap pad or weighted animal and listen to a story
  7. Put on a soothing deep pressure vest (if suitable)
  8. Drawing or colouring
  9. Turn on a projector and watch the soothing lights
  10. Play with tactile massage resources

If the children respond well to consistency, stick with the same or similar activities each day. If the children enjoy trying new things, give them the responsibility to choose the activity - boosting morale and independence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individuality

Whilst we hope this blog article has given you some different ideas to try, we do appreciate that every child is unique and has different requirements. The level of preparation and input required to manage lunchtimes will vary depending on the individual. It can also take time to discover what works for each child. If you have any tips, suggestions or ideas to share we'd love to hear from you on info@sensorydirect.com.