Ep 71 - The Vestibular System and Sensory Inputs!

In this lively, research-driven episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dig beneath the surface of a post-lockdown playground obsession: swings, hammocks and anything that spins. Using real-time observations, they unlock what the vestibular and proprioceptive systems actually do, why so many children suddenly crave “heavy work”, and how practitioners can read behaviour as a sensory message rather than misbehaviour. Along the way they share OT-informed tips for building a balanced “sensory diet”, explain the now-famous “bucket-with-little-holes” analogy for self-regulation, and explore the delicate art of offering risk without chaos—whether that’s bear-hugging a dysregulated child, installing thick ropes for joyful tug-of-war, or serving a calming cup of tea before Circle Time. The conversation finishes with a candid look at the hosts’ own self-soothing quirks (hair-twirling, tongue-bar clacking and 6 a.m. deadlifts) and why adults need sensory strategies just as much as children.

⏱ Chapter Timings
00:00 – Re-opening after lockdown: swings, hammocks and a surge in movement play
01:23 – Spotting a pattern: rope swings, obstacle courses and vestibular cravings
03:19 – What the vestibular & proprioceptive systems do—and why they matter
04:49 – Buckets, holes and meltdowns: explaining the sensory-overflow model
06:37 – Deep pressure fixes: bear-hugs, weighted blankets and slow-motion wrestling
09:07 – Planning a “sensory diet” vs planning a theme: which comes first?
12:30 – School case studies: rough play, tug-of-war ropes and re-framing “naughty”
17:06 – Heavy work before fine work: priming the brain for whittling & writing
22:02 – Social risk at Circle Time: hot drinks, hammocks and safe challenges
44:00 – Grown-ups count too: adult sensory habits and why they’re nothing to hide

🌲 Keywords: vestibular system, proprioception, sensory diet, heavy work, swings & hammocks, deep pressure, rough-and-tumble, risk play, Circle Time, Forest School behaviour, bucket analogy, self-regulation

🔖 Hashtags:
#ForestSchool #SensoryPlay #VestibularSystem #OutdoorLearning #HeavyWork #Proprioception #RiskPlay #SwingPlay #SensoryDiet #ForestSchoolPodcast

🌐 More Episodes & Support:
Listen to every episode and find resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com
Join the community and support the show at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast
Questions, feedback or collaboration ideas? [email protected]