It's Physics: Using core muscles to shift their center of mass away from and toward the center of rotation creates torque. Sustained effort is rewarded by a thrilling sense of achievement.
IF ONLY ONE CHILD HAS A BAD DAY... IT'S A BAD DAY FOR EVERYONE.
When children are better able to self-regulate their emotions, attention, and behaviors, it can create a more positive and productive environment for all.
• Fewer meltdowns and emotional outbursts translate to a calmer overall atmosphere.
• Improved self-regulation means less time managing distractions and more time on planned activities and instruction.
CLASSROOM REVIEW
Kristin Langley, Early Learning Lead Teacher
Waldorf School, Louisville,
The children have loved the WhirlyGoRounds. I introduced it in our morning circle and let them all have a turn (every single child wanted to try it), and then I pulled it out during free play as an option for the children to self-select. I initially had to help them take turns and monitor the time as some children would have stayed on it indefinitely.
I did have children who would ask to use it consistently and seemed to "know" when they needed a movement break. After we saw how it was helping certain students during those moments either to refocus or calm down, we also used it intentionally before and after clean up time - which seemed to settle the children and improve their attention on the task at hand.
I did not observe any negative effects, the children seemed to self-monitor their experience (after the initial popularity of something new). No one fell off or was sick from spinning so fast! All ages seemed to be drawn to it. Next year I am going to identify a few children who need some support with behavior or emotional regulation and plan a consistent time for regular use during the day and see what we observe over a 6 week time period.
The vestibular system helps with balance and spatial awareness, while the proprioceptive system provides information about body position and movement.
Read on for why this sensory input is crucial for healthy overall development.
KIDS BECOME MORE SETTLED AND READY TO LEARN.
Sensory Dysregulation and Lack of Sensory Input
Today, kids are "protected" from merry-go-rounds, monkey bars and jungle gyms, spending more time in sedentary play and getting less sensory input. Some crawl for only a short time or, for safety, are shuttled between containers so may not develop sufficient core strength for sensory stimulation.
Emotions: Regulating their emotions becomes difficult.
Behavior: Their capacity to regulate their actions and behaviors is hindered.
Attention and Focus: Regulating their focus and attention is difficult.
Cognitive: The mental processes for problem solving and persistence to tasks is hindered.
Physically active play is important for children to get the sensory input they need to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors.
Spinning on WhirlyGoRound can lead to a cascade of positive benefits.
Physical Affect: Better balance, coordination, eye tracking, visual processing, concentration, ability to focus, cognitive processing; enhances neuroplasticity, releases endorphins.
Mood Affect: Better impulse control, ability to regulate emotions, behaviors, and pay attention.
Physical Affect: Stronger core including abdomen, back, hip flexors and shoulder girdle; ability to sit still for longer periods, achieve level of movement and play for sufficient sensory input. balance, coordination, endorphin release.
Mood Affect: Increased calm, less fidgety, more settled and content.
WhirlyGoRound makes each day more pleasant for kids, parents and the professionals who care for them.
Premium bamboo: WhirlyGoRound exudes durability and quality; and fits nicely into play environments with an emphasis on natural materials.
Steel bearing assembly: Ensures years of continued fun even with heavy use.
Handcrafted: Each WhirlyGoRound is meticulously built with attention to durability and quality.
WhirlyGoRound is designed for constant use in institutional settings, making it more costly than a consumer model. We hope this can help families that would benefit the most.
