As early intervention professionals, we often encounter children with sensory processing differences. Our foster child, whom we affectionately called Little Monkey, was a sensory seeker, constantly in motion and struggling with regulation. Today, I want to share an unexpected way we used a yoga mat to provide him with proprioceptive input and support his sensory needs.

The Purple Road to Calm

Little Monkey was a whirlwind of energy. He loved scooting around on his ride-on toy and skateboard, transitioning from the living room to the kitchen with relentless momentum. To introduce some challenge and slow him down, I placed an old purple yoga mat in his path.

He immediately dubbed it “the purple road” and embraced the added work. He enjoyed the effort it took to navigate his ride-on toy and skateboard across it. I also noticed that he walked barefoot on it, rolled around shirtless, and explored the mat’s texture with his hands and even his mouth.

Another unexpected benefit was was seen when we moved his rocking horse onto the mat. The mat provided stability, preventing the horse from scooting, which allowed him to rock more effectively. And, of course, a yoga mat makes an excellent base for blanket forts!

Heavy Work and Sensory Regulation

Little Monkey’s engagement with the yoga mat provided more than just tactile input. It offered “heavy work,” activities that require muscle effort, activating the proprioceptive system.

Proprioceptive System: This system receives input from muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, and movement.

Heavy Work: Activities like pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying provide proprioceptive input, which can calm and regulate the sensory system.

By adding resistance to his ride-on toys and skateboard, the yoga mat transformed simple play into heavy work. This helped regulate his sensory system, leading to improved behavior.

The varied textures of the mat also provided valuable tactile input.

Improvisation and Observation

This purple road showed me yet again how you can use readily available materials to enhance play and provide sensory input. We never know what might be helpful. Constant creative thinking and observation are crucial.

More Ways to Use a Yoga Mat in Early Intervention

Beyond “the purple road,” here are other ways to utilize a yoga mat:

• Providing a non-slip surface for children learning to walk on slippery floors.
• Tummy Time Roll: Roll the mat to create a support for tummy time or quadruped positioning.
• Uneven Surface: Place towels or toys under the mat to create uneven surfaces for balance and body awareness activities.
• Balance Beam: Roll the mat lengthwise and secure it with tape to create a raised balance beam.
• Obstacle: Fold the rolled mat into a rectangle to create an obstacle to step over.
• Sensory Path: Use tape to create a path for jumping or single-leg balance.
• Kiddo Burrito: Rolling a child tightly in the mat can provide calming proprioceptive and tactile input.

Embracing Creative Solutions for Heavy Work

Sometimes, the most effective tools are the ones we already have. A simple yoga mat became a “purple road” to sensory regulation for Little Monkey. I encourage you to think creatively and share your own unexpected uses for everyday materials.

References

Beck, C. (2025). Heavy Work Activities. The OT Toolbox.

Beck, C. (2025). Proprioception Sensory Activities for Kids. The OT Toolbox.

Drobnjak, L. (2016). Proprioception Sensory Activities for Kids. The OT Toolbox.

Drobnjak, L. (2016). Using a Yoga Mat to Create Simple Activities for Kids. The Inspired Treehouse.

(2014) 5 Ways to Use a Yoga Mat in Pediatric PT (other than for Yoga or Pilate’s). Beyond Basic Play.

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