Monkey Hug

Bilateral Coordination, Calming, Crossing the Midline, Emotional Regulation, Small Space, Upper Limb

A sensory activity that helps children feel calm and in the moment
Provides deep pressure and proprioceptive input, which supports children in regulating their emotions
Involves bilateral coordination, which helps to improve children’s focus
Involves crossing the midline, which is an important developmental skill

Uses

Try Monkey Hug as a quick transition activity after lunchbreaks, to help students feel emotionally regulated and ready to learn.

Instructions

Give yourself a hug!
Give each part of your arms a squeeze (from your shoulders to your hands)
Squeeze along your arms (from your hands back up to your shoulders)

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Watch Points

Squeeze as firmly as you like! Some people like firm squeezes others like softer squeezes
Giving each arm a turn to be on top

Try Monkey Hug with one arm at a time.
Seated– Do Monkey Hug in your chair.