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Tiong Bahru Park playground: sensory motor map

What each part works on, and what to try on your next visit

Mabel SimPaediatric Occupational Therapist
@msoccupationaltherapy
The tilting train playground with slides, a climbing ramp and stairs. Numbers 1 to 5 mark the parts described in the list. 1 2 3 4 5
The train
A row of swings on pale sand. Number 6 marks the swings. 6
The swings
A see-saw and spring riders on sand. Numbers 7, 8 and 9 mark the sand, the see-saw and the spring riders. 7 8 9
Sand, see-saw and spring riders
Teal stepping planks on dark posts in front of the train engine. Number 10 marks the planks. 10
Stepping planks
A rule of thumb. Slow, steady, rhythmic movement tends to calm. Fast, irregular or spinning movement tends to wake the body up. Every child is different, so watch what yours seeks and avoids.
  1. 1

    Tilted carriages and cabin VestibularProprioceptiveRisk

    Works on: balance as the ankles, hips and trunk keep adjusting to a sloping floor; vestibular and proprioceptive input.

    Try: cross slowly, then low, then upright. Notice which way they choose.

  2. 2

    Tube slide VestibularRisk

    Works on: fast linear vestibular input (usually alerting); an enclosed, dark space that some find calming and others find too much.

    Try: never push a hesitant child. Let them watch others first, or start on the open slide.

  3. 3

    Wavy slide VestibularRisk

    Works on: vestibular input with small speed changes; trunk control; an open view, which many find less daunting than the tube.

    Try: sitting up, lying back, feet first. Each posture asks something different.

  4. 4

    Climbing ramp ProprioceptiveRisk

    Works on: proprioceptive input; hand and foot coordination; route planning.

    Try: ask "where could your foot go?" instead of lifting them.

  5. 5

    Stairs and ladders ProprioceptiveRisk

    Works on: strength, alternating feet, grip on the tall ladder, and choosing a height they feel ready for.

    Try: let them decide how high to go.

  6. 6

    Swings VestibularProprioceptiveRisk

    Works on: linear vestibular input. Slow and rhythmic calms; fast swinging alerts. Also targets trunk control, grip strength and timing.

    Try: a gentle sway after a long day, bigger swings to wake their body up. Let them sort out turn-taking first.

  7. 7

    Sand ProprioceptiveTouchSocialCreative

    Works on: heavy work (dig, carry, pour); touch; balance on a surface that gives; solo, side-by-side and creative play.

    Try: bring a bucket, spoon and sieve. If sand is new to them, let them watch or use a tool first.

  8. 8

    See-saw VestibularProprioceptiveSocial

    Works on: up-and-down vestibular input; pushing through the legs; timing and negotiating with a partner; staying balanced as the seat moves.

    Try: swap who pushes. Practise "ready, steady, go".

  9. 9

    Spring riders VestibularProprioceptiveCreative

    Works on: rhythmic rocking; core strength, grip and balance.

    Try: slow rocking which can be calming. A pretend horse ride works too.

  10. 10

    Stepping planks (in front of the train) Creative

    Works on: careful foot placement on fixed planks; motor planning; visual attention.

    Try: walk, hop or play follow the leader. A good first step before the tilt.

  11. 11

    Rings, rope net and cables (inside the train) VestibularProprioceptiveTouchCreativeRisk

    Works on: heavy work through the arms and shoulders; a rope net floor that shifts with each step; reaching and holding to cross a tilted cabin.

    Try: let them choose how far to go and find their own way across.

Three kinds of play (HDB's Play Values Framework): physical, social and creative. Most parts of this playground offer more than one.

Educational only. This describes how everyday play tends to work on the body and is not individual clinical advice. If you are concerned about a child, speak with a qualified health professional.

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