Sensory Breaks for the Classroom

Supporting sensory needs in the classroom can feel like an impossible task. 

But the reality is…

Kids are often getting shamed for their sensory needs in schools whether that’s because they are moving around too much, they are easily distracted, or they are just zoning out. 

And we have kids that are repeatedly getting called out in front of their entire class because they are having a hard time paying attention. 

And I get it.

A teacher has an entire classroom of kids. How are they supposed to accommodate each child’s individual sensory needs?

But can I let you in on a little secret?

You don’t have to. 

You don’t have to create a sensory activity for just one kid.

Because all kids benefit from getting movement throughout the day. 

All kids benefit from calming activities. Especially after they do something that was really challenging for them. 

We need to be more proactive with regulation and less reactive. 

Instead of trying to find the child that is dysregulated and then helping them get back to their regulated state. 

Our goal should be to eliminate or at least decrease a lot of the dysregulation that our students are experiencing just by the way we set up their daily routines. 

And if you’re sitting here thinking “that's great but HOW do I do that??”

Well let me tell ya! 

Here are a few of my favorite activities for supporting sensory needs in a classroom or group setting: 

1. 2 Minute Yoga - this is a great, quick calming activity for a whole group. And you can use visuals like Yogarilla cards for extra fun. Bonus: have kids take turns picking a card and describing the position for some language building opportunities.
2. Hullabaloo - this is a fun movement game that creates lots of opportunities for language comprehension, following directions, & identifying categories.
3. Headspace App  - this app has tons of breathing & mindfulness exercises for all ages. There are both video & listening options, many as short as 60 seconds. Plus if you are an educator, you can get this app for free with your school email address! 
4. Seek-a-Boo - in this “hide and seek" style matching game, you can lay the pictures face down all around the room to get in some extra movement while playing. Includes categories such as animals, foods, things you wear, and more.
5. Animal Action - this classic Youtube video gets your kids up & moving with a dance break while also  listening up to see which animal they are going to act out next. And don’t forget to admire the 80s jazzercise outfits :)

Want to hear more about how I use these in a group setting?

Check out episode 79 of my live show Making the Shift: Sensory Breaks for the Classroom for more ideas!