A sensory break is a short break that helps to refresh and refocus the senses. They can be helpful for kids (and even adults!) who are feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just simply antsy.
There are many different ways to give a sensory break, and what works best will vary from child to child. The important thing is to find something that can help calm and focus the child. You may want to see if the child is a sensory seeker or a sensory sensitive first.
120 ideas for sensory breaks:
- Get up and stretch: Stretching can help to loosen up the body and refresh the mind.
- Move around: A great way to start a sensory break is to get up and move. Dance, jump, or run in place.
- Exercise your hands and fingers. Rub them together, wiggle them, make fists and then open them up again.
- Blow some bubbles
- Play with a fidget toy
- Draw or doodle
- Make Sensory Paths for kids to enjoy at any time
- Eat a healthy snack
- Listen to calming music
- Spend some time with a pet
- Sensory play activities
- Do some breathing exercises
- Play with kinetic sand
- Play with cold or warm water (both have different effects on people)
- Take a walk
- Make some noise! Drum on a table, clap your hands, or sing a song
- Play with a calm down jar
- Play with playdough
- Make a sensory bin
- Use a stress ball
- Tuck in for a nap (if possible)
- Read a book or poems
- Give the child a weighted blanket
- Have a yoga session
- Use aromatherapy
- Do some meditation sessions
- Do some guided imagery
- Scarf Swirl
- Play with kinetic beads
- Make a vision board
- Play with a calm down bottle
- Bubble wrap popping
- Play with sensory bags
- Touch a soft/rough object
- Smell different scents
- Taste various flavors
- Watch something calming
- Do some carpet time
- Walk barefoot
- Play in the snow or with ice cubes
- Make a puzzle
- Use noise-canceling headphones
- Play with slime
- Do some finger painting
- Create a calm down corner
- Make arts and crafts
- Play in ball pit
- Texture Hunt
- Play with googly eyes
- Play with pompoms
- Make a collage
- Play with marbles
- Build a tower out of blocks
- Connect the Dots
- Trace a picture – FREE PRINTABLE
- Make a paper chain
- Sort by color
- Sort by shape
- Play with magnets
- Play catch
- Scavenger Hunt
- Play hopscotch
- Make a maze
- Solve a puzzle
- Play with stickers
- Draw with chalk
- Stringing beads
- Drinking with a straw
- Eat a crunchy snack
- Obstacle course
- Roll on a yoga ball
- Use a balance beam or stepping rocks
- Jump on a trampoline
- Swing around
- Play with sand
- Play with Oobleck
- Use a Bilibo seat
- Make a tent
- Play with water beads
- Use glow sticks
- Fly a kite
- Blow up a balloon
- Make a snowman
- Do the Bear Walk
- Play in the rain
- Use a tool like a scooter board for movement
- Rock in a rocking chair or rock horse
- Spin on a chair with wheels or on a spinner
- Listen to music
- Let the child play with a Body Sock
- Use a Crash Pad
- Snuggle with pillows and plush animals
- Jump rope
- Pour rice, beans, or water
- Water timers
- Hang upside down
- Chew toys
- Do the Blanket Burrito
- Let them play on a bouncy castle or mat
- Do the Crab Walk
- Do some Frog Hops
- Expel that energy on a punching bag
- Use sensory lights
- Do wall or chair pushes
- Count Beads
- Resistance bands stretching
- Lift light weights
- Toss a weighted ball
- Play with a yo-yo
- Use a muscle roller
- Play with squishy bags
- Crawl in tunnels
- Make a break box, filled with surprises
- Play the game “Heads up, Seven up”
- Hand out iSpy activity sheets
- Play Simon Says
- Play Pull on a blanket
- Sing “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes”
- Play Bean Bag games
- Play with sensory bags
As you can see, the ideas for sensory breaks are endless! Just find something that will work best for your child and help them to focus and calm down.
Why are sensory breaks important?
If kids have trouble focusing in school or at home, it may be due to sensory overload. Too much stimulation can be overwhelming and leave the child feeling antsy, frustrated, and overwhelmed. A sensory break is a way to escape that stimulation and relax the mind and body. It gives the child a chance to regroup and focus on something calming. Many times, just a few minutes of sensory stimulation can help the child refocus and continue on with their day.
When should we do sensory breaks?
There is no wrong time for a sensory break! If the child feels overwhelmed or antsy, a break may be in order. It’s also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day, especially if the child has been sitting for a long time or has a lot of energy. Some schools are now incorporating sensory breaks into their everyday schedule, as they have been found to help kids focus and learn.
How long should a sensory break be?
A sensory break should be short, usually around 5-10 minutes. You may need to experiment to find what works best for your child.
If your child is feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, a shorter break may be all they need. If your child is antsy or fidgety, a longer break may be needed. Whatever you do, make sure to avoid letting the break turn into a distraction. It’s important to keep the focus on calming and focusing the child
Is a sensory reset the same as a sensory break?
Again, there is no one answer to this question. Some children who are sensory A sensory reset is a longer break that helps to completely reset the senses. As you can see, this can be helpful for kids who are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. The reset can last anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the child’s needs.
What is a visual sensory break schedule?
A visual sensory break schedule is a plan that uses pictures or icons to represent when and how often a child should take sensory breaks. This can be helpful for parents and teachers in ensuring that the child gets the breaks they need. The schedule will vary depending on the child’s needs, but typically breaks should be given every 2-3 hours.
Please note: that this is not intended to be medical advice. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please consult with a doctor or occupational therapist.