I often get asked “But, what are sensory paths exactly?”. If you’re here, asking yourself that same question, please know that you are not the only one! And I’m glad you’re here so that I can explain.
I love and believe in the power of sensory paths so much that I now dedicate most of my time to them. Let me explain to you what they are exactly and their benefits.
What are Sensory Paths?
A sensory path is a term used to describe a type of sensory pathway or trail that is created using decals or stickers placed on the floor. These paths are designed to engage and stimulate various sensory systems in children, typically in educational or therapeutic settings.
They are colorful and interactive designs, including shapes, letters, numbers, animals, and other engaging elements. The decals are placed in a sequence, and children are encouraged to follow the path with their feet or hands, engaging their senses and promoting sensory integration, motor skills development, and coordination.
These paths can be found in schools, daycare centers, therapy clinics, and other environments where sensory stimulation and motor skills development are important for children’s growth and development. They provide a fun and interactive way for children to engage their senses while promoting physical activity and learning.
Why are Sensory Paths Important?
Sensory paths are important for several reasons
- Sensory Stimulation: They provide a variety of sensory experiences through visual, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular stimuli. These sensory inputs help children explore and understand their environment, promoting sensory integration and development.
- Motor Skills Development: Following a path involves various physical movements such as jumping, hopping, balancing, and crawling. These activities contribute to the development of gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
- Focus and Attention: They can help children improve their ability to concentrate and stay engaged. The interactive and stimulating nature of sensory paths can enhance attention span and focus, making them particularly useful in educational settings.
- Regulation and Calming: They can help children regulate their sensory systems and provide a calming effect. The sensory input received through the paths can help children self-regulate, reduce stress, and increase relaxation.
- Learning and Creativity: Often incorporating educational elements such as letters, numbers, shapes, and colors, the paths can help kids learn by moving. By integrating learning concepts into the path, children can reinforce their knowledge and engage in imaginative play.
- Inclusive Environment: They can be designed to accommodate children with different sensory needs and abilities. They can be adapted to provide sensory input at various intensity levels, allowing children with sensory processing challenges to participate and benefit from the activities.
Overall, sensory paths provide a structured and enjoyable way for children to engage their senses, develop motor skills, regulate their sensory systems, and promote learning and creativity. They offer a wide range of benefits and can be a valuable tool in educational, therapeutic, and recreational settings.
Can You Install Sensory Paths Outdoors?
Yes, sensory paths can certainly be used outdoors. In fact, they can offer unique benefits and experiences for children. Here are some reasons why outdoor paths can be beneficial.
Outdoor sensory paths provide a multi-sensory experience to the child. Just by being outdoors, the child gets to experience the path while hearing birds chirping, feeling the wind in their hair, and the sun on their face.
They often inspire imaginative play and creativity. Children can incorporate natural elements into their play, such as pretending to cross a river by hopping on stepping stones or crawling through a tunnel formed by plants.
Here is our very own free sensory path that you can download and print or use with your vinyl machine at home.
Our Sensory Paths Decals
I am proud to offer a great product with the highest quality materials on the market. We produce all our sensory paths in-house. You can see a behind the scene video below.
@funsensoryplay Make a sensory path order with me! We print all our paths in house with the highest quality products and ink. We are proudly one of the only providers using Greenguard certified inks, selling odorless prints that are fire and slip rated! #sensorypathways #sensorypathscanada #sensorypathsforschools #sensorypaths #sensorypathwayhallways #sensoryhallway #funsensorypaths ♬ Positive Vibes – Soundbeaver
A glimpse at the quality of our paths
Some of our most popular paths are below. If you’d like a custom design, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can see all our designs here or get more information about our sensory paths here.
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.