Sensory Paths: The New Brain Break
Sensory Paths
Throughout the day, do you notice your students getting antsy or anxious? Do they get off the bus seeming tired or unexcited? Many schools are now incorporating sensory paths into their hallways and playgrounds to allow students a brain break that also incorporates movement.
What is a sensory path?
Sensory paths are floor and wall stickers that create a fun movement course for students. Similar to an obstacle course, students are challenged to jump, skip, crawl, or hop from one sticker to the next. Sensory paths are very colorful, engaging, and typically revolve around a theme. Commonly found in hallways or on playgrounds, these sensory paths allow students to take a brain break while also getting some exercise in!
See one in action:
In this HuffPost article, they explore the many benefits of sensory paths. It says, "Studies show movement stimulates cognitive activity, which means kids may learn better when they’ve been active. Research into interactive activities like sensory paths has been promising: a small study of 100 grade four students found that classrooms report having an easier time learning after engaging in sensory activities twice a day." The article also explores how some schools are using sensory paths to celebrate indigenous cultures by using different symbols and values.
How to create your own:
While there are companies, such as Sensory Paths™, that sell the decals in packs according to theme, there are many ways to create your own. If making one indoors, duct tape or vinyl decals are highly suggested. If you are creating one outside, try using some weatherproof paint.
Inspiration Gallery:
Here is an example of a sensory path in a school hallway. a perfect brain break for students as they walk to class!
This affirmation sensory path is located on the sidewalk by the entrance to the school. What a great way to start the day!
Some schools even have sensory paths on their blacktop. What could be better than some fresh air and a movement break?
I love this! I've seen a few sensory paths in schools I've worked in that are used for students who are over-stimulated or just need a break. For older students, I tend to just allow them to stand up in the back of class or maybe take a walk to the water fountain if they need a break. Sensory paths are a great way to not only get kids to calm down, but also to get their brains prepped and ready to learn!
ReplyDeleteWow, I've never heard of sensory paths before, but what a great idea. Students really need these types of brain breaks today with their days fully consumed with academics and structured activities. Being a high school teacher, I wonder what type of sensory break I could incorporate into my classroom that would be age appropriate?
ReplyDeleteWow these look really engaging and fun! What a wonderful way to get students moving around and getting energy out. The school I am currently at has a sensory wall area but it's not very large. I see lots of students using the area throughout the day. It really seems to help.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! I wonder what we could come up with for high school students. I think the hopscotch one would be cool! Even in high school they totally come off the bus tired and unexcited about being at school.
ReplyDeleteI love sensory paths! We have a couple inside and outside at my school. When I see students getting antsy I will send them on a walk and have them use the sensory path. I know a lot of students also enjoy making a game out of the ones we have on the blacktop for recess. It's such a creative idea!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of sensory paths but for lower grades this is a great tool to have, just like the comments above have been saying "When I see students getting antsy I will send them on a walk." I wonder if I could use this at a higher level like middle school or high school?
ReplyDeleteThe school I currently teach in has two sensory paths in the building. I have seen them truly transform students. It is a great way to get students up and moving, but ready to come back to class within a reasonable amount of time!
ReplyDeleteThese are really cool, I've never heard of sensory paths before. I worked in one school where they had multiple colored lines for kids to follow but just to show them where to go. We did have handprints on one wall last year for students to high five while waiting to go outside for recess, the only problem is that it made things very loud. I wonder if any teachers struggle with having that in the hallway? Also I know sometimes I just need to get kids from point A to point B fast, I wonder how those schools work around that issue? Maybe there's a fast path? Otherwise I love the idea! We're currently incorporating a movement corner in our classroom. Students give the sign language signal for movement and if it is an appropriate time they can go to a rug in the back of the room were there is different choices of exercise to choose from. Students choose a movement to do quietly and then return to the rug when they are ready.
ReplyDelete