Sensory Stations

A sensory break is a short planned time for children to take a break from the regular classroom environment. This can be helpful for all children, but especially for those who are sensitive to sensory input. Sensory or Learning Breaks can take place at any time during the day when children may show signs that they need one.  This could be a child who is off task, restless or struggling with their regulation. Children who are aware of their own emotions and can identify when they need a learning break to self-regulate may ask their teachers for a token. 

Sensory Stations

Around school, there are several token boxes. Children are given a token by their teacher and can then spend this on an activity of their choosing. The activities at each Sensory Station are different and meet the sensory needs of children differently. Examples are:

Movement Breaks:

• Gross Motor Activities: Jumping jacks, jumping on a mini trampoline, animal walks (bear crawls, crab walks), yoga poses, wall pushes, or playing with a parachute.
• Fine Motor Activities: Play with fidget toys, squeeze stress balls, use playdough, or lacing beads.

Quiet Activities:

• Visual: Look at calming visuals like a lava lamp, fish tank, or nature scenes.
• Auditory: Listen to calming music with headphones, white noise, or nature sounds.
• Tactile: Read a book with different textures, cuddle a weighted blanket, or play with playdough.
• Calming Zones: Designated quiet corner with beanbag chairs, dim lighting, and soft pillows.

Heavy Work Activities:

• Pushing and Pulling: Pushing a weighted cart or carrying heavy beanbags.
• Proprioception: Activities that provide deep pressure like joint compressions or rolling on a yoga ball.

Other Activities:

• Chewing Activities: Chewable jewellery or safe chew tools for children who seek oral sensory input.
• Sensory Bins: Bins filled with different textures like rice, beans, or sand for children to explore with their hands.
• Mindfulness Activities: Simple breathing exercises or short guided meditations.

Sensory Champions

In school, children can apply to be a Sensory Champion. As part of this role, Sensory Champions will meet regularly to discuss the activities that are provided in the Sensory Stations. They will champion getting a good sensory diet and help in training children in how to use the equipment and use Sensory Breaks effectively to self-regulate. Sensory Champions will collect tokens from boxes and record how popular certain activities are. This will then form part of the discussions about what activities are available. 

Are they Important?

Learning breaks aren’t just an escape for children, they’re crucial for their brains to function at their best. These short breaks can help improve focus and concentration, allowing children to return to learning feeling refreshed. Breaks also help memory and learning by giving the brain a chance to solidify new information they may have just learnt. They can reduce stress and frustration, fostering a more positive and creative learning environment. Learning breaks that involve movement can also improve energy levels and overall well-being. Remember, learning Breaks or Sensory Breaks are not simply interrupting children’s learning, it’s an investment in their ability to learn and retain information more effectively.