Discover our suggestions for activities to use in your classroom routine in order to integrate sensory breaks with movement!
The Importance of Sensory Breaks at School
To be ready to learn, children must be in both a calm and alert state. However, this optimal state of self-regulation can prove difficult to achieve and maintain in a school environment...
When sensory information that comes from the environment is perceived as being too stimulating or, on the contrary, insufficient, students may feel stress, have difficulty interacting with their peers, experience difficulty concentrating, and have problems switching between other activities etc.
Regular integration of sensory breaks can be a proven beneficial strategy for promoting a learning atmosphere in class.
Benefits for Children
Sensory breaks are a fun and effective way to help your students regulate their nervous system by:
• increasing their ability to concentrate;
• improving their engagement with learning;
• helping affirm their identity; and
• promoting their well-being.
“Universal strategies that target sensory and movement activities can help foster learning and promote well-being among all students.” - School Mental Health (SMS-ON)
3 Ideas to Try With Your Students
Adding sensory movement breaks into your classroom routine not only helps your students self-regulate on a sensory level, but also stimulates their blood circulation and the supply of oxygen to their brain to strengthen their memory and contribute to their good mood!
Below, discover our suggestions for activities and fdmt products that will help you take advantage of these benefits.
1. Gross Motor Skills Games
Make transitions easier by integrating a movement break between floor time and seated work by creating a balance path!
Use River Stones,Wavy Tactile Path, beams, cushions and balance paths. If they wish, your students could even cross this course, worthy of Indiana Jones, barefoot to maximize sensory stimulation for their little feet.
2. Proprioceptive Break
Proprioception can be encouraged through various activities involving movements that:
• compress the joints;
• apply sustained force;
• require dynamic efforts; and
• apply deep pressure to the muscles.
To stimulate proprioception during a movement break, we recommend creating a game of hopscotch using coloured hoops on the classroom floor.
For your students who prefer a calmer proprioceptive break, why not offer them a Cuddle Ball, a Weighted manimo Dog or a Gel Lap Pad? These calming objects could also be found in the sensory corner of your classroom.
3. Vestibular Break
The holiday season is fast approaching, along with the desire to give unique and meaningful Christmas gifts. At fdmt, we believe a gift can be more than just a toy; it can be a genuine tool for well-being, helping children feel balanced, refocused, and grow in harmony with themselves and others. To help you find the perfect gift, we've gathered our customers' favourites into categories. Whether you're looking for a gift to soothe, inspire creativity, or encourage emotional exploration, discover our selection of sensory tools tailored to each child's needs.
Explore Our Christmas Gift Guide!
Soothing & Comforting Gifts for a Peaceful Holiday
The holidays can be an exciting time for children, but they can also bring stress and restlessness. Giving children a relaxing space allows them to enjoy the festive season fully while recharging.
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Cuddle Ball: Relieves stress with its soft texture
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Bubblebloom – Mini Bubble Tube: Calms and refocuses attention
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manimo Weighted Cat: Soothing companion for moments of restlessness
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Weighted Blanket - 3 kg: Perfect for peaceful nights
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