Our school has an Outdoor Learning Committee that I am a part of. We all feel very strongly that the environment where the children play outside is just as important as the environment inside our school. We have worked hard to make our playground an area where the kids can run, exercise explore and yes...learn! Outside play plays an important role in children's development! They are working gross motor muscles and getting must needed exercise. They learn how to solve problems such as when social disagreements arise. They learn empathy as they help friends who get hurt. They learn to take risks and see where their limits are and feel empowered as they take those risks and succeed. They create games and role play. They learn science concepts as they discover things in nature and learn to look closer and ask questions about what they see as they discover new things. They learn kindness as they try to save an insect in danger or nurture a plant. They are literally learning about life and life skills as they play outside, so we knew the environment needed to support that. We had an area that we were having some problems with in the middle of our asphalt area. We wanted to turn it into something all of the kids could explore and benefit from and decided to create a Barefoot Sensory Path. We came up with a design and my husband figured out how to make it so that it would be sturdy and last. Our amazing PTO gave us funds to purchase the materials and we had fun shopping at Lowes for items that would provide the sensory experiences we were hoping for. Our team came in on a Saturday and went to work. Our maintenance team had dug the area down four inches so that it would be even with the asphalt. We put down a layer of paver sand, and then the 4x4's. We glued some materials to 2x2 pieces of plywood. The sections were all 2x2. We filled the sections with paver base and tamped it solid. My son even came and helped! Here is the finished frame. Of course, we had to test it out! Here is the finished path!! We were so excited for the kids to try it! It was a huge success!! The kids absolutely loved walking on it with bare feet, crawling on it and feeling with their hands and even laying in it enjoying the warmth radiating from it from being in the sun. Another new area we created was an area to create roads, ramps, etc. using scrap wood, cars, signs and other loose parts. This lovely lady below had the vision for this area! We also added an area to really work those gross motor muscles. Mr. Doyle created a boundary to keep it all contained to one area. We filled it with stumps, logs, and large branches. The kids have created obstacle courses and love lifting these up to show how strong they are! They jump, balance and create here. They collaborate and problem solve. They use both critical and creative thinking skills. This is a great area to develop 21st Century Learning Skills as they play! For our nature lovers, we have an area with plants for them to explore and observe. Some are edible such as peppermint and fennel. We have cone flowers, milkweed, irises, sunflowers and more. This area is a great place to explore and observe insects also! Here are some other things on our playground where they can let lose and have fun! Our playground is still a work in progress! We have many more ideas that we want to implement some day! One step at a time!
Get your FREE Sensory Path Printable today! Our sensory pathway includes 10 pages of various gross motor skill actions.
Do you see a number of students who struggle to stay focused during academic tasks? What if sensory paths could help?!
After we finished our patio makeover, we decided to start working on Sophie’s play area. This was how the top of our garden looked in April. A dangerous mess! So we have spent the last few mo…
A Sensory path is an obstacle course that helps to build and strengthen children's sensory pathways and connections in the brain. It was originally created to help students who have sensory processing issues. However, it is also used with students who have behavioral and mental health issues such a...
This post contains affiliate links. **Update August 2020 - It is possible to utilize or create a path to fully support social distancing. Such spaces will be all the more important if other practices are limited or modified. For virtual learning, we might support families in creating appropriate paths or spaces at home.** You may have seen the video that went viral of a young boy walking, stretching, and hopping along a path that a special education teacher designed, painted, and implemented in the elementary school where she works. She labored over the path for more than 80 hours, creating something special for the students in her school. A sensory path is meant to help a child use their own bodies and environment to calm themselves down. They use their muscles, breathing, and spatial awareness to make their way through the path and walk away from it reset and refreshed. When teachers know certain students in their class would benefit from movement breaks, they can allow students to leave class (in our space the students would leave with a madrich or madrichah - Hebrew for classroom assistant) and move through the sensory break path. It’s a preventative measure, geared toward improving focus and preventing disruptive behavior before it occurs. In our space we already have students who need breaks throughout the session walking laps around our building. I designed this as a productive alternative. If you’ve seen the sensory path that went viral (image above), it is quite obviously a labor of love, but it is also rather busy. In my opinion there’s almost too much going on. It's always important to strike the right balance between a positive sensory experience and sensory overload. I also think that while wonderful for younger children, this path would seem too juvenile for older elementary and middle school students, who might dismiss it out-of-hand. So, like many others out there, I designed my own. Also a labor of love, I might add; it just took me much less than 80 hours to complete. Rather than paint I used colorful floor tape that can be removed. (Additional items include: large footprint decals, red floor marking tape, green floor marking tape, orange floor marking tape, hand-print decals, spiral wall decal.) I was aware of the limits of our space. Most importantly, our supplemental religious school serves children in PreK through grade 12, so I was wanted to create something that would be appropriate for the variety of ages. All students can use the path from time to time, to ground them on days when they’re feeling hyped up, anxious, or overstimulated in class. As expected, the space was an immediate hit. The most rousing endorsement came from two parents; one who is a physical therapist and the other who is both an early childhood educator and the mother of one of our students who typically walks laps around our building. My favorite moment was when a few third grade boys came to try it out. One, after whipping through it, declared that it was “too easy”. I tried to explain that it wasn’t a race, but he wasn’t listening. Nevertheless, word spread fast and few minutes later the rest of the third grade class wanted to try it out, so back he came along with his peers. Before his turn he again declared, “But it’s so easy.” This time I shared, “It’s not an obstacle course, it’s a sensory path. Do you know what sensory means?” “You mean like our senses?” he asked. “Yes. Some people need a short break from their work to clear their head. Others need to get their blood flowing again so they can get back to work.” “OK,” and off he went, back through the path. As he neared the end I asked, “So, is your blood flowing?” “Yeah, now it is.” The value of using spaces like this, fidgets, or any other tool meant to help a student find success is the context in which the tool is presented. Using the language of “this is a tool to help you” or “let’s take a sensory break,” enables students to more effectively speak about their needs and advocate for themselves in productive and meaningful ways. I think one of our third grade girls had the most important insight of the day: As she completed the path she declared, “Oh, these need to be EVERYWHERE. I’m telling my mom we need one in our house.” For more research on the benefits of sensory breaks read: The Impact of Sensory-Based Movement Activities on Students in General Education. Updated June 2019: ***NEW*** To keep this space interesting for our students I added new elements (and will aim to do so each year). I purchased the spiral sticker and hand-print stickers below. Here are pictures of how this new pieces look: Here are all the products I used to create this space: Contact me to design a sensory break space for your setting or for additional professional development in using such tools effectively. Never miss a post from Removing the Stumbling Block:
Take a brain break and work out the wiggles!
A sensory path is a great way for kids to develop motor skills like balance, hand - eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Sensory Pathways support fine and gross motor skills, help with problem solving and social interaction. Sensory paths can help children in a calming or frustrating or anxious state. Sensory paths are being used throughout schools, daycares & hospitals to help kids when they need a break or when they need to let out their wiggles. MATERIAL - I use a permanent, high quality waterproof outdoor rated vinyl and it holds up very well to foot traffic and washing with or without sealing it. INSTALLATION - Each vinyl decal is pre-cut and ready to install with peel and stick backing. Apply decals to clean tile, hardwood floors or ant smooth surface. I also send instructions on how to prep floor, install and maintain the paths. If a school or business is going to wax over top I recommend 2-4 layers of wax over top, I recommend 12-24 hours after application before waxing to allow adhesive time to adhere properly to the floor. *Chantal's Paths is not responsible for any mishaps in the vinyl (bubbling, wrinkling or folding) or for foot paths that are improperly installed* but please contact me if you have any issues. If you like this listing check out more at www.chantalspaths.com THIS INCLUDES - The rectangle backing for the typewriter The typewriter The words Type your Name (Color may vary) One set of foot prints MEDIUM measures 15" wide LARGE measure 20" wide If you would like a different word or specific color please message me in advance. ** Some customers in some countries will have to pay Duties and Customs upon delivery**
DIY Barefoot Garden Ideas-Barefoot Sensory Garden Path
The Sensory Path designs beautiful and engaging sensory pathways for schools and other institutions. Address kids' sensory needs with our unique products!
Educators and parents will be inspired by these 20 ways to create outdoor sensory paths for children in your own outdoor yard or play area.
These innovative tiles are designed to create a sensory path that engages the sense of touch. Each tile is carefully crafted with different textures and materials to provide a unique tactile experience for users as they walk along the pathway. From smooth surfaces to rough edges, these tiles offer a variety of sensations that can stimulate the senses and enhance the overall experience. Whether used in schools, therapy settings, or outdoor play areas, these sensory pathway tiles provide a fun and interactive way to promote sensory exploration and engagement. Sensory path Large is a set of six hexagon measuring 30cm each. Each tile is created with different material. Sensory tiles are made to stimulate sensory perception. The tiles can be interlocked easily which allows you to create new and different paths with every play session. This product is crafted with safe procedures marked as CE. Sensory path is a teaching aids. It’s perfect for a Montessori education. Dispatched in 5 working days
The sensory path is a set of panels with various fillings attached to epoxy resin. Playing with the sensory path is suitable for healthy, normally developing children, but especially for children with sensory integration and locomotor disorders. The set consists of 6 panels. Fill in the following: • jute rope • long green grass • white stones • Himalayan salt • wine cork • coffee available sizes: here you can find 24x24cm , but on our website we have wide range of size 17x17 cm, 24x24 cm, 30x30 cm By using the sensory path, healthy children practice their gross motor skills, i.e. physical fitness of the entire body, balance and motor coordination, and also stimulate their senses. For children with sensory integration disorders, sensory pathways are a permanent, effective element of therapy. Through play, the child tries to eliminate the problem of too weak response to touch and difficulties in moving. With their help, the child exercises reactions to information flowing to the brain and eye-hand coordination. By repeating the game periodically, we provide the senses and nerve endings with constant stimulation and a specific stimulus (rough, soft, rough, cold, prickly), thanks to which the brain integrates various systems and stimulates them to create further connections. We teach through movement and action, because this is the most effective method of supporting the development of children aged 6 and over. Our products are not toys within the meaning of generally applicable law, but teaching aids that require the presence of an adult during the use of the product by a child. Age recommendations: +3 years old
After we finished our patio makeover, we decided to start working on Sophie’s play area. This was how the top of our garden looked in April. A dangerous mess! So we have spent the last few mo…
The Sensory Path designs beautiful and engaging sensory pathways for schools and other institutions. Address kids' sensory needs with our unique products!
Welcome to my shop! 👉 This listing is project Sensory Path bundle in 20 designs. Which remains only to print, paste and use ! After purchase you will be have all designs on previews. Files are in Zip archive. SVG, PNG, JPG. ---------------------------------------------------- All elements in bundle separate and you can use it for create your pathway for your choice! Use it! ----------------------------------------------------- ☝ After the purchase, you will have all the files that you see on the preview in high quality. No physical items will be shipped. Files are in the Winrar zip archive. Formats SVG PNG JPG If you need any information you can write at any time of the day I will answer quickly. I wish you all a good shopping! ---------------------------------------------------- ✍Please leave a review after purchase on the page of my store with a photo of your product, if possible. It's important for me. Thank you!
Do you see a number of students who struggle to stay focused during academic tasks? What if sensory paths could help?!
Download a free ELA sensory path for schools from VariQuest to keep primary and special education students learning and moving in the classroom!
The possibilities for creating a sensory path to give students a movement break are endless. Here’s what schools across the country are doing.
These sensory stations are free sensory path printables with a Spring theme. Use them in sensory walks at home or in the classroom.
Here are 500 cards to mix and match and create your own sensory walk path. Add these sensory and movement cards to your classroom, hallway, or home.
Combine positive affirmations for kids and proprioceptive input with The Positive Path. Children can jump along the path or do wall push-ups while they read words of encouragement. Students can benefit from proprioceptive input to help get their bodies ready to learn. Using the power of positive thinking with daily affirmations and physical activity can help students get their brain and bodies ready to tackle the school day. Details about the Positive Affirmations for Kids The Positive Path is a 58 page PDF document (25 footprints and 25 hand prints with 25 positive affirmations). Plus two black and white versions for the children to color and create their own positive path affirmations. A 9-page Powerpoint document is included to add your own positive affirmations for kids. The positive affirmations for kids Positive Path include phrases such as: I believe in me. I am a leader. I can stay in control. I am kind. I am ready to learn + 20 more! Directions for the Positive Affirmations for Kids – The Positive Path Decide if you want to print the footprints, the handprints or both. Another option is to view the Positive Path on a computer or tablet screen. If you print the pages, you can laminate and glue rug gripper on the back of each page to keep it from slipping on the floor. Another option is to hang all of the footprints and handprints on the wall. If you want to make your own positive affirmation path, use the Powerpoint file to edit the pages or print out the black and white pages at the end to color and create your own. The students can complete the Positive Path by either jumping or doing wall push-ups while saying the positive affirmation at each stop. If you have a small space, you can hang only some of the positive affirmations for kids. If you want to complete the entire footprint Positive Path with the class standing by their desks, show the positive affirmation footprints on the projector for the whole class. The students can perform jumping jacks, run in place, or march in place instead of moving forward. If you want to complete the entire handprint Positive Path with the class standing by their desks, show the positive affirmation handprints on the projector for the whole class. The students can perform a hand press at chest level on the blue handprints, hand press overhead on the green handprints, elbow squeeze on the orange handprints and give themselves a hug for the pink handprints.
Take a brain break and work out the wiggles!
A sensory path is a great way for kids to develop motor skills like balance, hand - eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Sensory Pathways support fine and gross motor skills, help with problem solving and social interaction. Sensory paths can help children in a calming or frustrating or anxious state. Sensory paths are being used throughout schools, daycares & hospitals to help kids when they need a break or when they need to let out their wiggles. MATERIAL - I use a permanent, high quality waterproof outdoor rated vinyl and it holds up very well to foot traffic and washing with or without sealing it. INSTALLATION - Each vinyl decal is pre-cut and ready to install with peel and stick backing. Apply decals to clean tile, hardwood floors or ant smooth surface. I also send instructions on how to prep floor, install and maintain the paths. If a school or business is going to wax over top I recommend 2-4 layers of wax over top, I recommend 12-24 hours after application before waxing to allow adhesive time to adhere properly to the floor. *Chantal's Paths is not responsible for any mishaps in the vinyl (bubbling, wrinkling or folding) or for foot paths that are improperly installed* but please contact me if you have any issues. If you like this listing, please check out more at www.chantalspaths.com Set comes with 11 multi colored bugs and the words Stomp the bugs comes in either medium or large sets ** Some customers in some countries will have to pay Duties and Customs upon delivery**
Engaging movement opportunities that entice individuals to navigate their natural environment with one of our most popular products! Create sensory paths, transition zones, therapeutic spaces, pathways for play, activity trails, and areas for motor development practice. Super Stickers® are made of commercial-grade materials by 3M to ensure maximum performance, safety and durability.What is the benefit? Enhances instructional and personal experiences by establishing a variable and scalable platform to carry out movement development or expression activities. Helpful for sensory de-escalation, self-regulation skills and positive behavior intervention supports. Additional uses include but are not limited to the creation of indoor nature play areas or visual prompts to transition individuals to and from desired destinations.How does it work? Promotes traditional and non-traditional locomotor and non-locomotor movement patterns, social and communicative exchanges, as well as individual expressions of joyful engagement.Where would this go? Entrance and main walk ways, zones that can encourage transition from one area to another, central movement spaces, waiting areas, and other designated places where movement / personal expression would enhance the personal experience. NOW available in FRENCH and SPANISH versions!Learn about how Super Stickers® get applied, maintained and installed.Includes planning and user guide, video and written application instructions and application kit(s). Sizes: Layouts are flexible and can be adjusted to fit in your space.Starter package recommended for space approximately 10 feet x 30 feet.Premium package recommended for space approximately 10 feet x 50 feet.Deluxe package recommended for space approximately 10 feet x 70 feet. StarterPackagePremiumPackageDeluxePackage Daisy Hopscotch® ✓✓ Jump Logs®✓✓✓ Crab Crawl ✓✓March Ants✓✓✓ Step Stones ✓✓ Toe-to-Heel ✓✓ Wall Push-Up ✓✓ Tiptoe Loop®✓ ✓ Hop Letters & Shapes® ✓ Tree Pose ✓Application Kitx1x2x3
Sensory Stations and sensory paths are valuable therapy tools for self regulation, understand sensory needs, while having fun.
12 CREATIVE SENSORY WALK ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
֎ ABOUT THE PRODUCT ֎ Download and print a great fun game for kids, family, school class, daily care, or for the party. Simply make a hopscotch game that children love, with which they learn and develop motor and intellectual abilities. The set includes 24 types of stations in 20 colors: black, light grey, dark grey, yellow, Indian-yellow, orange, red, light blue, blue, dark blue, light green, green, dark green, light pink, pink, light purple, dark purple, light brown, dark brown and other. You can combine them and make paths with different levels of complexity (see the instruction). • Instruction - Printing, playing and 12 layout ideas by levels • Single Hopscotch (FILLED) - one hand or foot on the page • Single Hopscotch (OUTLINED) - one hand or foot on the page • Double Hopscotch (FILLED) - two hands or feet on the page in 8 positions • Double Hopscotch (OUTLINED) - two hands or feet on the page in 8 positions ֎ DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ֎ This digital download includes: 4 PDF files in letter (8.5" x 11") size with 480+ pages. You can shrink it on A4 size. • Black and white shapes - 1 PDF file with 24 pages • Color hopscotch - 480 pages in 2 PDF • Instruction - 1 PDF with 5 pages This is a digital file so no physical items will be sent. ֎ HOW TO PRINT ֎ Choose paper: cardboard, normal, self-sticky paper, or on printable vinyl. Print the images at home or in your favorite printing store. You can also laminate the material. We print this on normal paper and fix it to the floor with tape. If you play a one-line or two-line layout, you don't have to fix the paper to the floor. The movements you can make next to the paper. Then you can change the layout of images faster and easier. If you want to use this for the outdoor games, you can paste it on cardboard, cut it out and make stamps with colors. ֎ HOW TO PLAY ֎ Once you have arranged the floor layout, stand in line and try to go through it to the end. You can also turn on the stopwatch, and then the winner will be the one who reaches the finish line first. ֎ SIMILAR PRODUCTS ֎ * HANDS & FEET Sensory Path • Hopscotch for preschoolers (Landscape orientation) https://www.etsy.com/listing/835619184/hands-feet-sensory-path-hopscotch-for * Traffic light hopscotch https://www.etsy.com/listing/765456128/traffic-light-hopscotch-sensory-path * 1-100 Numbers hopscotch https://www.etsy.com/listing/775150957/1-100-numbers-hopscotch-sensory-path ֎ INSTAGRAM ֎ I like to see how you and your child enjoying your new learning resource! You can tag me @psychoscreen1 ֎ LEGAL DETAILS ֎ This printable is intended for personal use only. Not for commercial use or for resale. You may not copy, alter, or share these files or some parts of files. Each file you purchase may be printed as many times as you like for your own personal use. They can be used for children in school classes that you teach or in some clubs. This includes use for your own family in homeschooling activity. You may give printed copies as gifts or party favors. Thank you!
The possibilities for creating a sensory path to give students a movement break are endless. Here’s what schools across the country are doing.
Now we are ready to implement sensory paths! Learn about the benefits, potential uses and suggestions for training of staff & students!
The snake walk sensory path decal can strengthen the core muscles, improve balance, and provide agility and sensory input activities. There are a few ways to use the Snake Walk decal. The most common use is to have your student start at one end and slowly walk the path of the snake to the other end. Another option to increase the sensory input of the Snake Walk is to have the student lay flat on their stomach with arms tucked into their sides. Once they are in position, have the student slither side to side like a snake. Try to have the students move from one end of the Snake Walk path to the other. Included in the Snake Walk Sensory Path decal: 1 – 96” x 18” snake Purchase Orders We accept purchase orders from your school or organization. Please be sure to include: your contact name, email address and phone number (in case we have any questions) purchase order number date of purchase order quote or estimate number (if previously requested) billing information including contact name, phone number, email address (if available), billing address and fax number shipping information if different than billing address products name, SKU’s and quantity order total authorized signature of purchaser You may submit your purchase orders by faxing or emailing them to us. You may also upload your P.O. online to us using our contact form. Email: [email protected] Fax: (816) 432-8180 Please review our Terms and Conditions before submitting your purchase order. Application We want to make decal application as easy as possible. We use premium printed 3M® vinyl for easy installations. Complete vinyl application decals are included with every order and can be found on our Decal Application page. We, Sensory Kids Paths LLC, believe this product information to be accurate. However, since we cannot anticipate or control the conditions under the applied decals, we cannot guarantee results obtained through their use. We recommend users testing the products to determine the suitability of our decals for a specific purpose. All decals are sold without warranty, either expressed or implied. If you have any questions or concerns regarding returns or exchanges, please visit our Terms and Conditions page. Shipping For information on our shipping policies, shipping insurance and lost or damaged packages, please visit our Shipping page. Questions Please email our customer service with any questions or concerns at [email protected]. You can also message our customer service using the contact form on the Contact Us page.
Breathe, Blow, Trace, PushCount, Reach, Tip Toe, Follow, Twirl, SmileBlow, Breathe, Trace, Count, Reach, Squat, Stretch, Tip Toe, WiggleBreath in, Breath out, Trace, Count, Squat, Reach, Hop, Spin, Stretch, Tip Toe, Notice, Lunge, PushBreathe, Trace, Count, Squat, Spin, Jump, Stretch, Tip Toe, Notic...
Educators and parents will be inspired by these 20 ways to create outdoor sensory paths for children in your own outdoor yard or play area.