Sensory Break Ideas for Kids

Have you ever heard the term “sensory break” and weren’t quite sure what that meant? Or maybe you are more like me and you have run out of idea and need more sensory break ideas. You have come to the right place!

Thank you Dayna for having me today. Sensory activities are one of my favorite things to write about and also do with my daughter. And with my background as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, sensory activities are something I used constantly with my kids in the school system. Today I wanted to share with you some different sensory break ideas that are great for kids of any age.

What is a sensory break?

A sensory break or “brain break” is a fancy word for just taking a regular old break from seated learning activities or sedentary activities. For children with sensory needs, this is often referred to as a sensory diet or sensory break. It is a time for them to gain the sensory input they need in their bodies to stay alert, on task, and focused.

Each of us has our own way in which we modulate or control our sensory systems. A person who is able to modulate well is someone who notices the sensory stimuli coming in, filters out unimportant information and their emotions and behaviors reflect appropriate responses to the situation or environment.

For children or adults with modulation disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Sensory processing disorder, or Autism etc. they have difficulty regulating the sensory input they are receiving. Which is why sensory breaks are SO important for them.

Why are sensory breaks important?

Sensory breaks are a way for any child, whether they have sensory needs or not, to reset, decompress, and get the blood flowing back into their brains. We all know that children learn best through movement and exploring with their hands. Giving them breaks throughout their day lets their brains take a rest and reset, but they are also still learning vital life skills in these sensory breaks.

How often should you do a sensory break?

It has been suggested that children ages 3-9 need a break every 15 minutes. Also children younger than 3 can really not be expected to focus for much longer than 5-10 minutes, and some much less than that. Children in fourth grade and above it is suggested to have a break every 45 minutes.

Realistically this may not always be the case. So if you can at least get a break in every 1-2 hours, that is ideal. Breaks can last anywhere from 10-15 minutes.

And adults, don’t forget to add yourself in here as well. You also need to give yourself a sensory break throughout the day. I was recently at a continuing education course and I absolutely loved that the Occupational Therapist giving the presentation gave us 15-20 minute breaks every hour to hour and a half. It was great for me to be able to focus and soak in all the information we were learning about.

40 Simple Sensory Brain Break Ideas

Jumping Jacks
Jumping on a mini trampoline or large outdoor trampoline
Heavy work activities
Crawling through tunnels or under objects
Wall or chair Pushes
Animal Crawls (can you crawl like a bear? crab? frogs? seals?)
Ball Pass (Stand back to back and pass a ball by turning to the side in one direction, than reverse)
Ball Pits (make your own by filling up a small swimming pool with balls)
Reading in a bean bag chair
Biking
Climbing trees or on a jungle gym
Use fidget toys
Chewing toys or tools such a Chewable Jewelry
Crashing mat
Play with a parachute
Popcorn jumps (jumping from a squat position and then landing back in a squat position)
Wheelbarrow walking
Obstacle course
Passing weighted balls back and forth
Scooter board activities
Resistance bands
Bouncing on a therapy or exercise ball
Listening to upbeat OR calming music
Swinging
Going outside for a walk or hike
Jumping jacks
Skipping
Running
Bean bag squeezes
Drinking water through a water bottle with a Bite Valve
Chewing gum (all natural chewing gum option)
Using a weighted blanket or vest
Lifting light weights
Yoga moves
Swimming
Tummy Time
Headphones to block out unnecessary noise
Roller blade or skating
Visit the playground

Print this Free Sensory Break Cheat Sheet

This post comes with a free printable to help with you in a bind.

I have made a simple printable for you that has all of these sensory breaks in a simple and easy to display format. Place it on the fridge, in a frame or even in your child’s calm down spot so they remember them as well. Don’t get caught struggling to remember your options!

This printable simplifies it!

Here is a sneak preview…

Download Your Free Printable

1. 1. Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join my weekly newsletter! Click Here to Download and Subscribe
  2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
  3. Place it on your refrigerator.

For more reading information on this topic visit:
Alerting, Calming and Organizing Activities for Kids
15 Brain Break Exercises for Kids (and video)
10 Brain Break Activities for Kids
Everyone Needs Brain Breaks
100 Sensory Ideas for Kids
30 Quick One Minute Sensory Breaks for Kids

Heather Greutman is a homeschool graduate turned homeschool mom blogger. She worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the public school system before becoming a stay a home mom to her daughter and soon to be born son. She writes at Growing Hands On Kids Blog about Christian Montessori inspired homeschool with an Occupational Therapy twist. You can also find her on Facebook and Pinterest.

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