Sensory Resources

Sensory processing and integration is the ability for the brain and body to take in sensory information from the environment and the body and adequately understand the meaning of the sensory information coming in and organize it so the child can learn from the environment and respond adequately and efficiently to it. Most often sensory integration difficulties are recognized due to a child seeking extra movement and therefore having a hard time focusing during their day because they need the input fidgeting, wiggling, standing, walking around, shaking their head, etc. provides them. Sensory integration can also be a difficulty in the following sensory systems:

  • Touch
  • Proprioception/Vestibular
  • Hearing
  • Visual
  • Taste
  • Smell

Movement breaks are key in a child's day wether at school or at home. Allowing the body to move, fidget, wiggle, and get proprioceptive/vestibular input and feedback during the day is proven to increase focus and attention. Here are some resources for how to include sensory/movement breaks into daily routine at home and in the classroom. Click on each underlined title below to access the link.

For more information on sensory processing disorder or to learn more about it CLICK HERE.

Disclaimer: Sensory processing disorder is a serious condition and should be evaluated by professionals if it interferes in various areas of life beyond what is manageable, I advise you to seek outside help from a skilled OT in sensory processing. These websites are not mine and are individually copyrighted.

Sensory Quadrants Overview

  • Marc Landry has a great website with a lot of information on sensory integration/regulation difficulties in children
  • His entire website can be accessed here
  • Click Here for more information on Low Registration
  • Click Here for more information on Sensory Seeking
  • Click Here for more information on Sensory Sensitivity
  • Click Here for more information on Sensory Avoiding

What is a Sensory Diet?

  • Great description and ideas from Tools To Grow

FUNtervals

  • ideas for movement breaks that increase physical activity levels for school-age kids
  • step by step instructions with fun stories to follow along
  • based on high intensity interval training for kids

Outdoor Sensory Activities

    • Tools To Grow OT
    • Outdoor Sensory Diet Activities

Heavy Work Ideas

  • Proprioceptive input ideas for home
  • Help with regulation and focus

Sensory Play Ideas

  • Ideas for home
  • Sensory-based play ideas that are simple and creative

Go Noodle

  • Website for movement breaks in the classroom that are fun and interactive
  • Can be used with a full classroom of kids on a regular basis

Movement Breaks in School

  • Ideas for classroom motor breaks and videos to demonstrate
  • Blog post for sensory inputs to use in classrooms

Sensory Strategies for Home

  • Home ideas for children who like extra movement or input during their day
  • How to make your home sensory friendly

Additional Sensory Strategies for Kids

  • Additional sensory strategies that can be done in the home
  • Explanations of how long to do sensory breaks and how to incorporate them into routines

Deep Pressure and Heavy Work Activities for School Age Children

  • Website by Livestrong for sensory activity ideas
  • 72 sensory strategies for deep pressure and heavy work

Sensory Diets

  • What are they?
  • How to easily create one for your child
  • How to monitor the impact it is having on your child

Sensory Books for Kids to Read

  • "This is Gabriel Making Sense of School: A Book about Sensory Processing Disorder" by Hartley Steiner: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
  • "The Kids Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control" by Lauren Brukner: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
  • "Arnie and his School Tools" by Jennifer Veenendall: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
  • "Sensitive Sam" by Marla Roth-Fisch: Click Here to buy on Amazon.

Sensory Books for Adults to Learn More about Sensory Processing

  • "Sensational Kids" by Lucy Jane Miller: Click Here to purchase on Amazon
  • "The Out-Of-Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller: Click Here to purchase on Amazon