Sensory Breaks/Activity Binder

Since we have been on the subject of visuals lately, I have one more post to add...  As OTs, we often have people (usually paraprofessionals) carry out "sensory breaks" or "movement breaks" for our students on the spectrum, those that have sensory processing needs or for those who have attention difficulties. Parents of these students often are counting on the staff to provide these needed breaks and activities to their child, as they know how important these breaks are for their child to be successful.

The problem becomes that not everyone know just what constitutes a "sensory activity," or what types of activities can be used during a movement or sensory break.  You can take the guess work out of the paraprofessional's day by providing a list of sensory based activities to choose from, and even go a step further in providing visuals that go along with each activity.  (Remember that list of 50 quick sensory activities from the post dated 9-4-13?)  Providing a list also allows for a variety of activities to be used over the course of time, so that the student has some variety.  Tasks that are novel often hold attention more vs. the same activities over and over.  I make it easier for paras by making them a binder that contain the activity list and the visuals that they may need for them.

On the inside cover of the binder, I like to provide 3 activity choices, and then a place for the student to then place their activity choice card.  I also include some instruction/information on sensory breaks and how to use them throughout the day.

Next, provide an extensive list of activities and include them in the binder.

Add visuals into the binder that correspond with the activities that you provided.

Now, the classroom may not have access to some of the minor equipment or items suggested in the list, but just encourage them to be creative and resourceful (ie: if they don't have bubbles for blowing or putty for a tactile break, give them a recipe for making their own.  Maybe they could borrow a scooter board from the gym to use during their movement break).  Also, the activities in the list provided are just merely suggestions.  They don't all have to be used, and the paraprofessional should feel free to add some ideas of his/her own as well.