Have you ever noticed how a little bit of physical activity and a brain break can refresh your mind and mood? That’s where sensory paths come in! Sensory paths give kids a brain break allowing them to incorporate movement and reset their minds.
If you spend time searching for a sensory path, you can quickly see that they can be costly. Not only that, but sensory paths that focus on a child’s whole wellness can be hard to come by. That’s why the Sanford fit team has created the FREE downloadable Wellness Way Sensory Path Printable pack for you and your kids to enjoy. It has:
- Bright colors and diverse imagery
- Easy-to-follow instructions for kids
- Adaptable activities for all ages
- 35 easy-to-print pages on 8.5” x 11” paper
- SEL paths and breathing exercises.
Ready to get started with your own Wellness Way Sensory Path? With the free printable pack, the only things you need are:
- A computer or mobile device
- A printer
- Scissors and tape
- Your imagination
These color-coded posters will take your kids through different sets of tasks to help them move their bodies, recharge their minds, think about their food and drink choices, and learn more about their moods! Each color has a different focus:
Purple is for mood!
The purple (Mood) path encourages your kids to practice being mindful with techniques like breathing exercises and self-reflection. Mindfulness can provide so many benefits for kids, including improving their self-soothing and stress management skills, increasing their mental focus, and boosting their physical energy levels. This is a perfect brain break for kids that need more relaxed, gentle brain break options.
Green is for food!
The green (Food) path encourages kids to think about what they fuel their bodies and brains with, including green-light, yellow-light, and red-light snacks like fresh fruits, granola bars, and chocolates. This is great for kids who are just learning about the basics of nutrition! And of course, the path reminds kids to drink their water, too!
Red is for move!
The red (Move) path encourages kids to move their bodies in many ways, including movements like triceps stretch, jump rope, jumping jacks, high knees, arm circles, and butterfly stretch. This is perfect for kids that need to get the wiggles out. You can also use the printable posters as a brain break throughout the day. Keep them on a key ring or in a folder that you can easily grab for a quick movement break.
Blue is for recharge!
The blue (Recharge) path is a go-to for kids who need a minute to self-soothe or just want to take a moment to themselves with yoga poses and simple stretches. Think about how you feel when you don’t sleep well or hit that mid-afternoon slump. That’s where the blue path comes in! When kids recharge their bodies and brains without a screen, they restore the energy they need to get through their days.
Now that you’ve seen a glimpse of what the Wellness Way Sensory Path can look like, are you looking for some more inspiration? Check out this video to see how we set our Wellness Way Sensory Path on a blank wall!
Since this printable kit is fully customizable to fit any space or group size, you can put it up anywhere from your classroom wall, bulletin board, or even a 3-ring binder. Or, you can add the sensory path to your classroom Cozy Spot and laminate each page to increase the pages’ longevity and make cleaning easier, too. The options are endless!
Click here to get the full Wellness Way Sensory Path Printable Kit and get started with a sensory path of your own.
Are you looking for more sensory path ideas? Check out our complete guide for how and why to create a sensory path in any setting.
Ready for More? You Might Also Like:
Educational Brain Breaks that Keep Kids Moving
Kids Coping Strategies Poster Pack
Grow Your Flow: Simple Yoga Poses for Kids