Sensory circuits are a form of sensory integration intervention involving a sequence of physical activities designed to alert, organise, and calm the nervous system of the child.
These activities are particularly effective for children with social and emotional needs, as they help regulate emotions and organise sensory input, enabling children to stay within their “window of tolerance” – the optimal state for managing emotions and sensory experiences.
By supporting emotional balance and sensory regulation, sensory circuits help children achieve the “just right” level of alertness needed for focused learning and positive social engagement. The activities are active, enjoyable, and fun, providing a structured yet flexible way for children to manage their emotional and sensory needs, enhancing both well-being and social participation.
Here are some examples of basic sensory circuits:
Alerting activities: These activities are designed to increase the child’s alertness and attention. Some examples of alerting activities include:
- Bouncing on a trampoline
- Spinning in a chair
- Jumping jacks
- Tapping on a drum
Organising activities: These activities are designed to help the child organise their senses and focus their attention. Some examples of organising activities include:
- Walking on a balance beam
- Crawling through a tunnel
- Playing with a ball of clay
- Listening to music
Calming activities: These activities are designed to help the child relax and calm down. Some examples of calming activities include:
- Reading a book
- Listening to nature sounds
- Taking a warm bath
- Stretching
Sensory circuits can be used in a variety of settings with children of all ages.
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