Sensory Path Hallway Ideas for School

Pediatric occupational or physical therapists know that incorporating movement-based activities throughout the day is essential to help children regulate their sensory systems, improve their motor skills, and prepare their bodies and minds for learning. Many schools use the hallway or other large spaces to encourage these activities. There are plenty of sensory path hallway ideas that you can set up.

A sensory path is a designated path that incorporates various sensory experiences and movement activities that children can engage in as they walk through the hallway. 

Benefits of Using Sensory Path Ideas in the Hallway

Using a sensory path in the hallway can provide several benefits to children such as:

1. Regulation of Sensory Systems: Sensory paths can help children regulate their sensory systems. The sensory experiences incorporated in the sensory pathway can provide children with the proprioceptive, vestibular, and tactile input they need to stay alert and focused. Children who experience sensory processing difficulties can benefit from the repetitive and predictable nature of the sensory path and gross motor skills practice.
2. Improved Motor Skills: Sensory paths can improve children’s gross and fine motor skills. The various movement activities incorporated in the path can help children develop their balance, coordination, motor planning, core strength, gross motor skills, visual perceptual skills, and spatial awareness. If a child receive occupational therapy or physical therapy, a school sensory path can help them to reach their goals throughout the school day outside of direct therapy sessions.
3. Preparation for Learning: Sensory paths can help prepare children’s bodies and minds for learning. The physical activity provided by the sensory path can increase blood flow to the brain, provide sensory input, and aerobic activity making children more alert, prepared to focus in class, and ready to learn.

Suggestions for Sensory Path Hallway Ideas

It can be very easy or complex to set up a sensory hallway. You may want to try some simple ideas to start to make sure your students will be engaged with a DIY sensory path, before you “jump into” full commercially made sensory pathways. 

Here are some suggestions for sensory paths in the hallway:

1. Use Colorful Tape: Use colorful tape to create a path on the floor. Use different colors to mark the different activities, such as hopping, jumping, and crawling. Create an obstacle course. You can try painter’s tape to start to test out different ideas before you lay down a more adhesive tape. Be sure to check with your maintenance department at your school before laying down adhesive, permanent tape on your floors or walls.
2. Incorporate Different Textures: Use different textures, such as carpet squares, foam mats, or bubble wrap, to create a sensory experience as children walk through the path. Kids love the tactile input of these options and you can change it out easily.
3. Use Visual Aids: Use visual aids, such as pictures or arrows, to show children how to navigate the path and complete each activity. You can laminate pictures for this, use colored tape, or paint to provide the directional movements.
4. Change it Up: Change the path and the activities regularly to keep it fun and engaging for the children. Sensory motor posters for the wall are an excellent way to always change up the sensory path in your school with zero permanent changes. You can use large colorful posters, or more simple activities to print and hang on the walls. 
5. Sensory Hopscotch Paths: Create a hopscotch path for the students to jump and hop on as they transition.
6. Use Animal Pictures: Hang various animal pictures on the walls. As the children walk by, they have to move like that animal. Add some interesting animal facts too to keep the kids moving and learning.
7. DIY Sensory Paths: You can print and use different options to create engaging and fun activity ideas for your school hallway. The Sensory Path Obstacle Course is super easy to set up.
8. Roll Some Fun Brain Breaks Free Printables: Grab a set of dice and head out into the hallway for these two free activities you can print and hang out on the walls. They are great full body workouts that also encourage executive functioning skills.
9. Head Outdoors: Of course this is not a hallway, but keep in mind if you school building does not allow for indoor sensory paths, create one outdoors. You can use sidewalk chalk to create engaging sensory walks for the senses. Here is an example of outdoor obstacles you can create for your sensory walk to get kids moving and learning.

When to Use These Sensory Path Hallway Ideas

Here are some suggestions for when to use a sensory path in the hallway:

1. Transition Times: Use the sensory path during transition times, such as when children walk from one activity to another. This can help children regulate their sensory systems and transition more smoothly.
2. Brain Breaks: Use the sensory path as a brain break. After sitting for an extended period, children can take a break and use the sensory path to move their bodies and re-energize. Completing the activities and games in the hallway, allow for a break from the classroom setting.
3. Preparing for Learning: Use the sensory path before a learning activity as one of many strategies to help prepare children’s bodies and minds for learning.

Suggestions for Getting Children Ready to Return to the Classroom After Using the Sensory Path

Here are some suggestions to get children ready to return to the classroom after using the sensory path:

1. Have a Cool-Down Period: Allow children to have a cool-down period after using the sensory path. This can include slow breathing exercises, calming music, or a quiet activity.
2. Give Clear Instructions: Give clear instructions to children on what they need to do after using the sensory path, such as washing their hands or putting their shoes back on.
3. Provide a Visual Schedule: Provide a visual schedule or reminder for children of what comes next, such as returning to the classroom or engaging in a specific learning activity.
4. Encourage Positive Reinforcement: Encourage positive reinforcement for children who use the sensory path and return to the classroom in a calm and focused manner. This can include verbal praise, a sticker or stamp, or a reward system.
5. Provide Opportunities for Reflection: Provide opportunities for children to reflect on their experience using the sensory path. This can include a group discussion or journaling activity where children can share what they enjoyed about the sensory path and how it made them feel.In conclusion, using a sensory path in the hallway can provide several benefits to children, including regulation of sensory systems, improved motor skills, and preparation for learning. When creating a sensory path, it is essential to incorporate different textures, use visual aids, change it up regularly, and provide clear instructions. To get children ready to return to the classroom after using the sensory path, provide a cool-down period, give clear instructions, use a visual schedule, encourage positive reinforcement, and provide opportunities for reflection. By incorporating a sensory path in the hallway, you can create a fun and engaging way to help children regulate their sensory systems, promote movement, and prepare their bodies and minds for learning.