What are Sensory Circuits?
Many neurodivergent people have differences in the way they perceive and process sensory information. It is important to remember that sensory differences can impact significantly on play and learning as differences interpreting sensory information can have an impact on how an individual feels, thinks, behaves or responds. This may affect how children are able to focus and engage in play and learning opportunities at any given time. Sensory circuits can be a useful way of providing some of the sensory feedback an individual might be seeking.
Participation in a sensory circuit is a great way to both energise and settle children into the school day. The aim of the activity is to support children to be in the optimum state of alertness, ready for learning.
Longer term benefits can include:
How does the sensory circuit work?
The sensory circuit runs in three sections based on theories of sensory processing and sensory integration. The order of the circuit is extremely important:
The aim of section 1 is to provide vestibular stimulation (providing the brain with sensory information every time the position of the head moves in relation to gravity) within a controlled environment. This prepares the brain for learning and for the demands of the school environment.
Alerting activities to try:
• gym ball for bouncing on or rolling over (walk hands forwards and backwards)
Section 2 includes activities that require the child to organise their body, plan their approach and do more than one thing at a time in a set sequential order. These are skills that may increase a child’s focus, attention span and performance within the classroom.
Organising activities include climbing, balancing, and throwing.
Organising activities to try:
The section 3 calming activities provide input to ensure that as the children leaves the circuit they are calm and ready for the task ahead. This should be proprioceptive input, heavy work and if possible deep pressure work. Calming activities include press-ups, crawling exercises or an exercise ball squash.
Calming activities to try:
Calming activities for home: