10 Tips for Facilitating
1 || Watch and Learn
Sensory Activities for Kids
Observe kids as they interact with different sensory materials. This means setting materials
out for free exploration without having a planned activity or “agenda”. What do they go for
first? What do they avoid? What do they ignore? Write down observations and refer back
to them as you plan new activities.
2 || Appeal to Strengths and Preferences
Use kids’ sensory preferences to help draw them into activities that might be more
challenging. For example, a child may enjoy the tactile input of a squeeze ball or putty, but
avoids vestibular input like swinging at all costs. Try using the preferred tactile input while
the child is on the swing.
3 || Allow for Observers and Leaders
If kids are cautious or reluctant, don’t make it a requirement to participate in the sensory
activity the first (or second or third) time around. Let them watch others model the activity
or allow them to help as you set the activity up. If a child isn’t ready to participate himself,
have him direct you, telling you how to interact with the materials. Allow kids who are
ready and eager to be the leaders, modeling what to do for other kids.
4 || Set Up For Success
Giving preparation and advanced notice about sensory activities is a good idea for all kids.
Let them know what is coming and explain what the procedure will be. What will come
next? How long will the activity last? How will the activity end (e.g. when the timer rings)?
Who will help clean up? What might we need to do to prepare? How can we calm our
bodies down after the activity is over?
5 || Consider Your Materials
For kids who might be reluctant to participate, try adding familiar or appealing toys and
materials into the mix (e.g. driving a favorite car through a tactile bin). For kids who are
ready for more of a challenge, incorporating new, unfamiliar objects and materials can
make the activity more complex, alerting, and challenging.
6 || Use the Group
Use group activities to introduce sensory materials or activities that can be used later
independently. A group setting can help foster feelings of safety and security when trying
something new for kids who are cautious..
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7 || Close Your Eyes
Play around with having kids participate in different sensory experiences with a blindfold or
with eyes closed. Taking the visual system out of the mix can be challenging for kids who
are reluctant to participate, but this technique can also create a really unique sensory
experience for kids who are willing to try it. Try sifting through a tactile bin while wearing a
blindfold. Or play instruments with eyes closed.
8 || Use Your Words
Use language to enhance the sensory experience and to give kids the words they need to
describe what they’re feeling/seeing/hearing and to express their thoughts and emotions
related to the sensory experiences they’re having. Try describing words like: rough, heavy,
fast, quiet, loud as well as expressive phrases like: I need a break, I want more, I’m finished,
or It’s too much.
9 || Take It Outside
Facilitating sensory activities outdoors allows nature to add its own set of unique sensory
elements into the mix. Just by being outside, you’ll naturally add extra opportunities for
movement, sound, tactile input, and more! A change of scenery can also work wonders for
reluctant participants!
10 || Make It A Team Challenge
Setting up a team challenge using various sensory materials can be a great way to get
everyone involved while also helping kids regulate their responses and behavior during
sensory experiences. See how quickly two partners can fill up a bucket together in the
tactile bin. Try a team or partner obstacle course for some vestibular and proprioceptive
input.
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