Supporting Your Child’s Development Through Sensory Activities: A Guide to Keeping Kids Active, Engaged, Focused, and Calm

All children have sensory needs that help them feel comfortable, engaged, and regulated throughout their day. Everyone processes sensory information a little differently, and a child’s sensory needs can change depending on factors like sleep, stress, and environment. Understanding and incorporating sensory activities into your child’s daily routine can make a big difference in their motor skills, behavior, mood, and focus. These activities provide a natural outlet for their energy, promote self-regulation, and create valuable opportunities for learning and growth.

Since sensory activities impact a child’s ability to stay alert and engaged, they can be embedded throughout their routine to support focus and alertness. Similarly, other sensory activities can be used when it’s time to calm down or wind down. Here are some key sensory activities and considerations:

• Daily Sensory Activities: Regular daily doses of sensory activities help children feel calm, focused and alert, which makes it easier for them to engage with their surroundings. Activities such as swinging, rocking, deep pressure activities such as hugs or pushing/pulling objects, playing with textured materials, or bouncing help regulate the sensory system and can make for a great day.

• Try Different Approaches: Every child responds differently to sensory input. One child may love the calming effects of slow rocking, while another might find jumping or dancing more helpful for focusing. Experiment with different sensory activities to see what resonates best with your child.

• Adjusting to Your Child’s Needs: Sensory needs vary from day to day, even moment to moment, so flexibility is key. Providing a range of activities that engage the senses—whether calming or energizing—can give your child the stimulation or relaxation they need as situations change.

• Encourage Exploration: Children’s sensory systems develop through movement and exploration. Let kids play, explore, and move freely to support self-regulation.

• Encourage Outdoor Play: Ensure your child has ample time for outdoor play, where they can run, climb, and explore. Nature provides rich sensory input, vital for sensory development and self-regulation.

• Limit Sedentary Activities: While downtime is important, balancing it with active play is essential for developing an efficient sensory system.

• Provide Movement Breaks: Allow regular movement breaks throughout the day with activities like jumping, dancing, or swinging.

• Deep Pressure & Heavy Work: Activities like bear hugs, rolling in a blanket, or pushing heavy objects help regulate the nervous system and provide calming sensory input.

• Child-Led Discovery: Provide materials for your child to explore. Let them lead the activity, and don’t force participation. It is ok to slowly encourage them to try new things though.

• Just-Right Challenge: Choose activities that match your child’s strengths and interests but offer a small challenge to encourage growth.

• Observation: Allow your child to observe an activity first. Participation should be voluntary, encouraged, yet never forced.

• Explain Activity: Clearly explain the activity and how long it will last. Use timers or counting to increase their tolerance.

• Variety of Materials: Offer a mix sensory-rich activities including preferred materials alongside new ones to expand their sensory experiences. Good examples are playing with sand, water, food play, rocks and nature items, sensory bins, or textured toys to encourage tolerance of different sensations.

• Group Activities: Introduce new sensory activities in a group setting for added fun and support.

• Descriptive Language: Use words to describe sensations (e.g., “soft,” “squishy,” “bumpy”) to help your child process the experience.

• Incorporate Nature: Spend time outside to enhance the sensory experience with natural elements like grass, water, or sand.

• Watch for Overstimulation: Be aware of signs your child is overwhelmed (e.g., covering ears, closing eyes) and take breaks as needed.