SENSORY PATH
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Introducing the Swallow Union Sensory Path!! What is The Sensory Path? Let us tell you all about it! The Sensory Path is a set of brightly colored decals that are applied to a hallway floor and walls. Students get to jump, skip, hop, push, shuffle, and giggle their way down the path. Really there is no wrong way to use it as long as students are having fun! Even more exciting, Swallow Union APT was able to purchase two paths thanks to the generous support of our school community! One path is located near the nurse’s office off the main hallway and the other starts outside Mrs. Bushnell's classroom and continues the entire length of the hallway.
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Why install a Sensory Path? First, they are super fun! They facilitate play in school and encourage movement and physical fitness. Students can use the path in a standing or seated position meaning that everyone is able to participate. We won’t name names, but we have caught plenty of teachers hopping on the path when they thought no one was looking!
Second, all students benefit from brain breaks. Movement helps both sides of the brain work together, improving concentration in the classroom. The Sensory Pathway can assist students that need to increase their energy level as well as those who need to calm and organize their bodies. Other benefits include focus, academic and physical coordination, socialization, and problem-solving skills. Our friends with Sensory Processing Disorders benefit because the Sensory Path allow students to take sensory breaks. A student who is experiencing sensory overload will be able to use the path to complete movements designed to allow his or her brain and body to refocus.
Third, the Sensory Path provides students a fun distraction and true break from anxiety and frustrations. Rather than taking a walk, going to the restroom, or getting water when experiencing big feelings, the movements of the path shift the child’s focus from their strong emotions to a more logic-based, fun task. The Sensory Path would provide a student who is struggling with challenging feelings or behaviors the opportunity to release energy in a playful way. This strategy has the potential to decrease classroom disruptions, build positive self-esteem, and teach positive coping skills.
So what did the APT do this summer with the support of our amazing school community? We provided our students with the opportunity for play and movement! These valuable tools are essential for developing the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary to be happy, motivated, resilient, creative, kind, and successful students. Best summer ever!
Oh...and keep an eye on the wall by the Sensory Path near the cafeteria. Something exciting is coming!
Second, all students benefit from brain breaks. Movement helps both sides of the brain work together, improving concentration in the classroom. The Sensory Pathway can assist students that need to increase their energy level as well as those who need to calm and organize their bodies. Other benefits include focus, academic and physical coordination, socialization, and problem-solving skills. Our friends with Sensory Processing Disorders benefit because the Sensory Path allow students to take sensory breaks. A student who is experiencing sensory overload will be able to use the path to complete movements designed to allow his or her brain and body to refocus.
Third, the Sensory Path provides students a fun distraction and true break from anxiety and frustrations. Rather than taking a walk, going to the restroom, or getting water when experiencing big feelings, the movements of the path shift the child’s focus from their strong emotions to a more logic-based, fun task. The Sensory Path would provide a student who is struggling with challenging feelings or behaviors the opportunity to release energy in a playful way. This strategy has the potential to decrease classroom disruptions, build positive self-esteem, and teach positive coping skills.
So what did the APT do this summer with the support of our amazing school community? We provided our students with the opportunity for play and movement! These valuable tools are essential for developing the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary to be happy, motivated, resilient, creative, kind, and successful students. Best summer ever!
Oh...and keep an eye on the wall by the Sensory Path near the cafeteria. Something exciting is coming!
