We often talk about sensory breaks, and the importance of adding them into the day for our kids best success. Here is some information on what a sensory break is, and why it's important. Click on the link, to see 40 great ideas!! Have fun!
What is a sensory break?
A sensory break or “brain break” is a fancy word for just taking a regular old break from seated learning activities or sedentary activities. For children with sensory needs, this is often referred to as a sensory diet or sensory break. It is a time for them to gain the sensory input they need in their bodies to stay alert, on task, and focused.
Each of us has our own way in which we modulate or control our sensory systems. A person who is able to modulate well is someone who notices the sensory stimuli coming in, filters out unimportant information and their emotions and behaviors reflect appropriate responses to the situation or environment.
For children or adults with modulation disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Sensory processing disorder, or Autism etc. they have difficulty regulating the sensory input they are receiving. Which is why sensory breaks are SO important for them.
Why are sensory breaks important?
Sensory breaks are a way for any child, whether they have sensory needs or not, to reset, decompress, and get the blood flowing back into their brains. We all know that children learn best through movement and exploring with their hands. Giving them breaks throughout their day lets their brains take a rest and reset, but they are also still learning vital life skills in these sensory breaks.
How often should you do a sensory break?
It has been suggested that children ages 3-9 need a break every 15 minutes. Also children younger than 3 can really not be expected to focus for much longer than 5-10 minutes, and some much less than that. Children in fourth grade and above it is suggested to have a break every 45 minutes.
Realistically this may not always be the case. So if you can at least get a break in every 1-2 hours, that is ideal. Breaks can last anywhere from 10-15 minutes.
And adults, don’t forget to add yourself in here as well. You also need to give yourself a sensory break throughout the day. I was recently at a continuing education course and I absolutely loved that the Occupational Therapist giving the presentation gave us 15-20 minute breaks every hour to hour and a half. It was great for me to be able to focus and soak in all the information we were learning about.
Click on the link to see the whole article and 40 great ideas for sensory breaks! Thanks to :Heather Greutman is a homeschool graduate turned homeschool mom blogger. She worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the public school system before becoming a stay a home mom to her daughter and soon to be born son. 
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