Sensory Tool Exploration Activity

Description: Station-based exploration where students rotate among different sensory tools. At each station, they notice how the tool affects their feelings and focus, then share or draw their observations.

Audience: Kindergarten–2nd Grade Students
Time: 15 minutes total (3–4 minutes per station)
Group Size: 3–4 students per group

Materials (per station)

• Station 1: Stress Balls
• Station 2: Fidget Spinners
• Station 3: Sensory Bottles (Glitter Jars)
• Station 4: Noise-Canceling Headphones (optional for quiet time)
• Reflection Prompt Cards (one per station)
• Timer or bell for rotations

Prep (10 minutes)

• Label four corners of the room as Station 1–4.
• Place the designated tool and a prompt card at each station.
• Explain rotation order and practice using the timer.

Procedure

1. Introduce the activity (2 minutes):
   • Explain that they’ll visit four stations and try each tool.
   • Emphasize gentle handling and taking turns.

2. Rotations (3–4 minutes each, total ~15 minutes):
   • Start at Station 1. When the timer rings, rotate clockwise.
   • At each station, students:

   1. Use the tool as shown.
   2. Read the Reflection Prompt Card.
   3. In pairs, share or draw a quick response.

   Reflection Prompts by Station:

   • Station 1 (Stress Balls): “What does it feel like when you squeeze the ball?”
   • Station 2 (Fidget Spinners): “Does watching it spin help you calm down?”
   • Station 3 (Glitter Jars): “What do you notice as the glitter falls?”
   • Station 4 (Headphones): “How does quiet help you feel inside?”

3. Group Share (5 minutes):
   • Reconvene as a whole class.
   • Invite volunteers to share one feeling or observation from any station.

Teacher Tips & Follow-Ups

• Rotate tools monthly based on student interest.
• Post a class chart of favorite tools and why they help.
• Encourage use of the sensory corner when students feel upset or need focus.

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Sensory Corner Guided Script

Use this word-for-word guide to lead your class through a calming sensory practice near the Sensory Corner.

1. Welcome and Settle (1 minute)

Teacher (calm, gentle voice):
“Friends, let’s all come to our sensory corner and find a spot on our cushions. Sit with your legs crossed and your hands in your lap. Let’s make our bodies small and quiet—hands on our knees, eyes looking at me. Well done!”

2. Mood Check (1 minute)

Teacher (pointing to Visual Mood Thermometer Poster):
“Before we begin, let’s check in with our feelings. Look at our mood thermometer. Who is feeling a little high like a bright sun? Who feels low like a rainy cloud? You can point to the picture that matches your feeling right now. [Pause to let students point] Thank you for sharing.”

3. Breathing Exercise (2 minutes)

Teacher (modeling deep breaths):
“Let’s take three big belly breaths together. Place one hand on your tummy and one hand on your chest. Breathe in slowly through your nose—one... two... three... [inhale with hand rising] Now blow out gently through your mouth—one... two... three... [exhale with hand lowering].

Again: In through your nose—one, two, three... [pause] And out through your mouth—one, two, three. Can you feel your body starting to calm down? Give me a thumbs-up if you do.”

4. Stress Ball Squeeze (2 minutes)

Teacher (holding a stress ball):
“Now let’s use our stress balls. Hold the ball in one hand and squeeze it as tight as you can—ready? Squeeze! [count to three] And release. Good! Let’s do that two more times. Squeeze... two... three... release. One last time: squeeze... two... three... release. Wow, I see some strong squeezes!”

Teacher (asking):
“What did you notice in your hand when you squeezed? [Pause for responses] Yes, it felt firm in your palm. Squeezing can help our bodies let go of big feelings.”

5. Glitter Jar Watch (2 minutes)

Teacher (shaking a glitter jar):
“Now, pick up your glitter jar and hold it in both hands. Give it a gentle shake and watch the glitter swirl all around. [Shake jar] What do you notice as the glitter falls? [Pause for sharing]

Let’s count together as it settles: five... four... three... two... one. [Pause] Notice how calm it feels when the glitter stops moving.”

6. Fidget Spinner Focus (1 minute)

Teacher (offering fidget spinners):
“Next, choose a fidget spinner. Hold it between two fingers and give it a gentle spin. Look closely at how it moves round and round. Does watching the spinner help you feel more focused? [Pause for student voices] Spinning something quietly can help our brains settle.”

7. Quiet Listening (1 minute)

Teacher (optional headphones):
“Now let’s try a moment of quiet. If you like, put on your noise-canceling headphones and just listen to the quiet for ten seconds. Ready? Close your eyes if you want. [Pause for 10 seconds]

What did you notice in the quiet? [Pause for responses] Listening to quiet can be a superpower for calming down.”

8. Closing and Reflection (1 minute)

Teacher (smiling):
“You all did an amazing job calming your bodies and minds. Before we leave, let’s check our mood thermometer one more time. Point to the picture that shows how you feel now. [Pause] I see lots of calmer suns and rainbows—great work! Remember, you can visit our sensory corner anytime you feel big feelings. Thank you for practicing with me!”

[Return any tools to the basket and help your neighbor if needed.]

Calm Down Reflection Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

1. Draw Your Favorite Tool

Draw a picture of your favorite sensory tool from our Sensory Corner.

2. Tool Name

What is the name of your tool?

3. How Did It Make You Feel?

Circle the face that shows how this tool made you feel:

😊 😌 😃 😐 😔 😖

4. Why I Chose This Tool

Tell or draw why this tool helps you feel calm.

5. When Will I Use It?

Draw or write one time you will use this tool in the day (for example, during transition time or when you feel upset).

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