Sensory Breaks

Class-wide toolkit for quick, on-the-spot sensory resets – promotes self-regulation and keeps everyone engaged throughout the day. This 20-minute Tier 1 lesson for 2nd graders introduces simple strategies and fun activities to help students recognize and reset their energy levels, fostering a calm, focused classroom environment.

In this lesson, kindergarten students will learn how to independently take a sensory break by implementing a sensory diet. This lesson is important as it helps young learners recognize their sensory needs and manage their emotions and energy levels effectively. By practicing sensory breaks, students can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 sensory regulation session for 2nd graders, students will engage in a Brain Dance warm-up, explore various sensory tools, participate in a guided sensory break, and wrap up with a Mood Meter check-in. This resource helps maintain attention, reduce stress, and build self-regulation skills in the classroom.

This resource supports an individual 6th-grade special education student in creating a visual schedule for integrating sensory breaks throughout their day. It promotes predictability and self-management. This lesson is designed for a single 35-minute session.

A concise 15-minute individual lesson to help a 3rd grade student with autism recognize and request a break when overwhelmed. Includes a social story reading, visual supports, and a guided activity to practice asking for a break. Essential for building self-advocacy and emotional regulation.

This lesson plan is designed to help kindergarten students learn to express their need for a break in a constructive manner. Over six weeks, students will engage in fun and simple activities that promote self-regulation and communication skills. This lesson is important as it empowers young students to manage their emotions and communicate effectively, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

A short, evidence-based 10-minute break routine for a 3rd grade student feeling overwhelmed. This Tier 3 individualized support lesson teaches coping skills through movement and breathing exercises to help students self-regulate and return to learning ready and calm.

In this single 20-minute lesson, PreK students with autism will learn to independently ask for a break using visual supports. This vital skill fosters self-advocacy, regulation, and classroom engagement.

Individualized sessions for a 5th grade student to explore their unique sensory preferences and coping strategies, empowering them to self-advocate and self-regulate effectively. This Tier 3 program includes practical tools and reflections to support emotional and behavioral well-being.

In this 15-minute, Tier 2 intervention, an individual student will learn to use short, targeted brain breaks to refocus and self-regulate. This lesson equips the student with a rotation plan, engaging visuals, timers, and reflection tools to build independence and boost attention.

This lesson focuses on understanding and managing sensory overstimulation and dysregulation, crucial for students' well-being and academic success. Designed for 9th graders, it provides strategies to cope with sensory challenges in a 30-minute session, ensuring all students can thrive in a classroom environment.

This individual counseling session helps a 7th-grade student with autism (6th-grade reading level) explore and initiate the use of sensory modulation strategies to improve their ability to attend to classroom directions. This 30-minute session provides direct instruction, guided practice, and reflection opportunities.

In this 90-minute Tier 2 workshop, teachers will learn research-backed techniques to support students with ADHD and sensory needs in small group settings. This session empowers educators with practical strategies and adaptable classroom tools to promote attention, self-regulation, and inclusive learning environments.

A 6-session individual counseling curriculum designed to help 1st–5th graders develop sensory awareness and self-regulation skills. Clinical staff will learn to guide students through sensory profiling, calming strategies, and personalized regulation plans in 30-minute sessions.

A 20-session, 5-minute Tier 3 individual program for a 3rd grader with autism to learn how to choose and use sensory diet activities for self-regulation. This lesson supports sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding needs through targeted practice, helping the student increase independence and self-awareness.

In this quick 8-minute Tier 3 lesson, kindergarteners learn to spot when their bodies need a break and independently choose from fun calming or movement activities—building self-regulation and confidence in managing big feelings.

This resource helps individual 5th-grade students identify sensory inputs that either soothe or overwhelm them, enabling them to create a personalized 'sensory diet' for emotional regulation. It's crucial for students with sensory processing differences. This lesson is designed for one 30-minute session with an individual student.

A 20-session, 5-minute Tier 3 individual program for a 3rd grader with autism to learn how to choose and use sensory diet activities for self-regulation. This lesson supports sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding needs through targeted practice, helping the student increase independence and self-awareness.

This lesson involves setting up sensory exploration stations where students can engage their senses through activities like listening, touching, and smelling. This lesson is important as it helps young students develop mindfulness and sensory awareness, which are crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. By engaging in these activities, students can improve their focus, relaxation, and understanding of their sensory experiences.

Students will learn simple, fun brain breaks to boost focus, calm their minds, and re-energize during the school day. This engaging 15-minute Tier 1 lesson for 1st graders supports self-regulation, classroom engagement, and social-emotional wellness.

This lesson introduces students to quick and engaging 'brain breaks' that incorporate movement and laughter. These activities are designed to rejuvenate students' minds and bodies, enhancing their readiness to learn. By providing a fun and interactive break, students can reset and refocus, improving their overall learning experience.

In this brief 15-minute small-group session, 3rd grade students will learn and practice simple, energizing brain breaks to reset attention, boost self-regulation, and prepare for challenging tasks. These quick, movement-based resets empower learners with executive function strategies to recharge focus and approach work with renewed energy.

In this 6-session lesson designed for kindergarteners, students will explore and identify their sensory preferences and understand how these preferences affect their emotions and behaviors. This lesson is crucial for helping young learners develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, empowering them to navigate their world with confidence.

In this 90-minute, Tier 1 professional development session, K-12 teachers will learn practical strategies to support students with ADHD and sensory needs. Participants will explore evidence-based classroom accommodations, sensory tools, and inclusive teaching approaches that enhance attention, engagement, and self-regulation for all learners.

In this 30-minute individual lesson, your kindergarten student will learn how and why to ask for a break using a simple signal and understanding self-regulation. This Tier 3 intervention equips the student with tools to recognize when they need a pause and communicate it effectively.

This 9-session lesson is designed for a kindergarten student to help them identify and understand their sensory preferences. Through engaging activities, games, and discussions, the student will explore their five senses, enhancing self-awareness and promoting sensory integration. Each session lasts 30 minutes, focusing on individual support to cater to the student's unique needs.

These 10-minute personalized mindfulness sessions are tailored for a 5th grade student to practice breathing and focus techniques, reduce anxiety, and build self-regulation skills. This Tier 3 (Individual) support provides engaging, age-appropriate activities to help the student refocus during the school day.

A quick whole-class sensory break routine to help 2nd graders recognize and manage their energy levels—you’ll see calmer, more focused students afterward. This Tier 1 lesson is designed for a 2nd grade class and runs for one 10-minute session.

In this lesson, kindergarteners will explore various sensory tools through a fun and interactive game. The goal is to help students understand how these tools can be used to calm down and manage emotions. This lesson is important as it introduces young learners to self-regulation techniques in a playful manner, fostering emotional awareness and resilience.

This resource introduces students to simple mindfulness techniques they can use throughout their day to calm their minds and refocus. Lessons include short breathing exercises and sensory awareness activities. The objective is to equip 3rd-6th graders with quick, actionable strategies to manage stress, improve concentration, and cultivate a sense of calm in busy school environments. This lesson is for 3rd-6th graders and will take approximately 45-55 minutes across one session.

A vibrant 30-minute class presentation for 5th graders on the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method, helping them manage stress and sharpen focus. Perfect for Tier 1 classroom use.

This lesson involves setting up different sensory stations where students can engage their senses through focused activities like listening, touching, and smelling. This lesson is important as it helps students develop mindfulness and sensory awareness, which are crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. By engaging in these activities, students can improve their focus, calmness, and ability to process sensory information.

A 15-minute individual lesson for a 1st Grader to learn and practice asking for a break using clear and simple communication. This lesson is important for helping students self-regulate and manage their emotions, promoting a healthier learning environment. The lesson will be delivered in a single session.

This 15-minute, one-session lesson helps an individual student master asking for breaks and using self-regulation strategies like breathing exercises and self-help skills. It's crucial for developing independent coping mechanisms and improving classroom engagement. This is a Tier 3 intervention for an individual student.

This lesson helps individual students understand the importance of taking a break when feeling overwhelmed. They learn strategies to calm down and return to tasks with a clear mind, specifically designed for a 9th-grade student. The session lasts 35 minutes and focuses on Tier 3 individual support to manage emotions effectively.

This deeply personal project helps 6th-grade individual students articulate their unique sensory needs and develop self-advocacy skills within the Zones of Regulation framework. It is designed for one 60-minute session.

This lesson introduces students to mindful movement breaks, including guided stretches and breathing exercises. These activities are designed to help students manage anxiety and enhance concentration, providing essential tools for their emotional and mental well-being. By integrating these techniques throughout the day, students can learn to refocus and destress effectively.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to social stories about physical education (PE) tailored for children with sensory issues. Through a reading activity, discussion, and video, students will learn about different sensory experiences and how to navigate them in a PE setting. This lesson is important as it fosters empathy and understanding among young learners, helping them recognize and respect diverse sensory needs.

This resource is designed for Pre-K through 1st Grade students to introduce the foundational concepts of mindfulness through engaging sensory activities. The objective is for students to learn to pay attention to their breath and five senses, fostering a sense of calm and improved focus. This lesson is for Pre-K through 1st Grade students and is designed for a single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.

This lesson guides students on a sensory walk, encouraging them to use their senses to explore their environment. This mindfulness exercise helps students center themselves, improving focus and reducing anxiety. By engaging with their surroundings, students learn to be present in the moment, which can enhance their emotional well-being and concentration.

Small-group instruction on using nonverbal signals to request help or breaks; improves communication and reduces disruptions. This Tier 2 lesson for a 4th grade group spans one 30-minute session and equips students with practical tools for managing their needs in the classroom.

In this 15-minute individual session for a kindergarten student with sensory processing disorder and ADHD, learners will explore quick, everyday self-regulation techniques and practice pausing before reacting. This lesson builds emotional awareness and gives the child concrete tools (deep breaths, wall push, counting) to manage big feelings in the moment.

In this 30-minute, one-session Tier 1 lesson for Kindergarten, students will become “Sensory Superheroes” by exploring their five senses and discovering simple tools to help their bodies stay calm and focused. This fun, hands-on lesson builds self-awareness and self-regulation skills essential for learning success.

An activity-driven session teaching mindful movement breaks to manage restlessness and impulsivity. Perfect for quick behavior resets for 2nd–3rd graders in small group settings.

A quick intervention using timed sensory breaks and breathing techniques to recalibrate attention for individual learners. This 15-minute, Tier 3 lesson supports an 8th-grade student in Special Education by providing targeted, sensory-rich activities to boost focus and self-regulation.

A 2-session, individualized 5th-grade special education lesson teaching self-advocacy and coping strategies (deep breathing, asking for breaks) to manage emotional dysregulation. Includes kinesthetic activities, discussion, a video, and a project to reinforce skills.

This 5-session lesson for K-3 students explores the world of sensory experiences through fun and interactive activities. Students will engage with materials like oobleck, water beads, and kinetic sand to understand textures and states of matter, enhancing their sensory awareness and fine motor skills.

In this 30-minute interactive session, 6th and 7th graders with emotional disabilities will explore self-care strategies to thrive during the summer break. Students will discuss challenges they may face, play a creative game, and engage in a hands-on activity to build a personalized self-care plan. This lesson equips them with tools to manage stress and maintain emotional well-being.

This 25-minute, one-on-one lesson is designed for a K-5 student with occupational therapy needs, focusing on self-regulation techniques like deep breathing and sensory supports to help them participate effectively during whole group literacy time. The goal is to equip the student with tools to manage sensory input and maintain focus in a group setting.

This lesson introduces students to a series of gentle, mindful movements and stretches that serve as a refresh break during the school day. These activities are designed to help reduce stress and increase focus, providing a physical outlet for emotions and energy. By incorporating mindful movement, students can enhance their ability to concentrate and manage stress effectively.

In this K-2 lesson, students will create and use a sensory corner to practice self-regulation through guided sensory activities. This lesson supports emotional wellness and helps young learners explore tools like stress balls, fidget toys, and calming visuals to manage stress and emotions effectively.

A 15-minute one-on-one session for a neurodivergent kindergarten student struggling with attention and task completion. This Tier 3 intervention uses sensory breaks, choice boards, and positive reinforcement to build engagement and reduce defiant behaviors.

In this 75-minute, whole-class workshop, adult learners will explore the Zones of Regulation framework and build a personalized, portable sensory toolbox for real-world self-regulation. This lesson encourages creativity, hands-on practice, and equips participants with practical tools they can use daily.

This 15-minute training for support staff provides practical, individualized behavioral strategies for managing and supporting students like Richard, Asher, and Mikey. It focuses on proactive engagement, clear expectations, and effective de-escalation techniques to foster a positive and productive learning environment.

This small-group intervention helps Pre-K students develop calming strategies through a dedicated safe space. Over one 20-minute session, children will explore sensory tools and reflect on their emotions, supporting self-regulation and emotional security.

A single-session 15-minute Tier 2 lesson for Pre-K students on mindful awareness and simple stress-busting strategies.

In this Sensory Storytime Adventure, preschool students will listen to a story and engage in sensory exploration activities. They will use their senses to explore objects related to the story, such as smelling flowers or feeling soft fabrics. This lesson is important as it helps young children develop sensory awareness and comprehension skills, which are crucial for their cognitive and emotional development.

In this 90-minute session, teachers will explore the importance of using visual supports and schedules to enhance student engagement and independence. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and ready-to-use templates, participants will learn how to design and implement effective visuals tailored to diverse learners.

This lesson empowers 11th-grade students to design and advocate for their own micro-break routines, crucial for managing stress and improving focus. Students will create a personalized 3-step micro-break and identify appropriate settings for its use. This lesson is designed for one 30-minute session.

An interactive module for 9th grade special education students to explore daily routines and self-care skills, fostering independence and preparing them for life beyond school. This Tier 1 lesson lasts one 60-minute session.

This 15-minute Tier 1 behavioral support routine introduces kindergarteners to three brief mindfulness exercises—Breathing Balloon, Five Senses Scan, and Peaceful Posture—to help reduce stress, build self-control, and foster emotional awareness in the classroom.

In this 15-minute one-on-one session, kindergarteners will engage with a personalized social story, discussion, and role-play to learn and practice positive recess routines. This targeted support reduces stress, encourages sharing and turn-taking, and builds confidence for more successful playground transitions.

Explore the importance of taking breaks in a fun and engaging way. This lesson helps students understand how breaks can help them recharge and improve their focus, making it relevant to their daily lives. This lesson is designed for a kindergarten class and will be completed in a 20-minute session.