Sensory strategies
Information
Sensory strategies: Children learn about the world using their senses — like seeing, hearing, touching, and moving. Sometimes, children can get overwhelmed or have trouble paying attention because their brains are working hard to understand all this information. Sensory strategies are simple activities or tools you can use to help a child feel calm, focused, and happy.
What are Sensory Strategies?
Sensory strategies are ways to give a child just the right kind of sensory input (like touch, movement, or sound) to help them feel more comfortable and ready to learn or play.
Easy Sensory Strategies you can try:
- Gentle Hugs or Massage: Soft but firm touch can help a child feel calm and safe
- Movement Breaks: Encourage jumping, swinging, or stretching when a child seems restless
- Chewing or Crunchy Snacks: Offering crunchy snacks can help children who need extra oral input
- Playing with Different Textures: Let the child play with sand, water, or soft toys to explore how things feel
- Quiet Time with Music: Playing soft music or nature sounds can help a child relax
- Use of Visual Schedules: Pictures that show the day’s activities can help children feel more organised and less anxious
- Carrying or Pushing Heavy Things: Activities like carrying a backpack or pushing a cart give strong body input that helps children feel grounded
Why use these strategies?
- To help a child stay calm and less frustrated
- To improve their focus on tasks
- To help them handle emotions better
- To encourage better movement and coordination
- To build their confidence and independence
See this NHS guidance for further details: