Sensory

So, what exactly is sensory?

Remember learning about the senses in school? Did you know we actually have 8 sensory systems? There is so much to understand about sensory processing, and how kids can respond to sensory input in each of these sensory areas. Explore these blog posts for information on sensory-friendly classrooms, sensory diets, and how to address hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, under-responsiveness, and sensory meltdowns. Here, you’ll find sensory play ideas to meet every need. Let’s nail down sensory processing so you can have the tools you need for thriving kids and families!

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What do all these words mean?

There’s no doubt that sensory play is a huge source of play-based learning and development in kids. Sensory activities support sensory processing and integration of sensory systems, but also the tactile, visual, and movement challenges impact development in all areas. Here, you’ll discover various play activities for kids of all ages. Use these ideas in occupational therapy interventions, in multisensory learning, and in the classroom.

Before we get into sensory play ideas, let’s cover some of the questions we frequently get as pediatric occupational therapists.

What is Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, organizes, and interprets sensory input from the body and environment to support participation in daily occupations.

When sensory input is processed efficiently, children can attend, move, learn, and regulate emotions. When processing is inefficient, functional challenges may appear in areas such as attention, behavior, motor coordination, or self-regulation.

Clinical takeaway:
Sensory challenges are not behavioral choices. They reflect differences in neurological processing that impact functional performance.

Practice application:
Observe how sensory input affects participation before selecting strategies. Match supports to the child’s sensory needs, not the behavior alone.

What about Proprioception and Regulation?

Proprioception is the sensory system that provides information about body position, force, and movement through muscles and joints.

Proprioceptive input is often organizing and regulating for the nervous system, supporting postural control, body awareness, and emotional regulation.

Clinical takeaway:
Heavy work and resistance-based activities are foundational tools for regulation across home and school settings.

Practice application:
Incorporate pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, or resisted movement before seated or attention-demanding tasks.

How do I help my child with their Sensory Needs vs Sensory Preferences?

A sensory preference is what a child enjoys. A sensory need is what a child requires to function optimally. While preferences can be motivating, addressing sensory needs supports regulation, attention, and participation.

Clinical takeaway:
Intervention planning should prioritize sensory needs that impact occupational performance.

Practice application:
Use structured observation and caregiver input to distinguish between preference-based choices and regulation-based needs.

Is Sensory Input Is Context-Dependent?

The simple answer is yes. The same sensory input can be calming in one context and alerting in another. Each child will have different preferences and needs. Factors such as timing, intensity, duration, and environment influence how sensory input affects regulation.

Clinical takeaway:
There is no one-size-fits-all sensory strategy.

Practice application:
Trial sensory supports at different times of day and during different tasks, then adjust based on functional outcomes.

Should sensory Supports Improve Participation?

To give you another simple response, here we need to say again, yes. Remember that sensory strategies are tools, not goals. The purpose of sensory input is to support engagement in meaningful occupations such as learning, play, self-care, and social participation. Everything we do uses aspects of the sensory systems from auditory input, tactile input, proprioceptive awareness, etc. Depending on the needs of the individual, supports should help with participation, but remember that not all individuals have the same needs. It’s very individualized.

Clinical takeaway:
If a sensory strategy does not improve participation, it should be re-evaluated.

Practice application:
Ask: “What occupation does this sensory support help the child access?”

What about Sensory Processing Across the Lifespan?

Sensory processing does not end in early childhood. Adolescents and adults also rely on sensory strategies for regulation, focus, and emotional control.

Clinical takeaway:
Sensory supports are appropriate across ages and settings, including classrooms, workplaces, and community environments.

Practice application:
Teach self-advocacy and self-selected sensory strategies as children mature.

Next, let’s get into play activities and play-based strategies to support sensory needs.

Sensory Play

Stop by and check out all of these sensory ideas. Don’t see a link for what you are looking for? This page is being updated (sleep calls!). Don’t worry though–Pop a description of the image below into the search bar on the sidebar and you will find the sensory-based play ideas linked there.

I am a big advocate for sensory play with kids. There is so much learning that takes place during sensory experiences. Exploring textures, manipulating items, scents…the list can go on and on! When a child explores the world through their senses, they develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language abilities, self-confidence, and so much more.

While play definitely is based on the body’s senses, there are also the vestibular and proprioception senses that provide input to a child. Any experience involves the body’s ability to take in sensory input, process it, and provide appropriate responses. During all of this learning is happening!

Sensory processing is the way the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to input from the body and the environment. Every movement, behavior, and learning experience is influenced by how efficiently the sensory systems work together. When sensory processing is well-integrated, children can participate in daily activities with confidence. When it is not, you may see challenges with attention, behavior, motor skills, and emotional regulation.

On this page, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the sensory systems, how they impact development, and practical strategies you can use right away. Use this guide to explore each system and dive deeper into targeted activities, red flags, and therapy tools.

What Are the Sensory Systems?

We often think of five senses, but there are actually eight sensory systems that support function:

Visual (sight)
Auditory (hearing)
Tactile (touch)
Gustatory (taste)
Olfactory (smell)
Vestibular (movement and balance)
Proprioception (body awareness)
Interoception (internal body signals)

Each system plays a unique role, but they work together to support participation in school, play, and daily routines.

How Sensory Processing Impacts Learning and Development

Sensory processing forms the foundation for higher-level skills like attention, behavior, motor planning, and academic performance. When children can process sensory input efficiently, they are better able to:

Focus and attend to tasks
Follow directions
Engage in play and social interaction
Develop motor coordination
Regulate their energy and emotions

When there are differences in sensory processing, children may appear distracted, overwhelmed, under-responsive, or constantly seeking input. Understanding the “why” behind these behaviors is the first step in supporting success.

The 8 Sensory Systems Explained

We often talk about the sensory systems and how they impact function. Here’s a list of the sensory systems.

Visual System (Sight)

The visual system helps children interpret and understand what they see. This includes tracking, visual attention, visual memory, and visual perception skills.

Difficulties in visual processing may impact:

Reading and writing
Copying from the board
Completing puzzles
Finding items in a busy space

Auditory System (Hearing)

The auditory system processes sounds and helps children understand language, follow directions, and filter background noise.

Challenges may include:

Difficulty following verbal instructions
Sensitivity to loud environments
Trouble with listening and comprehension

Tactile System (Touch)

The tactile system helps us interpret touch, texture, temperature, and pain.

Children may show:

Sensitivity to clothing or textures
Avoidance of messy play
Seeking touch input (touching everything)

Vestibular System (Movement & Balance)

The vestibular system detects movement and head position. It is essential for balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Signs of vestibular challenges:

Poor balance
Difficulty with coordination
Fear of movement OR constant spinning and movement

Proprioception (Body Awareness)

Proprioception tells us where our body is in space and how much force to use.

Children with proprioceptive challenges may:

Use too much or too little force
Bump into objects
Have messy handwriting

Explore activities:
https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception/

Olfactory System (Smell)

The olfactory system processes smells and is closely linked to memory and emotional responses.

You may notice:

Strong reactions to smells
Avoidance of certain environments
Seeking out strong scents

Gustatory System (Taste)

The gustatory system helps process taste and is important for feeding and food preferences.

Challenges may include:

Picky eating
Avoidance of certain textures or flavors
Limited food variety

Interoception (Internal Body Awareness)

Interoception is the sense of internal body signals like hunger, thirst, temperature, and emotions.

Children may struggle with:

Recognizing when they need the bathroom
Identifying hunger or thirst
Understanding internal cues related to emotions

Sensory Processing Patterns: What You Might See

Children respond to sensory input in different ways. These patterns include:

Over-responsiveness (sensory sensitivity) – easily overwhelmed
Under-responsiveness – may miss sensory input
Sensory seeking – constantly looking for input

Understanding these patterns helps guide effective strategies and supports.

Sensory Strategies That Support Regulation

Sensory strategies help children reach a “just right” state for learning and participation. These supports can be used at home, in the classroom, or in therapy sessions.

Heavy Work Activities (Proprioceptive Input)

Carrying books or groceries
Wall push-ups
Moving furniture
Animal walks

Find more ideas for heavy work to activate the proprioceptive sensory system.

Movement Breaks (Vestibular Input)

This is a great example of brain breaks in action.

Swinging
Jumping
Spinning (in controlled ways)
Obstacle courses

Calming Strategies

Deep breathing
Weighted items
Quiet spaces
Slow rocking

Sensory Diets

A sensory diet is a personalized plan of sensory activities used throughout the day to support regulation.

Sensory-Friendly Classrooms and Home Strategies

Creating a supportive sensory environment can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to learn and function.

Ideas include:

Flexible seating options
Quiet or calm-down areas
Visual supports
Reduced visual clutter
Access to fidgets or movement tools

Why Sensory Processing Matters

Sensory processing is important because it’s how the brain and body work together to support participation. When we understand sensory needs, we can better support:

Attention and focus
Emotional regulation
Motor skills
Independence in daily tasks
Social participation

This perspective allows us to move from “fixing behavior” to supporting the nervous system.

Sensory Activities for Kids

Sensory activities for kids support the development of foundational skills needed for participation in daily tasks, play, and learning. From an occupational therapy perspective, sensory activities are not just “play”—they are purposeful experiences that help organize the nervous system.

Children benefit from sensory activities that target:

Regulation and arousal levels
Attention and focus
Motor coordination
Body awareness

Examples of effective sensory activities for kids include sensory bins, obstacle courses, heavy work tasks, and tactile play experiences. These activities can be adapted for home, school, or therapy sessions to meet individual sensory needs.

Sensory Play and Sensory Play Ideas

Sensory play allows children to explore materials and movement in a hands-on, meaningful way. Sensory play ideas can be simple, low-cost, and highly effective in supporting development.

From an OT perspective, sensory play supports:

Exploration and curiosity
Motor planning and coordination
Problem-solving skills
Engagement in play

Sensory play ideas may include:

Water play with cups and scoops
Sand or rice bins
Play dough and resistive materials
Movement-based games

Sensory play should be matched to a child’s sensory preferences to ensure it is regulating rather than overwhelming.

Sensory Learning Activities

Sensory learning activities combine academic concepts with movement and sensory input. These are especially helpful for children who struggle with attention or traditional seated learning.

Examples include:

Writing spelling words in shaving cream
Jumping while counting or spelling
Using textured materials for letter formation
Movement-based math games

These activities improve retention by engaging multiple sensory systems at once, which strengthens neural connections and supports learning.

Sensory Processing Activities

Sensory processing activities are designed to help the brain interpret and respond to sensory input more effectively. These activities are often used in occupational therapy to target specific sensory challenges.

Examples include:

Proprioceptive input through heavy work
Vestibular input through swinging or spinning
Tactile play for desensitization
Visual scanning games

The goal of sensory processing activities is to help children achieve a “just right” level of alertness for participation.

Sensory Regulation Activities

Sensory regulation activities help children manage their energy levels, emotions, and attention. These activities are essential for supporting participation in school and daily routines.

Regulation strategies may include:

Deep pressure input (weighted items, hugs)
Movement breaks
Breathing exercises
Quiet sensory spaces

Occupational therapists often use these tools to support self-regulation and help children transition between activities.

Sensory Integration Activities

Sensory integration activities focus on how different sensory systems work together. These activities are especially important for coordination, balance, and motor planning.

Examples include:

Obstacle courses combining movement and problem-solving
Climbing and crawling activities
Ball games that require timing and coordination
Activities that combine visual and motor input

These tasks support the brain’s ability to process multiple types of input simultaneously.

OT Sensory Activities

OT sensory activities are intentionally designed to support function. These are not random activities—they are selected based on a child’s specific needs.

An occupational therapist may choose activities to target:

Attention and focus
Handwriting and fine motor skills
Behavior and emotional regulation
Independence in daily tasks

Examples of OT sensory activities include:

Therapy putty exercises
Scooter board activities
Weighted tasks
Structured sensory diets

These activities are often embedded into daily routines for maximum impact.

Sensory Training Activities

Sensory training activities involve repeated exposure to sensory input in a structured and supportive way. These are used to help children become more comfortable with sensory experiences or improve their responses.

Examples include:

Gradual exposure to textures
Repetitive movement patterns
Guided participation in sensory tasks
Structured routines with sensory input

Consistency is key when using sensory training approaches.

Sensory Activity Ideas

Sensory activity ideas can be used to quickly support regulation and engagement throughout the day. These are helpful for parents, teachers, and therapists looking for easy strategies.

Quick sensory ideas:

Wall push-ups
Animal walks
Fidget tools
Stretching exercises
Chair push-ups

These simple strategies can be implemented as needed to support attention and behavior.

Sensory Play Activities

Sensory play activities are structured opportunities for children to engage with sensory input in a meaningful way. These can be themed, seasonal, or skill-based.

Examples include:

Sensory bins with hidden objects
Cooking and food-based activities
Art projects using different textures
Outdoor sensory exploration

These activities support engagement while addressing sensory needs.

Sensory Activities vs Sensory Play: Understanding the Difference

While often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference:

Sensory play is child-led exploration
Sensory activities are often more structured and goal-oriented

Both are valuable and should be used together to support development.

How to Choose the Right Sensory Activities

Not all sensory activities work for every child. The key is understanding individual sensory preferences and responses.

Consider:

Does the child seek or avoid certain input?
What level of activity helps them focus?
What environments are most challenging?

Choosing the right sensory activities ensures that interventions are supportive rather than overwhelming.

Supporting Kids Through Sensory Processing

Every child has unique sensory preferences and needs. By understanding how sensory systems work and how to support them, we can create environments where kids feel regulated, engaged, and ready to learn.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or therapist, this page is your starting point for building meaningful, sensory-informed strategies that support real-life function.

This page is a place where we’ll share all of our sensory-friendly play and learning activities in one place. We have many more old posts to add and SO many new ideas to share with you. Stop back often so you can see what we’ve been up to.

So many of these ideas you will find on this page are perfect for using in sensory diets and sensory challenges to address sensory processing needs. Read more about how to create a sensory diet.

One of our most popular resources is our printable sensory paths. Check out these sensory stations as a sensory play material that kids love:

Have fun playing and exploring the senses!

Sensory Play All Day

For a better understanding of how to incorporate sensory experiences into a scheduled plan for individual children, read more about what a sensory diet is and how to address common concerns.

Carryover of sensory strategies is extremely important in both the home and in the classroom. If activities are not able to be carried out, then a different sensory strategy should be incorporated into the child’s sensory diet.

When using The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook to create and monitor sensory diets, users will find the Daily Sensory Diet Sheet and the Sensory Diet Schedule to be effective tools for carryover and monitoring strategies.

Use the Sensory Diet Effectiveness Tool, found in the Addendum of this book, to monitor sensory diet results and strategies. This form should be completed after a sensory diet has been in effect for two weeks.

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Sensory Systems Ideas

Try the activities based on the various sensory systems listed below. Each activity is listed out by sensory system. Try more than one! You can address a different sensory system each day with this list!