What is a Sensory Circuit?
A sensory circuit is a form of sensory integration intervention. It includes a three step sequence of physical activities that are designed to alert, organise and then calm the learner. The sensory circuit aims to facilitate sensory processing to help children regulate and organise their senses in order to achieve a regulated and focused state required for effective learning. The circuit should be an active, physical and fun activity that children enjoy doing.
Sensory circuits should ideally be completed at school, before any sitting, still or focusing activity and can be done at home too. They are great before sitting for food or bedtime. Sensory circuits are a great way to both energise and settle children so they can focus and engage better in the classroom. Many children can benefit from attending a sensory circuit, even for a short period of time. The activities can also be utilised at different times of the day as part of a sensory diet to help the child regulate.
Sensory circuits are designed to start with alerting activities, move to an organising phase and then finally to a calming phase. Doing the activities in the recommended order is vital. The right order results in a well-regulated, happy child. The wrong order may well result in a dysregulated, upset or irritable child and have the opposite effect.
What is in each Sensory Circuit step?
ALERTING
The aim of this section is to provide vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation within a controlled setting. This prepares the brain for learning and the demands of the school environment.
ORGANISING
This section includes activities that require motor sensory processing, balance and timing. These activities help improve focus and attention. The child needs to organise their body, plan their approach and do more than one thing at a time in sequential order.
GROUNDING
The calming activities are very important as they provide input to ensure that children leave the circuit and return to their classrooms calm, centred and ready for the day ahead.
Tap on the image below to watch my Sensory Circuit examples video:
Do you have Sensory Circuit Visuals for Staff and Learners?
I have a break down of lots of ideas to choose from in this pack. It includes posters to display to support staff with ideas, and visuals to support children choose and take part. Tap on the images below to purchase an instant download for just £2 (available worldwide)
How long does a Sensory Circuit last?
I believe this needs to be bespoke for each child and for each situation. Depending on the time of day, needs of my learners and how they are in that particular moment the circuit could last anywhere from 3 minutes to 30 minutes.
I do try not to move onto the next step until I can see a change in pace in my learners. This is a good guide. i.e. I move from Alerting to Organising when I see my learner's energy begins to wain.
It is important to consider that each child’s needs and tolerance levels are different. Some children may need more time in the alerting or calming sections to enable them to be more organised and prepared for the day’s learning. Children should be encouraged and not forced to participate in the circuit and must be supervised at all times.
How do you encourage children to participate in a Sensory Circuit?
If the circuit is meeting their needs and interests, then they should want to join it. Try changing things up if it gets a bit repetitive. Adults should be modelling joining along and having fun. I use visual boards so the children know what activities we are doing each time, and we take them off as we complete them. They can also use the visuals to create their own visual Sensory Circuit timetable. By taking ownership of the steps, children are far more willing to participate. Tap the image below to download.
I also use music to guide my Sensory Circuit sessions. This provides an appropriate pace to each step and naturally guides my learners and team on activities to try.
Tap the image below to listen for free on YouTube.
Also available to stream on all music platforms.
Useful books:
- Sensory Circuits: A Sensory Motor Skills Programme for Children – Jane Horwood (2009)
- Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice – Anita Bundy and Shelly Lane (2019)