Sensory Break Explorers Teacher GuideSensory Break Explorers Teacher Facilitation Guide KINDERGARTEN 10 Minutes Learning Objective Students will be able to independently select and perform a sensory break activity to help manage their body's energy and focus. Method Active Learning Why This Matters Kindergarteners are still developing self-regulation skills. By learning to recognize when their bodies need "heavy work" or "calming breaths," they become empowered to manage their emotions and energy, leading to better focus and reduced stress in the classroom environment. Materials Needed Printable Sensory Break Cards (one set per student) Sensory Break Slides (for demonstration) Scissors (for prep) or pre-cut cards Teacher Prep Print the Sensory Break Cards. For kindergarten, it is recommended to pre-cut them and perhaps laminate them for durability. If used as a whole-class activity, ensure there is enough floor space for movement. Lesson Flow 2 MIN Intro The Body Check-In Explain: "Sometimes our bodies need a little break to feel better and focus. Just like a car needs gas, our bodies need the right kind of movement!" Ask: "How does your body feel when you've been sitting for a long time? Do you feel wiggly? Or sleepy?" Introduce the term Sensory Break as a "reset button" for our brains. 6 MIN Activity Practice & Explore Distribute the Sensory Break Cards to each student. Model: Choose 2 cards (e.g., "Jump like a frog" and "Deep breaths") and demonstrate them. Independent Choice: Have students look through their cards and pick ONE they want to try right now. Perform the activity together as a class. Teacher Tip: Narrate how the body feels. "I feel my heart beating faster after jumping!" or "I feel my shoulders relax after my hug." 2 MIN Closure The Ready-to-Learn Pledge Gather students and ask: "Which card made your body feel the best?" Reinforce: "You can use these cards whenever you feel too wiggly or too tired. They help us get ready to learn!" Conclude with one final group "Pretend to blow up a balloon" breath.
Sensory Break Cards WorksheetSensory Break Cards Pick a card and move your body! Explorer Name TEACHER TIP: Print on cardstock and cut along the dotted lines. Keep these in a "Break Box" for students to use independently. 🐸 Jump like a frog Start low, jump high! 🎈 Pretend to blow up a balloon Big breath in, slow breath out ☁️ Stretch your arms to the sky Reach for the clouds! ✨ Wiggle your fingers and toes Wiggle wiggle wiggle! 🧘 Take three deep breaths Calm and slow 🌀 Spin in a circle slowly Don't get dizzy! 🤗 Hug yourself tightly Give yourself a big squeeze 🌳 Pretend to be a tree swaying Gentle wind moving branches 🦩 Hop on one foot Can you balance? 🐻 Crawl like a bear Heavy hands, heavy feet 🪵 Roll like a log Tuck in and roll! 💃 Dance like nobody's watching Free movement! 🦖 Stomp like a dinosaur Big, strong stomps 🥁 March in place 1, 2, 1, 2! 🫨 Shake your whole body Shake the sillies out Your Turn! Draw your own activity
Sensory Break SlidesSensory Break Explorers Helping our bodies feel JUST RIGHT! 🐸 🎈 🌳 🧘 What is a Sensory Break? It's a REBOOT for your brain and body! Gives us energy when we feel tired. Helps us calm down when we feel wiggly. How does your body feel? 🫨 Wiggly? Too much energy! 🥱 Sleepy? Not enough energy! 😊 Just Right? Ready to learn! 🐸 Jump Like a Frog Everyone stand up! 1 Squat Low 2 Jump High 3 Ribbit! 🎈 Balloon Breaths Let's find our calm... Breathe in slow (Make a big balloon) Breathe out slow (The balloon gets small) Pick an Explorer Card! 🦖 💃 🐻 🥁 1 Look at your cards. 2 Choose ONE activity. 3 Do it at your desk! You're Ready to Learn! When your body needs a break, use your Explorer Cards. They are your special power! Great job, Explorers!
