Sensory Steps Cards
Sensory Steps Routine Boards
Print, cut out cards on pages 2 & 3, and laminate. Use hook-and-loop tape to customize!
Setup Mat
FIRST & THEN BOARD
1
FIRST
Place sensory card here
2
THEN
Place reward / next activity here
FIRST, NEXT & THEN BOARD
1
FIRST
Sensory Step
2
NEXT
Next Step
3
THEN
Reward / Reward
How to Use
- Introduce the First-Then Board when a student needs a quick transition support.
- Point and say, "First [Sensory Tool], Then [Classroom Activity]."
- Give the student autonomy by letting them choose their preferred calming or active card.
- Encourage deep breathing or active reset routines before academic focus periods.
Sensory Support Cards
Cut along dashed borders ✂️. Lamination ensures durable reusable pieces.
Set A
Calming ✂️
Deep Breathing
Take 5 slow breaths. Breathe in like smelling a flower, blow out like a candle.
Calm Mind
Deep Pressure ✂️
Weighted Lap Pad
Place the weighted pad or lap dog on your lap to help ground your body.
Ground & Focus
Calming ✂️
Quiet Space
Sit in the cozy corner with soft cushions for a 5-minute quiet body break.
Quiet Break
Tactile Tool ✂️
Sensory Putty
Squeeze, stretch, pull, and roll the putty. Find hidden beads if inside!
Finger Strength
Tactile Tool ✂️
Hand Fidget
Use your stress ball, pop-it, or tangle fidget keeping hands busy and quiet.
Active Hands
Tactile Tool ✂️
Sensory Bin
Pour, scoop, and explore grains of rice, beans, or water beads calmly.
Calm Touch
Sensory Steps Toolkit • Setup Set A Page 2 of 3
Sensory Support Cards
Active movement breaks and customizable fill-in-your-own options.
Set B
Active Movement ✂️
Animal Walks
Do crab walks or frog jumps across the room to release built-up energy.
Heavy Work
Active Movement ✂️
Wall Pushes
Place hands flat. Push the wall as hard as you can for 10 full seconds!
Joint Reset
Active Movement ✂️
Reach & Stretch
Reach high like a tree, then bend and stretch down to touch your toes.
Relax Muscles
Active Movement ✂️
Jumping Jacks
Do 10 energetic jumping jacks. Clap your hands and step wide!
Wake Up Body
My Choice ✂️
Personal Routine
My Choice ✂️
Personal Routine
Sensory Steps Toolkit • Setup Set B Page 3 of 3