Lesson Plan

Sensory Break Blueprint

Introduce students to simple sensory break strategies and enable them to self-assess energy levels, participate in quick reset activities, and reflect on their calming techniques.

Regular sensory breaks help students self-regulate emotions and attention, leading to improved focus, reduced disruptions, and a more inclusive classroom environment. Teaching these skills early empowers students to advocate for their own needs.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review & Setup

10 minutes

Step 1

Feelings Check-in Warm-up

3 minutes

Step 2

When & Why to Pause Slide Deck

5 minutes

Step 3

Brain Break Stations Activity

4 minutes

Step 4

Calm-Down Bingo Game

4 minutes

Step 5

Mood Meter Journal Cool-down

4 minutes

Slide Deck

When & Why to Pause

Welcome everyone! Today we’re going to learn about sensory breaks—what they are and why they help us stay calm and focused. Let’s start by looking at our title.

What is a Sensory Break?

Explain this definition in your own words and give an example: “I took three deep breaths when I felt my heart racing.” Invite one student to share an example.

Why We Need Breaks

Read each reason slowly and ask students to nod if they agree or raise a hand if they’ve ever felt that way. Emphasize that breaks help all of us—from kids to adults.

Signals Your Body Sends

Go through each signal, acting it out if possible (e.g., pretend to fidget, yawn). Then ask students to copy one signal physically.

Examples of When to Pause

Walk through each scenario and invite students to suggest the best break for that moment (movement, breathing, or quiet).

Let’s Practice Noticing!

Lead a quick check-in: “Close your eyes for a moment. Notice one signal your body is sending you now.” Give students 10 seconds, then invite a few volunteers to share.

Lesson Plan

Sensory Break Blueprint

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review & Setup

Step 1

Feelings Check-in Warm-up

Step 2

When & Why to Pause Slide Deck

Step 3

Brain Break Stations Activity

Step 4

Calm-Down Bingo Game

Step 5

Mood Meter Journal Cool-down

Slide Deck

When & Why to Pause

What is a Sensory Break?

Why We Need Breaks

Signals Your Body Sends

Examples of When to Pause

Let’s Practice Noticing!

Activity

Game

Warm Up

Cool Down

Sensory Breaks

Jeanette Wong