BFA Fairfax is excited to share the news of our new sensory path in the Elementary School. This resource was the brainchild of our Guidance Counselor, Saybra Varisano, who advocated for a sensory path and the benefits it would provide for all students. Our new sensory path has been in place for the past two weeks and our students are frequently engaging with the various activities during “Brain Breaks”.
A sensory path is a fun series of activities that require students to use both gross and fine motor skills. The sensory path has activities that require students to hop, step, and jump. Students complete wall push-ups, jumping jacks, practice balance and coordination, and trace labyrinths with their fingers.
Our students arrive each day with a range of social-emotional needs and experiences. We are purposeful in our daily schedule to incorporate mindfulness practices and to embed social cognition curriculum throughout the school day. Through the use of the Zones of Regulation language, Yoga 4 Classroom resources, Go Noodle movement breaks, and Calming Corners we strive to provide research-based strategies to increase access to learning, develop self-regulation skills, and support healthy student growth.
We know from research that movement and sensory regulation opportunities are necessary for increasing engagement, focus, learning, self-awareness and positive behavior outcomes. We are excited to see how this resource provides additional opportunities for our students to grow and thrive.
Thomas Walsh is currently Principal of BFA Fairfax Elementary School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow him on Twitter @educatamount
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