One powerful yet often underutilized tool for fostering SEL is sensory experiences. Engaging the senses enhances learning and creates core memories, but also promotes emotional awareness, self awareness, and is known to support regulation. We often consider sensory experiences to be for early childhood environments or for students with disabilities exclusively. I’m here to say – sensory experiences are for EVERYONE! Here’s 5 creative ways to incorporate sensory experiences into your classroom to support social emotional learning.
-
Mindful Sensory Stations
Mindfulness is a cornerstone of SEL, and sensory experiences can be a gateway to practicing mindfulness in the classroom. Set up mindful sensory stations where students can engage with various sensory materials, such as soft fabrics, textured objects, or noticeable scents. Encourage students to explore these materials with their senses, focusing on the present moment. This practice fosters self-awareness, relaxation, and emotional regulation. Please be wise about this, as some children (and staff!) can get triggered headaches and migraines from different scents.
Using these mindful mazes can also be a cool sensory experience for kids!
-
Art Therapy and Emotional Expression
Art is a powerful tool for self expression, and it can help students process their emotions and experiences. Integrate art therapy into your lessons by providing a range of art supplies like clay, paints, and markers. Encourage students to create art that reflects their emotions or experiences. Even something as simple as coloring can be incredibly powerful and meaningful for students. This process allows them to externalize their feelings and promotes emotional intelligence. It also provides a platform for discussions about emotions and empathy.
-
Nature-Based Sensory Activities
Nature offers an abundance of organic sensory experiences that can be beneficial for SEL. Organize outdoor activities where students can interact with the natural world. Whether it’s a nature walk, a visit to a local garden, or even a small sensory garden in your school, these experiences can help students connect with their surroundings and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. This connection to nature can also lead to heightened empathy, more meaningful independence, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life.
-
Emotion Exploration through Music
We always hear that music is a universal language, and honestly, it’s true. I find that when I listen to instrumental music or a song in an unfamiliar language, I still am often really engaged in the song! Music can clearly support feeling a wide range of emotions. Try using music as a tool to help students explore their feelings and develop emotional awareness. Play different pieces of music with varying moods and ask students to discuss how the music makes them feel. This is also a fun way to incorporate the Mood Meter as a tool in your lessons! Encourage kids to express their emotions through movement or drawing while listening to the music. This sensory engagement with music can enhance emotional intelligence and empathy by helping students understand and appreciate the emotional nuances in music.
-
Collaborative Cooking and Sensory Learning
Cooking can be a multi-sensory experience that engages taste, smell, touch, and even sight. Integrate collaborative cooking projects into your curriculum. Cooking together not only teaches practical life skills but also encourages teamwork, communication, and empathy. Sharing a meal they’ve prepared can foster a sense of community and empathy for others.
Incorporating sensory experiences into the classroom is a dynamic approach to promoting social emotional learning.
By engaging the senses, students can develop emotional awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. These experiences encourage self-expression, foster mindfulness, and enhance understanding of the emotions of others. We have the opportunity to create environments that develop our kids holistically, and sensory experiences are a valuable tool in achieving this goal.
