Sensory Pathway Resource Center
We’re pleased to provide you with our Sensory Pathway Resource Center, the hub of all things sensory pathway related! Here, you can access all of our sensory pathway products and learn more about what exactly a sensory pathway is and how your school, playground or community can benefit from having one.
For almost a decade now, we’ve been creating outdoor playground stencils, movement opportunities and activity circuits, and we've since expanded into indoor graphics that stick to floors and walls as well as portable recess activities that can be used anywhere. Today, we sell more than 200 products, many of which can be used for your sensory pathway needs, both indoors and outdoors.
Keep checking back as we continue to add more features and information to this page!
A sensory pathway is a colorful, creative, and playful way for kids to improve motor planning, fundamental motor skills, and build stronger sensory connections in the brain that are responsible for sight, touch, sound, balance, proprioception etc., which enable kids to complete complex, multi-stage tasks. Sensory pathways are also an important part of a larger umbrella concept called “sensory play.”
Traditionally, sensory play is any play designed to improve a child’s ability to process and interpret sensory input from the environment. Sensory play can also be used to improve vestibular (balance), proprioception, spatial awareness, and motor planning in ALL kids including those with disabilities. Examples of sensory play can include anything from digging and playing in a sandbox (tactile) to hanging from a jungle gym (proprioception) to swinging on a swing set (vestibular). Sensory pathways are environments that are simply designed by a teacher to promote and encourage multiple opportunities to engage in sensory play.
Short answer: no one! Though a few have tried to say that they are the original creators of sensory pathways, there’s really no “first sensory pathway.” In reality, sensory pathways were developed piece-by-piece over many years with research from Occupational Therapists and Adapted PE teachers.
Everyone and anyone! Although sensory pathways were originally designed to help children with spatial or learning disabilities catch up to their peers, sensory pathways have also been used effectively with adolescents, teenagers, and adults.
Why Sensory Pathways Are Important
Sensory pathways are a natural part of a child’s day. Children and students all over the world are being flooded with a variety of sensory stimuli across a host of different environments they encounter each and every day. These experiences are part of a continuous series of sensory pathways that help them learn about their environment, what is expected of them, and how they are supposed to act in everyday.
Sadly, many children’s sensory pathways, and ultimately their sensory systems of the body, are simply not challenged enough. If the sensory system is under stimulated, our bodies often seek out ways to find stimulation to satisfy that need. Providing a comprehensive approach to ensuring that children have ample opportunities to engage in daily physical activity (by increasing opportunities to experience new sensory pathways) is critical to development. When sensory pathways are created in a meaningful and thoughtful way, they can contribute to a child’s overall health and daily well-being.
Sadly, many children’s sensory pathways, and ultimately their sensory systems of the body, are simply not challenged enough. If the sensory system is under stimulated, our bodies often seek out ways to find stimulation to satisfy that need. Providing a comprehensive approach to ensuring that children have ample opportunities to engage in daily physical activity (by increasing opportunities to experience new sensory pathways) is critical to development. When sensory pathways are created in a meaningful and thoughtful way, they can contribute to a child’s overall health and daily well-being.
Now Offering: Free Virtual Meeting – Sensory Experiences & Continuity
Are you considering providing a sensory experience for your students? Not sure how to create an impactful sensory pathway that addresses your students' needs?
Learn the basic concepts, planning strategies and management tips from our founder Pamela Gunther (architect and planner) and Dr. Timothy Davis of SUNY Cortland's Dept of Physical Education, Sensory Integration Motor Sensory and Multi-Sensory Environment (SIMS/MSE) Lab.
Learn the basic concepts, planning strategies and management tips from our founder Pamela Gunther (architect and planner) and Dr. Timothy Davis of SUNY Cortland's Dept of Physical Education, Sensory Integration Motor Sensory and Multi-Sensory Environment (SIMS/MSE) Lab.
From the Experts
Understanding The Sensory System And The Importance Of “Sensory Pathways”
The Science Behind the Senses
Sensory Essentials: Vestibular/Tactical/Proprioception Senses
Difficulty with Self-Regulation and the Importance of Sensory Motor Skills
Providing Additional Sensory Motor Opportunities by Enhancing Sensory Pathways
The above articles are written by Timothy D. Davis, Ph.D., CAPE, Associate Professor, SUNY Cortland, Department of Physical Education
Check Out Our Sensory Pathway Blog Posts
Sensory Pathways: What the heck are those?
Effective Sensory Pathway Design: A Conversation with Timothy D. Davis, PH.D.
The Science Behind the Senses
Sensory Essentials: Vestibular/Tactical/Proprioception Senses
Difficulty with Self-Regulation and the Importance of Sensory Motor Skills
Providing Additional Sensory Motor Opportunities by Enhancing Sensory Pathways
The above articles are written by Timothy D. Davis, Ph.D., CAPE, Associate Professor, SUNY Cortland, Department of Physical Education
Check Out Our Sensory Pathway Blog Posts
Sensory Pathways: What the heck are those?
Effective Sensory Pathway Design: A Conversation with Timothy D. Davis, PH.D.
SEE THEM IN ACTION!
