Group sensory activities are a great way to help kids with autism improve sensory processing and social skills in a fun, safe environment. These activities encourage teamwork, turn-taking, and communication while offering sensory input tailored to each child’s needs. Here’s a quick overview of activities you can try:
- Obstacle Courses: Combine movement and sensory input with group roles like "Navigator" or "Collector."
- Sensory Bin Play: Explore textures and teamwork with shared bins filled with rice, sand, or water beads.
- Team Art Projects: Create murals, collages, or sculptures using sensory-friendly materials like clay or puffy paint.
- Water Play: Engage in group activities like water transfer games or floating object experiments.
- Music and Movement Games: Play freeze dance, explore instruments, or pass rhythms in a circle.
- Nature Walks: Use outdoor sensory stops to explore textures, sounds, and sights.
- Bubble Play: Encourage visual and tactile interaction through chasing and popping bubbles.
- Group Cooking: Work together on no-bake recipes, sandwich assembly, or fruit salad preparation.
- Team Sensory Games: Try texture relay races, sensory scavenger hunts, or balance challenges.
- Interactive Sensory Stories: Bring stories to life with textures, sounds, and group participation.
These activities can be tailored to suit individual comfort levels and tracked using tools like the Guiding Growth app for long-term progress.
Sensory Breaks for the Classroom, Making the Shift Ep. 79
1. Build a Team Obstacle Course
Creating a team obstacle course is a fun way to combine movement, sensory activities, and group interaction. Use an open space to set up stations that encourage different types of sensory input and cooperative play.
Here are a few station ideas:
- Tactile Activities: Include areas with different textures, like stepping stones, lined tunnels, or toss games.
- Movement Challenges: Add tasks like zigzag paths, rolling an exercise ball, or zones for hopping and crawling.
To make it more interactive, assign simple roles to participants:
- Navigator: Guides the group with verbal instructions.
- Collector: Picks up items placed along the course.
Keep the groups small so everyone stays involved and gets a chance to participate. Use soft mats and non-slip surfaces to prioritize safety.
Pay attention to which parts of the course your child enjoys most – these observations can help you tailor future activities to their preferences.
Up next, check out another group-friendly sensory activity!
2. Group Sensory Bin Play
Sensory bins offer a great way for kids to engage in hands-on play while working together. They help develop tactile awareness and social skills in a fun, interactive setting. Group sensory bin activities encourage shared exploration and teamwork, making them a valuable addition to any play routine.
Here’s how to create sensory bins that kids will love:
Materials for Different Sensory Experiences:
- Tactile: Uncooked rice, dried beans, kinetic sand, or water beads
- Visual: Colored pasta, rainbow rice, or translucent beads
- Auditory: Dried corn kernels or bells mixed with soft materials
Tips for Setting Up:
- Use shallow bins that allow 2-3 kids to play comfortably
- Include items like scoops, cups, and sifters to encourage sharing
- Add themed toys (e.g., dinosaurs, sea creatures) to match interests
These small adjustments can make group play more engaging and enjoyable.
Collaborative Activities:
- Sort objects by color or type together
- Build sandcastles as a group
- Take turns hiding and finding items
Safety First:
- Always supervise closely and choose items that are safe for the age group
- Avoid small, chokable pieces and keep cleaning supplies nearby
For kids who are hesitant to participate, start with familiar textures like rice or kinetic sand. Some children may prefer using tools instead of touching the materials directly – this is completely fine and still provides sensory benefits.
Pay attention to how each child reacts to the materials. Some might enjoy dry textures, while others prefer water-based options. The goal is to create an inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable and can engage in a way that suits them.
Setting up a dedicated sensory area can make these activities a regular part of group play. Over time, this consistency helps kids feel more at ease with both the materials and the social aspects of the activity.
3. Team Art Projects
Team art projects bring a creative twist to group activities, offering a fun way for autistic children to engage in sensory play and social interaction. These activities combine hands-on exploration with teamwork, helping to encourage communication and sensory integration.
Using materials that stimulate different senses – like clay, sand art, puffy paint, glitter, sequins, and colorful tissue paper – can make these projects even more engaging.
Here are a few ideas to try:
- Group Mural Creation: Roll out a large sheet of paper or canvas and let everyone contribute at the same time. Offer a variety of tools like brushes, sponges, or even fingers, so each child can choose what feels most comfortable for them.
- Texture Collage Wall: Set up a shared space where kids can add materials with different textures to create a collective piece of art. This allows for individual creativity while building a group project.
- Sensory Clay Sculptures: Working with clay provides a calming sensory experience and deep-pressure input. Kids can collaborate on a single sculpture or create smaller pieces that connect into a larger artwork.
4. Group Water Activities
Water play offers a hands-on experience that encourages teamwork, turn-taking, and discovery.
Here are some fun group water play ideas to try:
- Water Transfer Teams: Create stations where small groups move water between containers using tools like cups, funnels, or turkey basters.
- Floating Objects Experiment: Let small teams test which objects sink or float. For added fun, provide materials like aluminum foil so kids can make simple boats and learn together.
- Sensory Water Wall: Set up a vertical play area with tubes, funnels, and water wheels. Kids can pour water through the setup, enjoying both independent play and group interaction.
Safety Tips
Before starting, follow these safety measures to keep the activity safe and fun:
- Always have an adult supervising closely.
- Stick to shallow, table-based stations.
- Use non-slip mats and set clear boundaries to prevent accidents.
- Keep towels nearby for quick cleanups.
Making It Comfortable
- Check the water temperature to ensure it’s warm enough for play.
- Offer water-safe tools like squeeze bottles and sponges.
- Allow kids to decide how much they want to participate.
Tracking progress during water play can be a great way to monitor development. Parents and therapists can use tools like the Guiding Growth app to record observations and milestones.
5. Music and Movement Games
Music and movement games bring energy and fun to group activities while supporting sensory integration and social interaction. These games encourage children to explore their senses, improve coordination, and communicate with others in enjoyable ways.
Musical Freeze Dance and Follow the Leader
Try games like Musical Freeze Dance or Follow the Leader to get kids moving. In Freeze Dance, children dance to music and stop when the music pauses or when a visual cue is given. In Follow the Leader, they take turns leading simple movements such as:
- Arm circles
- Marching in place
- Gentle jumping
- Side-stepping
Choose rhythmic music with a steady beat (around 60-80 BPM) to keep the activities engaging and easy to follow.
Instrument Exploration
Set up stations where kids can explore sounds together. Offer a variety of easy-to-use instruments, such as:
- Soft shakers filled with rice or beans
- Padded drums with soft mallets
- Ribbon wands with bells
- Sound tubes with different pitches
This setup allows small groups to experiment and collaborate while making music.
Group Rhythm Games
Pass the Beat: Have the group sit in a circle and pass a rhythm pattern by tapping on floor cushions. Start with simple patterns like "tap-tap-pause" and gradually add complexity as they gain confidence.
Sound and Movement Matching: Pair movement cards with specific instruments. When a child hears an instrument, they perform the matching movement as a group. For example:
- Triangle → Reach up high
- Drum → March in place
- Shaker → Wiggle hands
These activities combine auditory and physical cues, helping children connect sounds with actions.
Safety and Comfort Tips
To ensure a positive experience for everyone:
- Keep the volume at a comfortable level.
- Offer noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears.
- Create quiet zones where kids can take a break if needed.
- Use visual schedules to outline the activity sequence.
- Let children observe before participating to ease them into the activity.
These adjustments help create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all participants.
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6. Group Nature Walks
Group nature walks offer a great way for children to explore their senses while enjoying structured social interaction. These walks take sensory activities outdoors, adding a new layer of engagement.
Planning the Walk
Choosing the Location
- Pick paths that are easy to walk, shaded, and accessible.
- Look for areas with minimal noise from traffic.
- Ensure there are restrooms nearby.
Plan a route with sensory stops along the way to keep the children engaged.
Sensory Exploration Stops
Pause at specific points during the walk to focus on different senses.
Touch Stop: Encourage kids to feel natural textures such as:
- Smooth river rocks
- Tree bark
- Soft moss
- Cool soil or sand
Listening Stop: Take a moment to identify outdoor sounds like:
- Birds chirping
- Leaves rustling
- Flowing water
- Wind moving through trees
Safety and Preparation
Before the walk, scout the trail, mark boundaries with ribbons, and assign staff roles. Be ready with:
- Comfort items for the children
- A first-aid kit and water bottles
Group Activities
Make the walk interactive with activities that combine exploration and creativity.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Ask children to find items such as:
- Yellow flowers
- Pinecones
- Smooth stones
- Fallen leaves
Creative Tools
Bring items like:
- Notebooks for leaf rubbings
- Magnifying glasses
- Small bags for collecting safe natural objects
Keeping the Group Comfortable
Ensure a positive experience by using these strategies:
- Use visual schedules to outline the day’s plan.
- Keep groups small (3-4 children per adult).
- Set up quiet zones for breaks.
- Use hand signals for clear communication.
- Move at a pace that suits the group.
7. Group Bubble Play
Playing with bubbles in a group setting is a fun way to engage the senses while encouraging social interaction. Watching, chasing, and popping bubbles stimulates both visual and tactile senses. Plus, taking turns blowing bubbles helps children practice sharing and teamwork. This simple activity creates a lively environment that promotes cooperation and communication skills. Stay tuned for more group activity ideas in the next section.
8. Group Cooking Activities
Group cooking is a hands-on way to engage kids’ senses – touch, smell, sight, and taste – while teaching teamwork and basic life skills.
No-Bake Sensory Stations
Set up stations where kids can work together on simple no-bake recipes. For example, making trail mix gives them the chance to measure, pour, and mix ingredients like smooth chocolate chips, crunchy cereals, and chewy dried fruits. This activity encourages teamwork and lets kids explore different textures.
Sandwich Assembly Teams
Divide kids into small groups and assign each child a specific role in assembling sandwiches. This structured approach helps build sequencing skills while introducing them to a variety of textures.
Fruit Salad Preparation
Making a fruit salad taps into multiple senses (touch, smell, sight, and taste). Assign tasks like washing, peeling, or mixing to encourage collaboration and improve fine motor skills.
Safety and Support Tips
- Use child-safe utensils
- Provide clear, visual instructions
- Keep groups small (3-4 kids)
- Ensure adult supervision at all times
- Be mindful of food allergies and dietary restrictions
You can track kids’ reactions and preferences using the Guiding Growth app. This helps create personalized sensory strategies and share insights with therapists.
9. Team Sensory Games
Team sensory games combine group interaction with sensory activities to help improve social and sensory processing skills. Here are some engaging group activities to try:
Texture Relay Race
Set up stations featuring different textures, like water beads, play dough, or textured mats. In teams, each child interacts with a texture for 30 seconds before tagging the next teammate.
Musical Texture Walk
Lay out a pathway made of textured mats (rubber, carpet, foam, bubble wrap, etc.). Play music as children walk along the path, and when the music stops, they pause on the texture they’re standing on.
Sensory Scavenger Hunt
Divide children into small teams (2-3 kids) and challenge them to find objects with specific sensory qualities, such as something smooth, something that makes noise, and something soft. This encourages exploration and teamwork.
Group Balance Challenge
Use balance beams, stepping stones, or floor markers to create a movement course. Teams work together to complete the sequence, holding hands if needed. This combines balance practice with social bonding.
Safety and Tips for Success
- Keep groups small to encourage better interaction.
- Provide clear, simple instructions for each activity.
- Allow for sensory breaks when necessary.
- Ensure adult supervision at all times.
- Use tools like the Guiding Growth app to track which games children enjoy most.
Sensory Signal Game
Introduce a signal system where kids respond to sensory cues as a group:
- Flashing light = jump
- Bell sound = freeze
- Gentle shoulder tap = sit down
This game helps children practice attention, coordination, and teamwork while engaging with different sensory inputs.
10. Interactive Sensory Stories
Interactive sensory stories turn traditional storytelling into a hands-on experience that engages multiple senses and encourages social interaction. This approach can help children with autism better process sensory information.
Setting Up Your Sensory Story Time
Design a cozy story corner with comfortable seating and appropriate lighting to create a welcoming environment.
Choosing and Preparing Your Story
Pick books with clear, repetitive patterns and opportunities for sensory engagement.
Bringing Stories to Life
Make your storytelling more engaging by adding sensory elements like:
- Touch: Provide textures that match the story (e.g., soft fabric for grass, sandpaper for a rocky path).
- Sound: Use instruments or recorded sounds to match the narrative.
- Movement: Incorporate group actions that mirror the story’s events.
- Smell: Include scents that align with the scenes.
- Visuals: Use simple props that children can hold and explore.
Encouraging Group Participation
Rotate roles like sound maker, movement leader, prop handler, and page turner to ensure every child has a chance to participate. Keep groups small (4-6 children) for better interaction and engagement.
Prioritizing Safety and Comfort
Stick to established safety guidelines. Check all sensory materials for safety, offer alternatives for children who might be sensitive, and keep sessions short, around 15-20 minutes.
Extending the Experience
After the story, reinforce the themes and sensory elements with activities like:
- Crafting artwork using story-related textures.
- Acting out scenes from the story.
- Sorting objects by sensory features.
- Retelling the story with props.
These follow-up activities help deepen sensory engagement while fostering social skills and developmental progress.
Conclusion
Group sensory activities help children with autism improve both sensory processing and social skills. These structured activities provide a safe space for kids to explore their senses while building connections with peers.
Parents often observe better sensory regulation and stronger social interactions as a result of these activities. They not only offer immediate engagement but also support long-term growth.
Tracking progress regularly can make a big difference. Tools like the Guiding Growth app allow parents to monitor sensory involvement, track social development, spot behavioral trends, and share updates with healthcare professionals.
