Sensory Pathway Provides Elementary Students A New Way To Learn

New addition to Coquihalla Elementary allows kids to self-regulate while developing their motor skills

Coquihalla Elementary students will able to access a new way of learning when they return to school thanks to a donation by Free Rein Associates Training Ltd.

Grade 1 Coquihalla teacher, Heather Link (right) with assistance from her daughter Emma attach decals to the school hallway floors as part of the sensory path.

A Coquihalla Elementary School hallway has been turned into an interactive sensory pathway. Filled with guided movements for kids to follow, this sensory pathway allows students to work off excess energy and develop motor skills such as balance, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Stickers and decals direct students on how to move and interact within the pathway, providing a variety of exercises that require them to hop, step, and jump through the path. The sensory path is now available for the students to use in between classes or when struggling to maintain focus, with teacher’s permission.

“Bodies – especially children’s bodies – are meant for movement,” said Anders Lunde, Resource and Inclusive Education Teacher at Coquihalla Elementary. “Having a sensory path in the hallway allows children to explore movement within the school and provide opportunities for children to self-regulate. In turn, this should mean less distractions in the classroom and improved learning.”

Following the route of a sensory pathway will allow students to fidget less, increasing concentration in the classroom, and provide a quick activity break to get hearts pumping. Schools who have created similar pathways in their buildings have noted students are able to expend energy that would otherwise lead to disruptive behaviour in the classroom.

The sensory pathway at Coquihalla Elementary was possible through a donation from Free Rein Associates. “It’s no coincidence that the motto of Free Rein is ‘The Reins of Freedom are Found Through Many Paths.’ We are excited to embody our motto in a more literal sense by supporting this project,” said Peter Bailey, Director of Free Rein Associates. “Free Rein has a long history of working with sensory programming. Our clients have benefitted greatly from using sensory integration activities that have led to great success. As a result, we see how this type of strategy can work well in schools.”

Studies have shown that movement stimulates cognitive activity, which means kids may learn better when they’ve been active. Both teachers and children have reported students experience an easier time learning after engaging in sensory activities twice a day.

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News of the sensory pathway was featured in the Hope Standard!

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