DIY Sensory Path

I am very excited to share my new favorite sensory activity with you! Recently I brought this into my kindergarten classroom and my students loved it. I keep seeing sensory paths in different schools and areas for children, but I couldn’t think of a way to bring sometime similar into my own classroom. I created this DIY Sensory Path using yoga mats and some paint and I couldn’t be happier with the result!

If you’re a teacher you know that space in your classroom is often limited. Buying a sensory path kit can be expensive and they don’t always last a long time. This DIY sensory path uses a few yoga mats that I purchased at a dollar store.

My favorite thing about this sensory path is that I can roll it out and have my students use it and then roll it up at the end of the activity and store it out of sight. It doesn’t take up a lot of room, but it is always a huge hit with my students.

If you are looking for more sensory path ideas that are perfect for classroom use, check out these other sensory activities that have proven to be a success in my classroom. Going on a Bear Hunt Sensory Activity and 20 Best Sensory Tray Ideas.

DIY Sensory Path Materials

I love the idea of sensory paths, but often the require large, bulky bins or materials in order to create the path. While these types of paths can be fun, they can be challenging to set up and use repeatedly.

For this DIY Sensory Path, you will need:

• Yoga Mat
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Handprint, Footprint and Arrow Template (Available at the end of this post)
• Marker (To trace footprints etc.)
• Tape

The more yoga mats you use, the longer your sensory path can be. I used two mats, but if you have access to four mats you could create a square and have children continuously loop through the path.

Preparing Your DIY Sensory Path

You can create any design on your yoga mat that you want to. I tried to add various different moves and steps for children to do as they walk through the path.

To start, print the footprint, handprint and arrow clipart. You can print as many copies as you want, or simply trace and move the templates on the mat to create a path.

I used a marker to trace each of the steps and location of the other parts of the path. I used a large object to create two circles for the figure 8 and paper, and tape to create the path/maze at the beginning.

Set everything out on your mats before drawing with a marker. This way you know you have space for everything.

Creating a Path

The path/maze was a bit tricky to create, but you can roughly mark the area with paper and then use tape to create the edges. Once you have everything traced and marked out, it’s time to paint!

Choose any color you like for your path and make sure to choose a color that stands out on your mat.

DIY Sensory Path for Kids

Once your paint is dry, it is ready to be used. You can spay a protective coating on your mat to help the paint from chipping off. I encourage children to remove their shoes and do the DIY sensory path in socks.

Typically kids love the feel of the mat and it makes it more fun to move on. Socks also helps the mat from getting dirty.

Unroll the mat and line them up to create one path. Show children how to properly walk through the path using the prints as their guide. They can go quickly or take their time.

I created my path so that when kids have gone all the way to the top, it turns them around on the figure 8 to walk back down the path again. You can create your path in any way you want.

When you are done with the activity, simply roll the yoga mats back up and keep stored until you’re ready to bring them out again. The mats can also be used outside, but avoid rain and water because the paint will come off.

I hope this DIY sensory path gives you some ideas to bring to your classroom or home.

Subscribe to Play Learn Inspire

Join Play Learn Inspire and create your own sensory path. Download the FREE templates of a handprint, footprint and arrow and create your own path. The images can be flipped and turned to help children know where to place their hands and feet.

When you subscribe through Grow you will also unlock all of the other freebies on this site. Join today because new free resources and activity ideas are being added all the time!