Sensory Nook: An Oasis For Children When The World Around Feels Too Overwhelming

A Sensory Nook In the classroom - A tent with sensory supplies and activities

As adults, we understand what it means to feel overwhelmed. When work, home, or life gets too noisy or demanding, we instinctively find ways to reset — grabbing a coffee, scrolling on our phones, stepping outside for a walk, or calling a friend to vent. These small breaks help us release stress, clear our minds, and return to our responsibilities calmer and more focused.

But how about our little ones in the classroom or at home? How do children reset when their world becomes too much?

Understanding Sensory Overload

Sensory sensitivities or overload can lead to challenging behaviors, anxiety, or withdrawal.

Children — especially those who are sensory-sensitive — experience the world intensely.

When these moments build up, they can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, or withdrawal — not because a child wants to misbehave, but because their body and mind are overloaded.

In a classroom full of bright visuals on the walls, hum drum of all the other students, the pull & push of social dynamics, and the steady stream of instructions from the teacher - can feel like a sensory overload. And when that happens, it often shows up as a challenging behavior, anxiety or, withdrawal.

At home, this might look like a tough day at school, a disagreement with a sibling, or a moment of frustration with you. When big emotions rise, children may not always have the words to express their need for space.

In times like this, what a child really needs isn’t a consequence or a correction — they just need a moment to reset.

What Is A Sensory Nook?

This is where the concept of a Sensory Nook comes in - a small cozy space where big feelings can safely rest. These are spaces where children can retreat for a few minutes to calm their minds and bodies. They help children manage sensory overload, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.

It doesn’t have to be big. In fact a small safe nook, away from distraction that is inviting is perfect. 

In the classroom it might be a tent, or a corner between two bookshelves, or a quiet spot  behind an easel. 

At home it could be behind the couch, under the dining table with a sheet draped over it, or a cozy corner in your child’s room.

Materials Needed for Sensory Nook

Make It Inviting - 

• Invite your child to help design their sensory space. Involving them in the process builds self-awareness, and empowers them to take charge of their emotional well-being.

• Bean bags or soft pillows 

• Your child's favorite Soft toy (or a weighted soft toy) to cuddle with 

• Warm, dim lighting or fairy lights

Build Emotional Awareness -

• Include a mood meter or a visual of emotions to help your child identify and name their feelings.

• Children often experience big emotions before they can verbalize them — giving them language helps prevent overwhelm.

• Programs like the Zones of Regulation or The Alert Program provide wonderful emotional visuals and tools.

  
  

Add Sensory Toys -

• Based on your child's preferences, add a variety of sensory items for your child to explore

• Take your time, you don't have to add all the tools at once

• Tactile: playdough, fidget toys such as stress balls

• Auditory: headphones or gentle background music

• Visual: bubble timers or slow-moving glitter jars

• Proprioceptive: weighted blankets or lap pads

• Vestibular: movement or yoga cards

  
  

Activity Bin -

Place activities that your child enjoys and can do independently

• Breathing visuals or exercise cards

• Coloring books and crayons

• Journal or clipboard with paper

• Picture books of their choice

• Word searches or other mental games

Timer -

• Visual Timer so the child can see the passage of time

Calming Music -

VTech Rock and Bop

• Music can be incredibly grounding for a sensory sensitive child

• Choose a music of your child's choice. 

Snack Support (optional) -

This may be required for our picky eaters, who don't eat throughout the day. If you know that your child or student doesn’t eat breakfast or tends to skip meals, offering a snack before they head to the sensory corner or while they are seated in the sensory corner may be a good idea. Here, food is acting like a regulating agent. 

Before You Begin: Key Things to Know About "Sensory Nook"

Many assume that because a sensory nook contains engaging materials, a child might not want to leave it—or may act out to gain access to it and the extra adult attention. However, this perception overlooks the true therapeutic purpose of a sensory nook.

★ A sensory nook is designed to support a child’s nervous system regulation, particularly during periods of sensory overload or emotional dysregulation. When a child is experiencing a meltdown, they are not seeking attention or control; they are overwhelmed and struggling to regain internal balance and a sense of safety.

In these moments, the child’s ability to engage or communicate is greatly reduced. The sensory nook offers access to carefully selected sensory tools and materials—such as deep pressure input, calming visuals, soothing textures, or movement—that help meet the child’s immediate sensory needs and facilitate self-regulation.

When used appropriately, a sensory nook is not a reward or behavioral strategy—it is a therapeutic space designed to help children regulate, recover, and feel safe. Understanding this allows caregivers and professionals to provide more effective and compassionate support.

★ Important Reminders For The Adults

• This is not a time-out space.

• Use a calm tone and open body language.

• Be patient — emotional regulation takes time and practice.

★ Important Reminders For The Children

• When to Use It:

Explain that the nook is a calming place — somewhere to go when feelings start to feel “too big.”

• How to Use It:

Show your child the different tools, model how to use them, and encourage care and respect for the space.

• How Long to Use It: 

The goal is for the child to return to their regular activities once they feel calm and ready. At home, parents may allow more flexibility, while in a classroom setting the time may be limited. Using a timer can help provide structure — typically between 5–10 minutes works well. Ask your child if they would like 5 or 10 minutes; this small choice gives them a sense of autonomy and control.

• If the Space Is Misused:

If the space is not used respectfully (for example, if the child is throwing things), calmly remind your child of its purpose and redirect them. Consistency and gentle reinforcement will help the child understand expectations over time.

Step -By- Step Guide To Use The Sensory Nook

• Ask your child how they are feeling: As you observe your child beginning to feel distressed - ask them what is bothering them - this will give you a hint of what is causing them discomfort.

• Label: Describe what you observe: “Your body looks very tense,” or “You’re speaking very quickly — it seems like you’re starting to feel frustrated.” This helps your child build physical awareness and language to identify their feelings.

• Validate: Let your child know that their feelings are understood and accepted: “I can see that you’re frustrated, and that’s okay. Everyone feels that way sometimes.” Share a moment when you were frustrated. 

• Be Firm and Set Boundaries: It’s important to communicate that while it’s okay to feel upset, it’s not okay to throw things or hurt others. Clear, calm boundaries create a sense of safety.

• Redirect: Guide your child to the sensory space: “Let’s go to the sensory nook so your body can feel safe again.” Reinforce that this is not a time-out space, but a safe space to help them regulate and feel in control. Remind them that you love them and that this space is meant to help their body and mind feel calm. 

• Offer Snack: If needed, as mentioned above

• Dim The Lights

• Identify The Mood: show the visual and ask them how they are feeling. Help them label it. 

• Ask Them To Choose an Activity: Offer them a choice of activity they would like to engage in - “would you like to use a stress ball or would you like to color”. Offering a choice gives them autonomy. If they need help, get them started with the activity.

• Set The Timer: Set the timer for 5 -10 mins for the child to stay in the sensory nook. Ask them if they need 5 mins or 10 mins. Again, this gives them autonomy, which helps them feel in control of their environment.

• Play the Music: Start the calming music for the duration of time. 

• Supportive Silence: In the beginning as you are coaching them to use the sensory corner, it may be a good idea for you to stay near by doing your chores and not say anything. Just your presence will be comforting for the child, and helps shift their state of mind to a more calming state. Gradually, once the child gets use to using the nook, you can increase the distance of being away. 

• Reflect: When children experience big emotions, details often get forgotten. Visual supports are helpful for reflection and learning. They also provide opportunities to celebrate growth over time. After your child appears calm, the time for which can vary from child to child, take a few moments together to reflect:

  • What happened and what helped them feel better.

  • Use a mood meter again - this time  to see how their emotions shifted (for example, from frustrated to calm).

  • If the child likes to journal - encourage them to draw or write what happened.

  • For younger children, draw out sequences of events in simple drawings— how they felt before, what they did, and how the sensory space helped.

Promoting Independence: Over time, begin to fade your verbal prompts and observe whether your child starts to use the sensory space independently. Celebrate these moments! 

Offer specific praise such as:

• “I noticed you went to your calming corner on your own — that was a great choice.”

• “You used your fidgets and took deep breaths; you really helped your body feel calm.”

These positive affirmations reinforce self-regulation, responsibility, and confidence.

References 

Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2012). The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind. Delacorte Press.

Kuypers, L. M. (2011). The Zones of Regulation: A Curriculum Designed to Foster Self-Regulation and Emotional Control. Think Social Publishing.

Williams, M. S., & Shellenberger, S. (1996). How Does Your Engine Run?® The Alert Program for Self-Regulation. TherapyWorks Inc.

Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges. Western Psychological Services.

STAR Institute for Sensory Processing – https://sensoryhealth.org Offers research, parent resources, and strategies for supporting sensory needs.

Understood.org – https://www.understood.org Excellent parent-friendly guides on sensory processing and emotional regulation.

Child Mind Institute – https://childmind.org Resources on anxiety, emotional regulation, and practical sensory supports.