About

Description: Sammie’s Sen5es is a fun adaptation of the 5-Senses grounding technique. The 5-Senses grounding technique is often used as a mindfulness tool to help kids manage feelings of anxiety or overwhelm by bringing their focus to their immediate surroundings.  In decreasing numeric order, kids are prompted to identify 5 things they can see, 4 things they can hear, 3 things they can touch, 2 things they can smell, and 1 thing they can taste.  By engaging each of their senses in this way, kids can shift their focus away from anxious thoughts and ground themselves in the present moment, which can help them feel calmer and more centered.

In Sammie's Sen5es, kids get to pick the order in which they use their senses, making it more tailored to their preferences. Plus, there's a fun timer to keep them motivated and make the activity feel like a game!

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Mindfulness, Anxiety Reduction, Emotional Regulation, Self-Awareness, Coping Strategies

Using Sammie’s Sen5es in Session

Introduce Grounding Techniques

Before using Sammie’s Sen5es, it’s helpful to review the definition and purpose of grounding techniques with your young client. Explain to the them that during moments of overwhelm or when experiencing BIG emotions, doing an activity like this one can help them feel calm, safe, and strong. One of the best things is that it can be done anywhere! 

Allow Client to Choose

With Sammie’s Sen5es, your client can choose the order that they would like to tap into their senses.  They can click on any sense button at the top to get started.

 

Time to Play!

Once a sense is selected, a visual and auditory timer appears on the screen.  As it goes, the client is encouraged to tap into their senses and name out loud what they can see, hear, feel, smell, or taste.  There is no penalty of consequence associated with the timer.  In between sense selection, encourage your client to share additional items they might have observed.  

 

Process

After the activity is over, your client may choose to play again.  You can also engage them in discussion using the following questions below:

 

1. What did you enjoy most about exploring your senses today?

2. Was there a sense that surprised you or felt different than usual?

3. How did focusing on your senses help you feel in the moment?

4. Can you think of a moment when using your senses like this might be helpful outside of session?

5. Is there a sense you'd like to explore more next time we do this activity?

 

Related Resources

In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF version of Sammie's Sen5es.  This is a great tool that you can print to send home with a client or send electronically to a caregiver.  The client can put this handout in their room, in a calm down corner, in a folder at school, or anywhere else for when they need a helping hand to calm down and refocus.

 

 

 

 

Incorporating Sammie’s Sen5es into your sessions can offer children a valuable tool for navigating moments of stress and overwhelm. By engaging with their senses in a playful and structured way, they can learn to ground themselves in the present moment, fostering feelings of calmness and centeredness.