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
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!
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.
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.