Before the Wax Goes Down: The Best Time to Install a School Sensory Path

Summer is the perfect opportunity to transform your hallways into purposeful learning spaces.

Every summer, schools are busy checking off maintenance projects before students return.

Hallways are emptied.

Floors are stripped and cleaned.

Fresh coats of wax are applied.

Classrooms are organized.

Teachers begin preparing for another year of learning.

It's also the ideal time to install a sensory pathway.

As a practicing pediatric occupational therapist, one of the most common questions I receive is:

"When should we install our sensory path?"

The answer is simple:

Before the final coat of floor wax is applied.

While Sacred Steps Sensory Paths are commercial-grade and do not require wax to stay in place, many schools choose to install them before waxing because the wax provides an additional protective layer while helping the decals blend beautifully into the floor.

Here's what the installation process typically looks like.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Before installation begins, think about how students naturally move throughout your building.

Great locations include:

• Main hallways

• Primary classroom wings

• Counseling areas

• Special education hallways

• Outside the library

• Near intervention spaces

• Waiting areas

• Church or parish education spaces

The best sensory pathways become part of students' everyday routines.

Step 2: Prepare the Floor

Once the existing wax has been removed and the floor has been thoroughly cleaned, you're ready for installation.

A clean surface allows the commercial-grade adhesive to bond properly with the floor.

Step 3: Install the Path

Each Sacred Steps pathway arrives with installation directions and a suggested layout guide.

Simply:

✔ Position the pieces

✔ Double-check spacing

✔ Peel the backing

✔ Apply each decal

✔ Smooth firmly into place

Most schools complete installation in just a few hours.

Even better?

Many schools make installation a fun summer project for staff members or volunteers.

Step 4: Apply the Final Coat of Wax (Optional)

This is the step many schools ask about.

Waxing over the decals is completely optional.

Our commercial-grade decals are designed to withstand heavy school traffic on their own.

However, if your custodial team is already applying the final coat of wax, installing the pathway beforehand allows the wax to provide one additional layer of protection.

Many schools appreciate the finished appearance this creates.

Step 5: Welcome Students Back

This is my favorite part.

On the first day of school, students don't just walk through your hallway.

They interact with it.

They jump.

They balance.

They read.

They pray.

They regulate.

They smile.

What was once an ordinary transition becomes another opportunity to learn.

Why Summer Is the Best Time

Waiting until students return often means working around:

• Classroom schedules

• Hallway traffic

• Lunch periods

• Specials

• Recess

• Daily transitions

Summer provides a quiet building and the flexibility to complete installation without disrupting instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Sacred Steps decals have to be waxed over?

No.

They are commercial-grade floor decals designed for heavy school use.

Waxing is completely optional.

How long does installation take?

Most schools complete installation in just a few hours, depending on the size of the pathway.

Can schools install them themselves?

Absolutely.

Many schools install their own pathways using the included layout guide.

Others choose professional installation or coordinate installation while other summer maintenance projects are taking place.

Can Sacred Steps install them?

Yes!

Depending on location and travel schedule, professional installation may be available.

Every Hallway Teaches Something

Whether you're adding your first Starter Set or transforming an entire hallway, summer is the perfect time to create a space that supports movement, self-regulation, and learning from the very first day students walk through your doors.

If your floors haven't received their final coat of wax yet, now is the ideal time to start planning.

I'd love to help you create a hallway your students will remember long after the first day of school.

👉 Request a complimentary sample

👉 Browse our Faith-Based Collection

👉 Browse our Universal Collection

👉 Or simply contact me to discuss your space.

About the Author

Trisha Klausing, MOT, OTR/L is a practicing occupational therapist and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths. She designs OT-informed movement experiences that help children regulate, learn, and thrive in schools, therapy clinics, churches, childcare centers, and community spaces.

Why Movement Belongs in Children's Ministry

The Sacred Steps Difference: An OT Perspective

When we think about helping children grow in their faith, we often think about Bible stories, worship songs, crafts, and prayer.

Those are all wonderful ways to teach children about God's love.

But what if one of the most effective teaching tools has been with us all along?

Movement.

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I've spent my career helping children learn through movement. And over the years, I've come to realize something important:

Children don't stop needing movement when they walk through the doors of a church.

In fact, many children are better able to listen, participate, and remember when movement is intentionally included in the experience.

God Designed Children to Move

Children learn differently than adults.

They wiggle.

They jump.

They explore.

They touch.

They experience the world through their bodies.

That's not something to eliminate.

It's something we can embrace.

Movement isn't a distraction from learning.

For many children, movement is how learning happens.

The same is true when they're learning about God.

Every Transition Is a Teaching Opportunity

Think about the journey a child takes on a typical Sunday morning.

Walking from the parking lot.

Heading to the children's ministry room.

Moving between activities.

Waiting for parents after class.

Most of those moments are simply transitions.

But what if they became part of the lesson?

Imagine children hopping through the Days of Creation.

Walking alongside Jesus.

Following Noah's Ark.

Practicing calming breaths before prayer.

Reciting Scripture while moving from station to station.

The transition itself becomes meaningful.

Movement Creates Welcome

Every church wants families to feel welcomed.

For some children, especially those with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, sitting still for long periods can be difficult.

Purposeful movement offers another way to participate.

It says:

"You belong here, too."

Movement pathways can become valuable resources for:

• Sensory-friendly Masses or worship services

• Children's Church

• Sunday School

• Religious Education

• Vacation Bible School

• Family ministry events

• Special needs ministries

Rather than asking children to suppress their need to move, we can give them a purposeful way to move while remaining engaged.

Why Portable Pathways Work So Well

Churches are wonderfully flexible spaces.

One classroom may host Sunday School in the morning, Vacation Bible School during the summer, and a parish meeting that evening.

That's why I created portable pathways.

Unlike permanent installations, portable pathways can be:

• Rolled out wherever they're needed

• Shared between classrooms

• Used in fellowship halls

• Brought to parish events

• Stored away in minutes

One pathway can serve an entire ministry.

The Sacred Steps Difference

When I searched for commercially produced movement pathways rooted in the Christian and Catholic faith, I couldn't find any.

So I created them.

Every Sacred Steps pathway combines purposeful movement with Scripture, Bible stories, virtues, and faith-filled messages.

They're designed not simply to keep children busy.

They're designed to help children:

• Move with purpose.

• Regulate their bodies.

• Engage more fully.

• Experience God's love in another meaningful way.

Because movement and faith belong together.

Imagine This...

Imagine a child arriving at church excited to follow Noah's Ark.

Imagine another quietly taking deep breaths before entering Mass.

Imagine siblings practicing Bible stories while they wait for class to begin.

Imagine a family saying,

"My child can't wait to come to church."

Sometimes, the smallest changes create the biggest moments.

A Final Thought

As ministry leaders, teachers, catechists, and volunteers, we work hard to help children know and love Jesus.

Movement isn't separate from that mission.

It can become another way children encounter Him.

Because every hallway teaches something.

Why not let it teach faith?

Call to Action

If you're looking for a new way to engage children this fall, explore our collection of OT-designed portable movement pathways rooted in the Christian and Catholic faith.

Whether you're serving a parish, church, children's ministry, or sensory-friendly worship program, we'd love to help you create a space where every step points children toward Christ.

About the Author

Trisha Klausing, MOT, OTR/L is a practicing pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths. She designs OT-informed movement experiences that help children regulate, learn, and thrive in schools, therapy clinics, churches, childcare centers, and community spaces.

Why Hallways Matter More Than You Think

The Sacred Steps Difference: An OT Perspective

When schools think about student learning, they naturally focus on classrooms.

Teachers carefully arrange desks. Bulletin boards are thoughtfully planned. Lessons are intentionally designed.

But there's one part of the school that often gets overlooked...

The hallway.

For most schools, hallways are simply places students pass through on their way to somewhere else.

But as a pediatric occupational therapist, I see something very different.

I see one of the greatest untapped opportunities in a school.

Hallways Are Full of Transitions

Every school day is filled with moments of transition.

Students move from the classroom to lunch.

From music to math.

From recess back to academics.

From one activity to another.

These transitions may seem small, but for many children, they're some of the most challenging parts of the day.

Transitions require children to:

• Shift attention

• Regulate emotions

• Organize their bodies

• Prepare for something new

For some students, that's easy.

For others, it's exhausting.

The hallway is where all of that happens.

Movement Changes the Transition

Research continues to show that movement helps activate the brain for learning.

Purposeful movement can help children:

• Regulate their bodies

• Improve attention

• Decrease stress

• Increase readiness for learning

• Organize sensory input

Instead of simply telling students to "walk quietly," what if the hallway actually helped prepare students for what comes next?

Imagine students hopping, balancing, stretching, breathing, or completing simple movement challenges on their way to class.

They're still transitioning.

But now, they're also preparing their brains for learning.

Hallways Shape School Culture

Hallways teach whether we realize it or not.

They communicate what a school values.

A hallway can simply move students from one room to another.

Or...

It can encourage kindness.

Build confidence.

Reinforce executive functioning.

Celebrate faith.

Teach self-regulation.

Create moments of joy.

Every hallway teaches something.

The question is...

What is your hallway teaching?

The Sacred Steps Difference

Every Sacred Steps pathway begins with one question:

What does a child's brain need before we ask them to learn?

As a practicing pediatric occupational therapist, I don't design pathways simply to make hallways colorful.

Every movement challenge, every activity, and every design decision is intentional.

The goal isn't decorating a hallway.

The goal is creating an environment where children move, regulate, belong, and thrive.

Because movement isn't a break from learning.

For many children...

Movement is how they prepare to learn.

Try This Tomorrow

Walk through your school's hallway and ask yourself:

• Does this space help children regulate?

• Does it encourage movement?

• Does it reinforce our school's mission?

• Does it prepare students for learning?

• What is this hallway teaching?

You might discover that one of the busiest places in your building is also one of its greatest opportunities.

Want to Learn More?

Every Sacred Steps product begins with one simple question:

"What does a child's brain need before we ask them to learn?"

That's why every sensory path, wall activity, calming space, and portable pathway is intentionally designed by a practicing pediatric occupational therapist—not just to be fun, but to help children regulate, focus, and thrive.

Whether you're looking to transform a school hallway, therapy clinic, childcare center, church, library, hospital, or community space, you'll find movement solutions designed with both purpose and practicality in mind.

👉 Explore the Sacred Steps collections and discover the difference purposeful movement can make.

About the Author

Trisha Klausing, MOT, OTR/L is a practicing pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths. She designs OT-informed movement experiences that help children regulate, learn, and thrive in schools, therapy clinics, churches, childcare centers, and community spaces.

Why Movement Comes Before Learning

The Sacred Steps Difference: An OT Perspective

Have you ever noticed what happens after a child has a chance to move?

They return to class calmer. More focused. More organized. More ready to learn.

That's not a coincidence.

As a practicing pediatric occupational therapist, I've seen it happen thousands of times.

Many people think movement is a break from learning. In reality, purposeful movement often prepares the brain for learning.

The Brain Was Designed to Move

Children experience the world through movement long before they ever sit at a desk.

Before they learn to read...

They crawl.

They climb.

They balance.

They jump.

They explore.

Movement helps develop the very foundations that support attention, self-regulation, coordination, motor planning, and learning.

When we ask children to sit still for long periods without opportunities to move, many are working against how their brains naturally develop.

Purposeful movement gives the nervous system exactly what it needs to organize itself for learning.

Not All Movement Is Created Equal

As occupational therapists, we don't recommend movement simply because children enjoy it.

We recommend movement because different types of movement provide different benefits.

Jumping can increase alertness.

Balancing challenges body awareness.

Crossing the body's midline supports coordination and motor planning.

Reaching, stretching, crawling, and pushing all provide valuable sensory input that helps children regulate their bodies and attention.

When movement is intentional, it becomes much more than a brain break—it becomes part of the learning process.

What This Looks Like in Schools

Purposeful movement doesn't require a large gym or an extra class period.

It can happen naturally throughout the school day:

• During hallway transitions

• Before a challenging lesson

• While waiting for small-group instruction

• During indoor recess

• As part of a calming corner

• In therapy spaces

• During movement breaks between academic tasks

These small moments of movement can have a meaningful impact on a child's readiness to learn.

Why I Created Sacred Steps

After years of working in schools, I realized something.

Teachers were doing incredible work.

Therapists were supporting students.

Schools cared deeply about helping children succeed.

But many hallways, walls, and common spaces were simply...empty.

I saw an opportunity to transform those everyday spaces into places where movement could happen naturally throughout the day.

That's why I created Sacred Steps.

Every product begins with one question:

"What does a child's brain need before we ask them to learn?"

Every movement is intentionally designed—not simply to be fun, but to help children regulate, focus, and thrive.

Because when we understand how children learn best, movement becomes more than an activity.

It becomes an opportunity.

Try This Tomorrow

Before your next reading lesson, math block, or classroom transition, give students 60 seconds of purposeful movement.

Try:

• ✔️ 10 jumping jacks

• ✔️ Reach up high, then touch your toes

• ✔️ Cross your right hand to your left knee, then switch

• ✔️ Balance on one foot for 10 seconds

• ✔️ March in place while counting to 20

Then simply observe.

Do students settle more quickly?

Do they focus longer?

Do transitions become smoother?

Purposeful movement doesn't have to take a lot of time—it just has to be intentional.

Want to Learn More?

Every Sacred Steps product begins with one simple question:

"What does a child's brain need before we ask them to learn?"

That's why every sensory path, wall activity, calming space, and portable pathway is intentionally designed by a practicing pediatric occupational therapist—not just to be fun, but to help children regulate, focus, and thrive.

Whether you're looking to transform a school hallway, therapy clinic, childcare center, church, library, hospital, or community space, you'll find movement solutions designed with both purpose and practicality in mind.

👉 Explore the Sacred Steps collections and discover the difference purposeful movement can make.

About the Author

Trisha Klausing, MOT, OTR/L is a practicing pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths. She designs OT-informed movement experiences that help children regulate, learn, and thrive in schools, therapy clinics, churches, childcare centers, and community spaces.

The Sacred Steps Difference: Why OT-Designed Sensory Paths Work

Walk through almost any education conference, and you'll see plenty of colorful sensory paths.

They look fun.
They brighten hallways.
They encourage movement.

But at Sacred Steps, we believe one thing sets our products apart:

Every activity begins with one question:

"Will this actually help children?"

That question guides every decision we make—from the first sketch to the final installation.

As a practicing pediatric occupational therapist, I've spent years working alongside teachers, administrators, therapists, and families. Every day, I see the challenges children face with attention, self-regulation, executive functioning, transitions, and sensory processing.

I've also seen what happens when movement is used intentionally.

Movement isn't simply a brain break.

When designed correctly, movement prepares the brain for learning.

That's why every Sacred Steps activity is created with purpose—not simply to decorate a hallway, but to help children regulate their bodies, engage their minds, and build skills they use throughout the school day.

Created by an OT. Refined in Real Schools.

Unlike products designed solely for visual appeal, Sacred Steps activities are built from real clinical experience.

Before a product is released, I ask questions like:

• Does this movement support sensory regulation?

• Will this activity improve attention and readiness to learn?

• Is the cognitive demand appropriate for the intended age?

• Can teachers realistically use it during a busy school day?

• Will students enjoy coming back to it again and again?

If the answer isn't yes, it goes back to the drawing board.

Designed for Busy Educators

Schools don't need one more thing to manage.

That's why Sacred Steps products are intentionally designed to be:

• Quick to install

• Easy to clean

• Durable enough for high-traffic environments

• Flexible enough to work in hallways, classrooms, therapy spaces, libraries, counseling offices, churches, and childcare centers

Whether you're installing a full hallway sensory path, starting with a Starter Set, or using one of our portable pathways, the goal is the same: create meaningful movement opportunities that fit naturally into your day.

More Than Movement

Movement is only one piece of the puzzle.

Our products also support:

• Self-regulation

• Attention and focus

• Motor planning

• Executive functioning

• Classroom transitions

• Social-emotional learning

• Confidence and independence

For our faith-based collection, we add another meaningful layer by helping children engage with Scripture, Biblical truths, and Christian values through movement and reflection.

Designed for Every Child

Every child learns differently.

Some need movement before they can focus.

Some benefit from visual supports.

Some need opportunities to reset during challenging moments.

Others simply thrive when learning is active and engaging.

Our goal has never been to create products for only one type of learner.

It's to create movement experiences that help every child succeed.

Why Schools Choose Sacred Steps

Schools across the United States and Canada are choosing Sacred Steps because they want more than a colorful hallway.

They want intentional movement.

They want practical tools.

They want products grounded in clinical expertise and designed for everyday use.

Most importantly, they want solutions that help children thrive.

That's the Sacred Steps difference.

And it's why every product we create starts with one simple question:

"Will this actually help children?"

What Is Executive Functioning —and How Movement Helps Kids Build It

OT-designed floor sensory path installed in a school hallway featuring a purple PATIENT station with the instruction "Take your time, count and jump, then pause to regulate," followed by alternating black star-burst JUMP markers and purple pause symbol circles extending down the hallway, targeting inhibitory control, sequencing, and self-regulation.

If you have ever watched a child melt down because their routine changed, struggle to start a task without reminders, or completely fall apart when asked to wait their turn — you have seen executive functioning challenges in action.

And if you work with kids, you have probably seen it a lot.

Executive functioning is one of the most talked-about topics in education and pediatric therapy right now — and for good reason. These skills shape how children learn, behave, relate to others, and navigate daily life. But here is what most people do not know: movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to build them.

Let me explain.

What Is Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning is the term used to describe a set of mental skills that act like the brain's command center. They help children plan, focus, remember instructions, manage emotions, and adapt when things do not go as expected.

According to Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, the three core components of executive functioning are:

1. Working Memory

This is the ability to hold information in mind while using it. Think of it as the brain's mental sticky note. When a teacher gives three-step directions and a child can remember and follow all three — that is working memory at work. When they can only follow the first one and forget the rest, working memory is struggling.

2. Inhibitory Control

This is the ability to pause, think, and resist the urge to act impulsively. It is what helps a child wait their turn, stop themselves from blurting out an answer, or walk calmly down the hallway instead of running. Inhibitory control is deeply connected to emotional regulation.

3. Cognitive Flexibility

This is the ability to shift thinking, adapt to changes, and see things from a different perspective. It is what helps a child handle a schedule change without falling apart, or switch from one task to another without a meltdown.

These three skills do not work in isolation — they work together constantly, in almost every moment of the school day.

Why Are So Many Kids Struggling With Executive Functioning?

This is the question educators and therapists are asking more than ever — and the answer is complex.

We know that executive functioning develops primarily in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, and self-regulation. This area of the brain continues developing all the way into a person's mid-twenties — which means children are quite literally still building the hardware they need.

We also know that children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, trauma histories, and other neurodevelopmental differences often experience significant executive functioning challenges. These are not behavior problems. They are neurological differences that deserve a neurological response.

But here is the piece that often gets missed: executive functioning is not fixed. It can be built, strengthened, and supported — especially in childhood, when the brain is most plastic and responsive to intervention.

And one of the most effective ways to do that? Movement.

How Movement Builds Executive Functioning

Research consistently shows that purposeful, cognitively engaging physical movement improves executive functioning in children. A 2025 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that exercise interventions — particularly those that combine movement with cognitive demands — significantly improve core executive functions including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in children and adolescents.

A separate systematic review published in Frontiers in Psychology found that school-based physical activity programs that balance physical intensity with cognitive and emotional engagement are especially effective for building executive function skills.

In other words, it is not just any movement that helps. It is intentional, structured, cognitively rich movement — the kind that asks the brain and body to work together at the same time.

Here is why that works so well:

Movement activates the prefrontal cortex.

The same part of the brain responsible for executive functioning lights up during purposeful physical activity. Movement essentially warms up the command center.

Sequenced movement builds working memory.

When a child follows a series of movement activities in a specific order — hop here, balance there, reach up, push down — they are actively practicing holding a sequence in mind and executing it. That is working memory training in disguise.

Motor planning strengthens cognitive flexibility.

Navigating a movement path requires the brain to plan, adjust, and respond to new information in real time. Every twist, jump, and balance challenge is a mini lesson in flexible thinking.

Proprioceptive and vestibular input regulate the nervous system.

When the sensory system is regulated, the brain has far greater access to its executive functioning resources. A dysregulated nervous system simply cannot plan, focus, or manage impulses effectively. Movement — especially heavy work and balance activities — brings the nervous system into a state where executive functioning is possible.

Routine movement builds inhibitory control.

Following the rules of a movement path — stay on the footprints, do the activity before moving on, wait at each station — is practice in impulse control, every single time a child walks through it.

What This Looks Like in a School Hallway

This is where Sacred Steps Sensory Paths come in.

A well-designed sensory path is not decoration. It is a therapeutic movement tool that targets executive functioning every time a child walks through it.

When a student approaches a Sacred Steps path, they are:

•       Reading and processing the activity at each station (working memory)

•       Sequencing their movements from station to station in order (motor planning + working memory)

•       Regulating their body through proprioceptive and vestibular input (nervous system regulation)

•       Following movement rules at each station (inhibitory control)

•       Transitioning between different activity types (cognitive flexibility)

•       Arriving at their destination calmer, more focused, and more ready to learn

And when faith-based affirmations are woven into those stations — words like "I am brave," "I am loved," "I am God's child" — there is an added layer of identity formation and emotional grounding that supports the whole child.

What Teachers and Staff Can Do Right Now

You do not need a full sensory path to start supporting executive functioning through movement. Here are a few simple strategies:

Build in transition movement.

Use the hallway walk between activities as an intentional opportunity. Give students a movement challenge: walk like a tightrope walker, stomp like an elephant, touch every doorframe with your left hand. These small tasks engage the prefrontal cortex before students sit back down.

Create predictable movement routines.

Predictability builds executive functioning. When students know that every morning starts with three minutes of movement before they sit down, their nervous systems begin to anticipate and prepare. Routine is regulation.

Use movement as a reset, not a reward.

Movement breaks should not be something students earn — they should be something students receive, especially when they are struggling. A two-minute movement break mid-lesson can restore the executive functioning resources that sitting and focusing have depleted.

Add sensory input before demanding tasks.

Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying, pressing) before a writing task, a test, or a transition can dramatically improve a child's ability to focus, plan, and self-regulate.

Invest in a permanent movement tool in your hallway.

A sensory path gives every child who walks your hallway access to the therapeutic movement input their brain needs — without pulling a single student from class, without requiring a therapist to be present, and without adding a single thing to your teacher's plate.

The Bottom Line

Executive functioning is not a fixed trait. It is a set of skills — and like all skills, it can be built.

Movement is not a break from learning. It is one of the most evidence-based, neurologically sound ways to prepare a child's brain for the learning that comes next.

When we put intentional, therapeutic movement in a child's path — literally in the hallway they walk every day — we are not just giving them something fun to do. We are giving their brains exactly what they need to focus, regulate, plan, and succeed.

That is what Sacred Steps is all about. 🙏💛

Interested in bringing a Sacred Steps Sensory Path to your school? Browse our full collection at sacredstepssensorypaths.com or reach out at hello@sacredstepssensorypaths.com — we would love to help.

Introducing the Days of Creation Portable Sensory Path — Made Just for K-2 Learners

If you teach or lead a Catholic or Christian preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary classroom, this one's for you.

I'm so excited to introduce our newest product: the Days of Creation Portable Sensory Path — a roll-out movement path designed specifically for our littlest learners, grades K-2.

Why I Designed This Path

As a school-based occupational therapist, I've spent years watching what happens when young children don't get enough movement built into their day. They fidget. They struggle to sit still during circle time. They have a harder time transitioning from recess back into the classroom.

At the same time, I know how much our youngest students love rhythm, rhyme, and repetition — it's how they learn best.

So I designed a sensory path that does both: gives kids the movement their growing bodies need, while reinforcing the story of creation through simple, joyful rhymes they'll remember.

What's Included

The Days of Creation Portable Sensory Path is a 3ft x 10ft rollable mat with 9 stations, taking students through the entire creation story from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 1:31:

• Day 1 — Light & Darkness: Open arms wide to greet the light, drop down low for the quiet night

• Day 2 — Sky & Waters: Reach up high, bend down low, sky to sea, and back we go

• Day 3 — Land & Plants: Curl up small like a seed in the ground, jump up tall, stretch branches around

• Day 4 — Sun, Moon & Stars: Spin around just like the sun, reach up high to the stars

• Day 5 — Sea Creatures & Birds: Wiggle and swim like a fish in the sea, flap your wings and fly like you're free

• Day 6 — Animals & Humans: Stomp like a bear, growl like a beast, stand up tall — God's masterpiece

• Day 7 — Day of Rest: Soft and still, hands on your heart, rest like God did

Each station includes simple, age-appropriate movement directions paired with bold, colorful icons — designed so even our youngest students can follow along independently.

Why It Works for K-2 Specifically

Older students can read longer instructions and more complex movement sequences. But K-2 learners need something different: short rhymes, clear actions, and repetition they can memorize quickly.

That's exactly what this path delivers. By the second or third time through, most kindergartners and first graders will know the rhymes by heart — which means they're not just moving their bodies, they're also reinforcing early literacy skills and memorizing scripture, all without realizing they're "learning."

Where It Fits in Your School

This portable path is perfect for:

• Classroom transitions and brain breaks

• Hallway movement between activities

• Prayer corners and reflection spaces

• Parish preschool programs

• Religious education classrooms

Because it's portable and rolls up for easy storage, it works just as well in a single classroom as it does moved between multiple rooms throughout the week.

A Joyful Way to Start the School Year

Summer is the perfect time to plan ahead, and this path is an easy, affordable way to bring movement and faith formation into your K-2 classrooms starting on day one of the new school year.

🎉 Launch special: Save $25 through June 30th with code CREATION25.

👉 Shop the Days of Creation Portable Sensory Path

I can't wait to see this little path bring big joy — and a deeper love of God's creation story — to classrooms this fall.

Introducing the Days of Creation Portable Sensory Path — a roll-out movement path made just for K-2 students, featuring rhyming directions and scripture for Catholic and Christian classrooms. (Please note: The above image is an AI-generated mockup and may have small visual quirks. Rest assured the final product is professionally designed and printed — real-life photos coming soon! 💛)

Trisha Klausing, OTR/L, MOT is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 10 years of school-based experience and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths LLC.

What Are Your Hallways Teaching?

When we think about teaching, we naturally think about classrooms.

We think about lesson plans, curriculum, small groups, and instructional strategies.

But lately I've been asking a different question:

What are our hallways teaching?

Students spend hundreds of hours each year moving through hallways.

They walk to lunch.

They transition between classes.

They head to specials.

They travel to the library, gym, and office.

Those moments may seem small, but they add up.

And every space in a school sends a message.

The Hidden Curriculum of School Spaces

Whether we realize it or not, our physical environments are constantly teaching.

Classrooms teach academic content.

Libraries teach a love of reading.

Playgrounds teach cooperation and social skills.

But what about hallways?

For many schools, hallways are simply spaces students move through as quickly as possible.

But what if they could do more?

What if hallways became opportunities to reinforce the very lessons we want students to carry with them every day?

Hallways That Teach Character

Imagine students encountering messages about:

• Kindness

• Respect

• Perseverance

• Gratitude

• Responsibility

• Courage

Not once during a special assembly.

Not once during a character education lesson.

Every single day.

The power of repetition matters.

The messages students see repeatedly often become the messages they remember.

Hallways That Teach Self-Regulation

As a school-based occupational therapist, I know that many students need movement in order to learn.

Students are being asked to sit longer, focus longer, and manage increasingly complex expectations.

Purposeful movement can help students:

• Refocus attention

• Improve body awareness

• Reduce stress

• Increase readiness for learning

• Transition more successfully between activities

A hallway can become a place where students practice regulation skills instead of simply passing through.

Hallways That Teach Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills are some of the most important skills students develop.

These include:

• Following directions

• Planning

• Organization

• Flexible thinking

• Self-monitoring

• Task initiation

Movement-based activities can provide opportunities for students to practice these skills in engaging and meaningful ways.

Hallways That Teach Faith

For Catholic and Christian schools, hallways offer another unique opportunity.

Faith formation doesn't only happen during religion class.

Students can be reminded throughout the day that they are:

✝️ Loved by God

✝️ Created with purpose

✝️ Called to serve others

✝️ Never alone

Bible stories, virtues, prayers, and faith-based movement activities can transform hallways into spaces that support both spiritual and physical development.

Making Every Square Foot Count

One of my favorite things about working with schools is helping them see possibilities they hadn't considered before.

An empty hallway becomes a sensory path.

A blank wall becomes a calming station.

A transition area becomes a space for movement, reflection, and growth.

The best part?

Most schools already have the space they need.

They simply need to look at it differently.

A Simple Question

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, I encourage you to take a walk through your building and ask yourself:

What are our hallways teaching?

Are they simply moving students from one place to another?

Or are they reinforcing the values, skills, and lessons that matter most?

Because every space in a school teaches something.

The question is whether it teaches intentionally.

Would you like help envisioning what a "Hallway That Teaches" could look like in your school?

I'd be happy to create a complimentary mockup using a photo of your hallway, wall, library, counseling office, or common area.

Sometimes the most impactful student support starts with a space you're already walking past every day.

What Is a Holy Path for Kids — and Why Catholic Schools Are Adding Them to Their Hallways

If you've been searching for a "holy path for kids," you're not alone — and you've landed in exactly the right place.

Catholic and Christian schools across the country are discovering a powerful tool that combines two things educators care deeply about: helping kids regulate their bodies and minds, AND growing in their faith. It's called a holy path — and it's transforming school hallways in the most beautiful way.

What Is a Holy Path for Kids?

A holy path for kids is a faith-based sensory path installed in a school hallway or common area. Rather than standard shapes or colors, each movement station is tied to a faith-based concept — Bible stories, Catholic virtues, the Sacraments, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, or scripture verses.

As children walk, hop, balance, and move through the path, they aren't just regulating their nervous systems — they're engaging with the foundations of their faith, one step at a time.

Think of it as a living catechism in your hallway. 🙏

Why Movement Matters for Kids

As an occupational therapist with over 10 years of school-based experience, I've seen firsthand what happens when kids don't get enough movement during the school day. They fidget. They struggle to focus. They act out — not because they're choosing to misbehave, but because their sensory systems are crying out for input.

Research consistently shows that movement:

• Improves focus and attention in the classroom

• Supports emotional regulation

• Reduces anxiety

• Improves readiness to learn

A holy path gives kids a purposeful, structured way to get that movement — without taking a single minute away from academics or faith formation.

What Makes a Holy Path Different from a Regular Sensory Path?

Standard sensory paths are wonderful tools. But for Catholic and Christian schools, a generic sensory path can feel like a missed opportunity.

A holy path is intentionally designed to weave faith into every movement. At Sacred Steps Sensory Paths, our paths are created by a licensed occupational therapist AND grounded in Catholic and Christian tradition, so every hop, balance, and stretch is connected to something meaningful.

Some of our most popular holy path themes include:

• Bible Stories Sensory Path — walking through beloved scripture stories with every step

• Fruit of the Holy Spirit Path — reinforcing love, joy, peace, patience, and more

• Walk With Jesus Path — 3 ft x 10 ft rollable path features six Scripture-inspired movement activities that support regulation, focus, motor planning, and body awareness

• Holy Alphabet Path — faith-based letters from A to Z for younger learners

Faith-based Holy Alphabet sensory path installed in a school hallway, featuring letter-themed movement stations designed by a pediatric occupational therapist to support student regulation and faith formation in Catholic and Christian schools.

Who Is a Holy Path For?

Holy paths work beautifully for:

• Catholic and Christian elementary schools

• Parish preschools and faith-based early childhood programs

• Religious education hallways and common areas

• Therapy clinics serving faith-based communities

• Churches, YMCAs, and community spaces

And the best part? They work for ALL students — not just those with sensory needs. Every child benefits from movement and faith formation woven together throughout the school day.

What Schools Are Saying

Here's a recent review from Delphos St. John's Preschool that sums it up perfectly:

"WOW! We had Sacred Steps Sensory Paths installed last summer and our students loved it during the school year! Families and siblings love it when visiting too. Quick and easy install, and they're still in great shape!"

A full school year of daily use — and still going strong. That's the kind of investment that pays for itself over and over again.

When Is the Best Time to Install a Holy Path?

Summer! Most schools choose to have their holy path installed during the summer months when hallways are clear and there's no disruption to the school day. Sacred Steps installation is quick — typically just a few hours one morning — and your path will be ready and waiting when students return in the fall.

If you're planning for next school year, now is the perfect time to start the conversation.

Ready to Bring a Holy Path to Your School?

Sacred Steps Sensory Paths is the only OT-designed faith-based sensory path company in the country, now serving Catholic and Christian schools in 25 states and Canada.

We'd love to help you create something beautiful — and meaningful — for your students.

👉 Request your FREE custom hallway mockup here and see exactly what a holy path could look like in your space before you commit to anything.

Trisha Nusbaum, OTR/L, MOT is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 10 years of school-based experience and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths LLC.

Summer Is the Perfect Time to Reimagine Your School Spaces

As a school-based occupational therapist, summer has always been one of my favorite times of year.

Not because school is out, but because it's when educators begin dreaming about what's possible for the year ahead.

The hustle and bustle of the school year slows down. Hallways are quiet. Classrooms are being cleaned and reorganized. Administrators and teachers finally have a chance to step back and ask an important question:

How can we better support our students next year?

Sometimes the answer isn't adding another program, curriculum, or initiative.

Sometimes it's simply looking at the spaces we already have in a new way.

What If Your Hallways Could Do More?

Most school hallways serve one primary purpose: getting students from one place to another.

But what if they could do more?

What if a hallway became a place where students could move their bodies, regulate their emotions, practice executive functioning skills, or build confidence before entering the classroom?

As an OT, I've seen firsthand how movement can help students prepare for learning. A few moments of purposeful movement can help students organize their bodies, improve attention, reduce stress, and transition more successfully throughout the day.

That's why sensory paths have become such valuable tools in schools.

They transform an ordinary hallway into an opportunity for movement, regulation, and success.

Don't Forget About Your Walls

One of the most exciting trends I've seen recently is schools utilizing vertical space in creative ways.

An empty wall can become:

• A calming station

• A breathing and mindfulness area

• A movement break zone

• A faith-based reflection space

• A gross motor activity center

Wall-based activities are especially helpful for schools that may not be ready for a full floor installation or are looking to create smaller regulation spaces throughout their building.

Small Spaces Can Make a Big Difference

When schools think about sensory supports, they often imagine large projects.

But some of the most impactful spaces I've seen are surprisingly simple.

A small corner near a counseling office.

A section of hallway outside the library.

An unused wall near a classroom cluster.

A quiet area where students can take a moment to reset before returning to learning.

These spaces don't need to be large to be effective. They simply need to be intentional.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Plan

Summer offers a unique opportunity to evaluate your building with fresh eyes.

Without students filling the hallways, it's easier to notice:

• Underutilized spaces

• Areas where transitions are challenging

• Locations where students may benefit from movement opportunities

• Walls and hallways that could better support student success

It's also the ideal time to plan installations, make updates, and prepare spaces before students return in the fall.

Start by Looking Differently

One of my favorite parts of creating Sacred Steps is helping schools see possibilities they may not have noticed before.

A hallway becomes a sensory path.

An empty wall becomes a calming space.

A transition area becomes an opportunity for movement, regulation, and success.

As educators, we spend so much time thinking about what happens inside our classrooms. Sometimes the greatest opportunities exist just outside them.

As you prepare for another school year, I encourage you to take a walk through your building and ask yourself:

What could this space become?

You may be surprised by the answer.

An underutilized hallway at a Catholic school in Missouri…

Catholic school hallway transformed into a faith-based sensory pathway that supports student regulation, focus, and faith formation.

What Is a Sensory Pathway for Schools? Benefits, Examples, and Ideas

If you've heard the term "sensory pathway" but aren't exactly sure what it means, you're not alone.

Over the past several years, sensory pathways have become increasingly popular in schools, therapy clinics, libraries, hospitals, and community spaces. But many educators and administrators are still wondering:

What is a sensory pathway, and why are so many schools adding them?

As a school-based occupational therapist, I'd love to help answer that question.

What Is a Sensory Pathway?

A sensory pathway is a series of movement-based activities installed on a floor, wall, or other designated area that encourages children to move their bodies in purposeful ways.

Students might:

• Hop

• Jump

• Balance

• Stretch

• March

• Cross midline

• Trace shapes

• Practice deep breathing

• Complete gross motor challenges

The goal is simple: provide structured movement opportunities that help students regulate their bodies and prepare for learning.

Many sensory pathways are installed in school hallways, allowing students to use them during transitions throughout the day.

Sensory pathway for schools in Catholic elementary school hallway; https://www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store/p/bible-stories-sensory-path

Why Do Schools Use Sensory Pathways?

Movement plays a critical role in a child's ability to focus, regulate emotions, and participate successfully in the classroom.

When students are struggling with attention, self-regulation, anxiety, impulsivity, or transitions, a brief movement break can make a significant difference.

Schools often use sensory pathways to support:

Student Regulation

Sensory pathways provide students with opportunities to move their bodies in ways that help them feel more organized, calm, and ready to learn.

Executive Functioning Skills

Many pathways include activities that encourage students to follow directions, sequence movements, maintain attention, and practice self-control.

Positive Transitions

Transitions can be challenging for many students. Sensory pathways create a structured and engaging way for students to move from one activity to another.

Indoor Movement Opportunities

Weather doesn't always cooperate. Sensory pathways give students a way to move throughout the day, even when outdoor activities aren't possible.

Inclusive Support

One of the best things about sensory pathways is that they benefit all students. While they can be particularly helpful for students with ADHD, anxiety, autism, sensory processing differences, or executive functioning challenges, every child can benefit from purposeful movement.

Where Are Sensory Pathways Installed?

One of the reasons sensory pathways have become so popular is their flexibility.

Schools are installing sensory pathways in:

• Hallways

• Libraries

• Counseling offices

• Calming corners

• Early childhood wings

• Resource rooms

• Common areas

• Church and parish spaces

Many schools also incorporate wall-based sensory activities when floor space is limited. Other schools choose portable sensory paths that can be rolled out when needed and stored away when space is limited.

Limited floor space? A wall sensory path is the perfect solution. https://www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store/p/beatitudes-blessings-wall-sensory-path

Examples of Sensory Pathway Activities

Every sensory pathway is unique, but common activities include:

• Animal walks

• Hopping patterns

• Balance challenges

• Cross-body movements

• Deep breathing exercises

• Visual tracking activities

• Gross motor sequences

• Mindfulness prompts

These activities encourage students to move in ways that support both physical and cognitive development.

What Makes Faith-Based Sensory Pathways Different?

While many sensory pathways focus solely on movement, some schools are looking for ways to combine movement with meaningful learning opportunities.

This is especially true in Catholic and Christian schools.

Faith-based sensory pathways allow students to engage with:

• Bible stories

• Scripture

• Catholic virtues

• The Sacraments

• Prayer

• Religious education concepts

At Sacred Steps, some of our most popular faith-based options include the Bible Stories Sensory Path, the Who God Says I Am Path, and the Sacred Sacraments Path, each designed to combine purposeful movement with meaningful faith formation.

As students move through the activities, they are not only supporting regulation and focus but also reinforcing their faith in a way that feels active, engaging, and memorable.

How Sacred Steps Sensory Paths Are Different

As both a school-based occupational therapist and a Catholic business owner, I wanted to create something that supported the whole child.

That's why Sacred Steps combines purposeful movement with faith formation.

Our sensory pathways help students:

• Regulate their bodies

• Improve focus and attention

• Strengthen executive functioning skills

• Support positive behavior

• Reinforce Catholic identity

• Engage with Scripture and faith-based concepts

To our knowledge, Sacred Steps remains the only faith-based sensory path company specifically designed for Catholic and Christian schools.

Is a Sensory Pathway Right for Your School?

If your school is looking for ways to:

• Support student regulation

• Improve transitions

• Encourage movement throughout the day

• Create more purposeful learning spaces

• Strengthen Catholic identity

A sensory pathway may be an excellent fit.

The best part? Many schools already have the perfect space.

An empty hallway.

A blank wall.

A transition area that could become something more.

Schools often begin with a full hallway path, a portable path, or even a smaller starter set before expanding over time.

Sometimes the most impactful school improvement projects don't require additional space—just a new way of thinking about the space you already have.

If you're interested in exploring what a sensory pathway could look like in your school, I'd be happy to create a complimentary mockup using photos of your space. You can explore our faith-based sensory paths, portable paths, and starter sets here: https://www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/

5 Mistakes Schools Make When Installing Sensory Paths (And How to Fix Them)

After working with schools in 25 states and Canada, I've seen a lot of sensory path installations go really well — and a few that didn't quite land the way they were supposed to.

As an OTR/L with over 10 years of school-based experience, I want to share the five most common mistakes I see so your installation goes smoothly from day one.

Mistake #1: Installing in the Wrong Location

Not every hallway is created equal. A sensory path tucked in a dark corner near the boiler room isn't going to get used. The best locations are high-traffic, well-lit hallways that students pass through naturally during transitions — not out-of-the-way spaces that require a special trip.

The fix: Choose a hallway that students already use daily. The path should feel like a natural part of their routine, not a detour.

Mistake #2: No Staff Introduction or Buy-In

A sensory path installed over a weekend with no staff training is a sensory path that collects dust. Teachers and aides need to understand why the path is there, who it's for, and how to use it as a tool — not just a decoration.

The fix: Do a brief staff walkthrough before students ever set foot on it. Even 10 minutes makes a huge difference in how consistently it gets used.

Mistake #3: Installing Over Waxed Floors Without Proper Prep

This is the one that catches schools off guard. Freshly waxed floors can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly, leading to edges that curl or tiles that shift over time.

The fix: Make sure floors are clean, dry, and free of wax buildup in the installation area before applying. Summer installation is ideal — custodial staff have more time and the floors can be properly prepped without disrupting students.

Mistake #4: Choosing Activities That Don't Match the Students

A path designed for kindergarteners won't engage middle schoolers — and vice versa. I've seen schools order a path based purely on aesthetics without thinking through the age range, cognitive level, or sensory needs of the students who will actually use it.

The fix: Think about your specific population first. Who needs this most? What kind of input are they seeking — heavy work, balance, coordination, calming? The path should be chosen for your kids, not just your hallway.

Mistake #5: Treating It as a One-Time Novelty

The schools that get the most out of their sensory paths are the ones that intentionally build it into daily routines — morning arrival, transitions between classes, after lunch, before specials. The schools that struggle are the ones who unveil it with fanfare and then never mention it again.

The fix: Build the path into your schedule intentionally. Assign it a purpose. Make it a consistent tool, not a one-time event.

The Bottom Line

Sensory paths work. I've seen them completely transform the energy of a school hallway — calmer transitions, fewer behavioral disruptions, and kids who arrive at their next class ready to learn.

But like any tool, they work best when they're used thoughtfully and intentionally. Avoid these five mistakes and you'll set your school up for success from day one.

Thinking about adding a sensory path to your school? I'd love to help you find the right fit. Request a free custom hallway mockup and I'll show you exactly what it could look like in your space — no commitment required.

About the Author

Trisha Klausing is an OTR/L with over 10 years of school-based experience and the founder of Sacred Steps Sensory Paths — the only OT-designed, faith-based sensory path company in the country. Sacred Steps paths are now in 25 states and Canada.

See It Before You Buy It — Free Custom Sensory Path Mockup for Your School

One of the most common things I hear from principals and school administrators before they order a Sacred Steps Sensory Path is some version of this:

"I love the idea — I just can't picture what it would actually look like in our hallway."

I get it. Buying a sensory path is a real investment. You're committing to a permanent change to your school environment, and it can be hard to visualize how a product will look in your specific space based on photos of someone else's school.

So I started offering something that has completely changed the conversation — and I want to make it available to every school that's been on the fence.

I will create a free custom mockup showing exactly what a Sacred Steps Sensory Path could look like in your specific space. No cost. No obligation.

What Is a Custom Mockup?

A custom mockup is a personalized visual created specifically for your school. You send me a photo of your hallway, wall, counseling office, library, or common area — and I'll show you what a Sacred Steps path would look like installed in that exact space.

It's not a generic rendering. It's YOUR hallway, YOUR space, with a Sacred Steps path placed exactly where it would live.

This gives you something incredibly powerful before you spend a single dollar: the ability to see it, share it with your staff, show it to your school board, and make a confident, informed decision.

Why I Started Offering This

As a school-based OT I've spent over a decade walking the hallways of schools. I know that every building is different — different dimensions, different floor colors, different wall configurations, different traffic patterns.

I also know that the biggest barrier between a principal who loves the idea of a sensory path and a principal who actually orders one is often just confidence. Confidence that it will fit. Confidence that it will look right. Confidence that it will work in their specific building.

A custom mockup removes that barrier completely.

When a principal can see their own hallway transformed — can show their staff exactly what the Ten Commandments path would look like outside the third-grade classrooms, or where the Bible Stories path would go near the gym — the decision becomes so much clearer.

Several schools that have received mockups have told me it was the moment they went from "I'm interested" to "I'm ready to order."

What Spaces Work Best?

Sacred Steps paths are more flexible than most people realize. Here are the spaces I most commonly mockup for schools:

Hallways — The most common installation. A path running along one wall of a school hallway, typically near classrooms that need extra regulation support or near high-traffic transition areas like the gym, cafeteria, or specials wing.

Walls — Wall-mounted paths work beautifully in spaces where floor installation isn't ideal. They're also a great option for smaller spaces and can be combined with floor elements for a full sensory experience.

Counseling offices — A calming station or small portable path in a school counselor's office gives students a regulation tool before they head back to class. Even a small corner can be transformed.

Libraries — Libraries are increasingly being used as calm spaces and flexible learning environments. A sensory path near the entrance or along a wall gives students a movement break that transitions them into a focused reading mindset.

Common areas — Cafeteria exits, gym entrances, main office waiting areas — any high-traffic space where students regularly transition can benefit from a purposeful movement tool.

Therapy rooms — For schools with OT or counseling spaces, a portable path is a perfect addition to the therapy toolkit. No installation needed — just roll it out and go.

Faith-Based and Public School Options

Sacred Steps offers paths for every school setting.

For Catholic and Christian schools, our faith-based paths weave Scripture verses and faith themes into every movement activity — the Ten Commandments, Bible Stories, Fruit of the Spirit, Who God Says I Am, the Holy Alphabet, and more. Your hallway becomes a place where faith and movement meet every single day.

For public schools, our neutral paths use universal values and research-based frameworks — the Regulation Station (inspired by Zones of Regulation), Leaders in Motion (inspired by Leader in Me), and Steps to Success (focusing on character values like kindness, perseverance, and respect). No faith-based language — just powerful, OT-designed movement for every student.

Both lines are commercially printed on heavy-duty vinyl, built to last 5-7 years, and available in portable and permanent versions.

How to Get Your Free Mockup

It couldn't be simpler:

1. Take a photo of your hallway, wall, counseling office, library, or any common area in your school

2. Email it to me at hello@sacredstepssensorypaths.com with a note about your school type (Catholic, Christian, or public) and any paths you're considering

3. I'll create your custom mockup and send it back to you personally — usually within a few business days

That's it. No forms to fill out. No sales call required. Just a personalized visual that helps you see exactly what's possible in your space.

A Special Offer — Through June 15th Only

Right now, through June 15th, I'm also offering something extra for schools that are ready to move forward:

Purchase any full Sacred Steps path and choose a FREE activity to add to your order — a $150-$200 value at no cost to you.

Whether that's a calming station for your school counselor's office, an extra movement stop in your hallway, or a Rainbow Reset for your calming corner — you choose, and we add it free.

Summer is truly the perfect time to install. Your custodial team can lay the path and wax right over it before students return in the fall — and your hallways will be ready and waiting on Day 1.

See What Other Schools Are Saying

"The sensory paths have been a blessing for all of our students. Our elementary students love walking down the path every day and in middle school, students stop between classes to follow the rosary." — Brandi Lumley, Assistant Principal, Saint John the Baptist Catholic School

"Trisha was very professional, the installation was perfect, the product is beyond my expectations, and our students absolutely love the sensory path. I couldn't ask for a better experience and result." — Tracy Koenig, Principal, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Bryan, OH

"Our students love using the Noah's Ark portable sensory pathway during times of transition throughout the school day. Being able to transport the pathway easily from room to room is so nice, and it is easy to store. We're so happy with this product!" — Kaitlyn Little, Vice Principal, St. Joseph the Worker School, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ready to See What's Possible?

Your hallway has potential you might not even realize yet. Let me show you what it could look like.

👉 Email a photo to: hello@sacredstepssensorypaths.com

👉 Or request a free sample: www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/contact

👉 Shop all paths: www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store

Your students are ready to move. Is your school ready for Sacred Steps? 🙏

Sacred Steps vs. Other Sensory Paths — What Makes Sacred Steps Different?

If you've been searching for a sensory path for your school hallway, you've probably discovered that there are quite a few options out there. Colorful floor decals, hallway stickers, movement paths — the market has grown significantly as more schools recognize the power of purposeful movement.

So how do you choose? And what makes Sacred Steps Sensory Paths different from everything else on the market?

As the OT who designed Sacred Steps, I want to give you an honest, transparent comparison — because I believe when you understand the differences, the right choice becomes clear.

What Most Sensory Paths Have in Common

Before we dive into differences, let's acknowledge what most sensory path companies do well. The general concept — getting kids moving through structured, sequential activities in a hallway — is solid and supported by research. Movement breaks improve focus, reduce behavior incidents, and support sensory regulation. Whether you choose Sacred Steps or another company, installing ANY sensory path in your school hallway is better than an empty one.

That said, not all sensory paths are created equal.

The Main Categories of Sensory Paths on the Market

Generic Hallway Decal Sets

These are the most common — and the most affordable — option on the market. Companies like Wall Decor Plus More and similar vendors sell individual vinyl decals featuring frogs, footprints, dots, and shapes that schools arrange themselves into a movement sequence.

What they do well:

• Very low cost (often $50-200)

• Easy to order and ship

• Schools can arrange them however they want

What they lack:

• No OT design — activities are not clinically sequenced for sensory regulation

• No therapeutic intent behind the layout

• No faith integration for Catholic or Christian schools

• Generic designs that aren't specific to your school's mission or values

• Schools have to figure out the layout themselves with no guidance

• Often will not last past one school year, and most are peeled up within one quarter

Larger Sensory Path Companies

Larger companies offer more complete packages — pre-designed layouts with multiple activities, professionally printed on quality vinyl. Some also offer portable options.

What they do well:

• Professional quality printing

• Complete layout packages

• Good variety of themes and designs

• Established track record in schools

• Some portable options available

What they lack:

• Not OT-designed by a licensed occupational therapist with clinical school-based experience

• No faith-based options for Catholic, Christian, or faith-integrated schools

• Portable options, where available, are not clinically sequenced for sensory regulation

• No connection to sensory integration principles or self-regulation frameworks

• One-size-fits-all approach without clinical expertise behind the design

What Makes Sacred Steps Different

Here is where I want to be direct — not to disparage anyone, but because these differences genuinely matter for the children in your school.

1. Designed by a Licensed OT — Not a Graphic Designer

Every Sacred Steps path was designed by me, Trisha Klausing, OTR/L — a licensed occupational therapist with over 10 years of school-based experience working directly with children who have sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, and developmental delays.

That means every activity in every path is purposefully sequenced to:

• Move from alerting to organizing to calming input

• Target specific sensory systems (proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile)

• Build in bilateral coordination, motor planning, and body awareness

• Support self-regulation before returning to the classroom

This isn't guesswork. This is clinical expertise applied to hallway design.

2. The ONLY Faith-Based Sensory Path on the Market

If you are a Catholic school, Christian school, or faith-based community, Sacred Steps is in a category of one.

Every faith-based path weaves Scripture verses, faith themes, and movement activities into a seamless whole. Your students don't just regulate their bodies — they encounter their faith in motion. Themes include the Ten Commandments, Bible Stories, Fruit of the Spirit, Who God Says I Am, the Holy Alphabet, and more.

No other sensory path company offers this. Period.

3. Portable Paths That Are Actually Therapeutic

Some sensory path companies offer portable options — but Sacred Steps portable paths are the only ones designed by a licensed OT with clinical sequencing built into every activity. That means the movement your students do on a Sacred Steps portable path isn't just fun — it's therapeutic.

Sacred Steps offers both:

Permanent paths — commercially printed floor and wall installations that transform your hallway into a permanent faith-filled movement space
Portable paths — roll-out paths that require zero installation, can move from room to room, work in any space, and can be sanitized between uses — with OT-designed clinical sequencing built in from the start

4. Commercially Printed on Heavy-Duty Vinyl

Sacred Steps paths are not paper stickers or foam tiles. Every path is commercially printed on heavy-duty vinyl that is:

• Built to withstand constant foot traffic in busy school hallways

• Easy to clean and wipe down — important for infection control

• Designed to last years, not months

• Safe for all floor surfaces including tile, hardwood, and commercial carpet

5. Proven Across 25 States and Canada

Sacred Steps is now installed in schools, therapy clinics, and faith communities across 25 states and Canada — and growing every day. Each installation represents a school that trusted Sacred Steps to deliver on its promise.

The Bottom Line

Which Sensory Path is Right for Your School?

If you are a Catholic or Christian school looking for a sensory path that integrates your faith mission with purposeful movement — Sacred Steps is your only option. There is nothing else like it on the market.

If you are a public school looking for an OT-designed, clinically sequenced movement path that goes beyond colorful decals — Sacred Steps has a full line of non-faith paths including the Regulation Station, Leaders in Motion, and Steps to Success.

If you are a pediatric therapy clinic looking for a movement tool your OT and PT teams can actually use therapeutically — Sacred Steps portable paths are designed by a clinician, for clinicians.

If you just need the cheapest option possible — generic decal sets exist, and again, any movement is better than none. But if you want something designed with clinical expertise, built to last, and available in both faith-based and universal designs — Sacred Steps is worth every penny.

Try Before You Commit

I offer free samples to schools and clinics because I want you to feel the quality before you invest. Request yours today and see the difference for yourself.

👉 Request your free sample: www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/contact

👉 Shop all paths: www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store

We're Now in 25 States + Canada — And I'm Still Pinching Myself

When I created Sacred Steps Sensory Paths, I was sitting at my kitchen table in small-town Ohio with a dream, a background in pediatric occupational therapy, and a deep belief that children deserve hallways that work as hard as their teachers do.

I never imagined that just a few years later, I'd be writing a blog post about reaching 25 states and Canada.

But here we are. And I am so, so grateful.

From One State to Twenty-Five

Sacred Steps started right here in Ohio — a Catholic mom and school-based OT who wanted to bring faith-integrated, purposeful movement to the schools she served. The idea was simple: what if a school hallway could do more than just connect one classroom to the next? What if it could be a place where children regulate, reset, and reconnect with their bodies — and their faith?

That idea resonated. First with Ohio schools. Then with schools in neighboring states. Then across the country.

Today Sacred Steps Sensory Paths are installed in:

• Catholic schools and Christian schools serving students from PreK through high school

• Public schools using evidence-based movement to support social-emotional learning

• Community spaces including churches, therapy clinics, and ministry spaces

• And several schools in Canada 🇨🇦

Every single dot on that map represents a principal who took a chance, a school counselor who advocated for their kids, an OT who knew movement mattered, and a community that believed children deserve better than an empty hallway.

What Schools Are Saying

We recently received this 5-star review that stopped me in my tracks:

"Our students love using the Noah's Ark portable sensory pathway during times of transition throughout the school day. Being able to transport the pathway easily from room to room is so nice, and it is easy to store. We're so happy with this product!"

— Kaitlyn Little, Vice Principal | St. Joseph the Worker School | Winnipeg, Manitoba

This is exactly why I do this work. Not for the map. Not for the milestones. For the students who walk a little calmer, focus a little better, and feel a little more seen because their school invested in movement that matters.

What Makes Sacred Steps Different

There are sensory paths on the market. But there is only one line of OT-designed, faith-integrated sensory paths built specifically for Catholic schools, Christian schools, and faith communities.

Every Sacred Steps path is:

✝️ Faith-integrated — Scripture verses, faith-based themes, and movement activities that reinforce what students are learning in their faith community. Themes include the Ten Commandments, Bible Stories, Fruit of the Spirit, Who God Says I Am, the Holy Alphabet, and more.

🧠 OT-designed — As a licensed occupational therapist with over 10 years of school-based experience, I designed every path using the principles of sensory integration, gross motor development, and self-regulation. These aren't just pretty floor stickers — they're clinical tools disguised as hallway art.

📦 Flexible — Sacred Steps offers both permanent floor and wall installations AND portable paths that require zero installation. Whether your school wants a full hallway transformation or a roll-out-and-go solution, there's a Sacred Steps path for you.

🏫 Inclusive — We also offer a full line of non-faith-based paths for public schools, including the Regulation Station, Leaders in Motion, and Steps to Success paths — all OT-designed and built for any school setting.

A Special Celebration Offer

To celebrate reaching 25 states and Canada, we are offering something special — but only through June 15th:

Purchase any full Sacred Steps path and choose a FREE activity to add to your order — a $150–$200 value at no cost to you.

Whether that's a calming station for your school counselor's office, an extra movement stop in your hallway, or a Rainbow Reset for your calming corner — you choose, and we add it free.

Free samples are also available for qualifying schools. There is no better time to get Sacred Steps into your building before fall 2026.

State 26 Is Out There

Every time a new school joins the Sacred Steps family, I feel it. It's not just a sale — it's a child somewhere who is going to move through a hallway differently. A teacher who is going to notice something shift in her students. A principal who is going to wonder why they didn't do it sooner.

State 26 is out there. Could it be yours?

👉 Shop Sacred Steps or request your free sample today

How Much Does a Sensory Path Cost Per Student? Less Than You Think.

When principals and administrators hear the price of a Sacred Steps Sensory Path, the first reaction is almost always the same:

"That's a lot."

And I understand that reaction completely. Schools are working with tight budgets, competing priorities, and a list of needs that always seems longer than the funds available.

But I want to share a number that changes the conversation every single time.

$0.026.

That's what a Sacred Steps Sensory Path costs per student, per day. Let me show you the math.

The Math

Our most popular path — the Bible Stories Sensory Path — is $1,395.

For a school of 300 students, over a 180-day school year:

$1,395 ÷ 300 students ÷ 180 days = $0.026 per student per day.

Less than three cents.

Now let's put that in context.

No other intervention in this comparison costs less than three cents per student per day.

And none of them work before the child even reaches the classroom door.

What You're Getting for Three Cents

A Sacred Steps Sensory Path is not a passive decoration. It is an active, OT-designed intervention that serves every student in your building, every single school day, for years.

Here's what happens when a child walks through a Sacred Steps path:

Proprioceptive input — jumping, pressing, and bearing weight organizes the nervous system and improves body awareness.

Vestibular input — balance and movement activities improve alertness and attention.

Bilateral coordination — crossing midline activities activate both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, preparing students for focused learning.

Motor planning and sequencing — following the path's sequence builds executive function skills.

Predictable routine — the consistency of the path signals to the nervous system that it's time to focus, reducing transition-related anxiety.

All of this happens in the hallway, before the child sits down, before the teacher has to manage the transition, before the instructional minute is lost.

For $0.026 per student per day.

The True Cost of NOT Having a Sensory Path

Here's the question I really want school leaders to sit with:

What does dysregulation cost your school every day?

• Minutes of instructional time lost to difficult transitions

• Teacher energy spent managing behavior rather than teaching

• Students pulled from class for behavioral support

• Staff burnout and turnover driven by challenging classroom environments

• Administrative time spent on behavior incidents and parent communications

These costs are real. They're significant. And they happen every single day in schools without proactive sensory supports in place.

A sensory path doesn't eliminate all of these challenges. But it meaningfully reduces the frequency and intensity of dysregulation — before it ever reaches the classroom. For thousands of schools across the country, the return on that investment is felt within the first week.

Why Summer Is the Time to Act

Every Sacred Steps path is custom printed specifically for your school — this is not an off-the-shelf product. Production takes time, and schools that order in the summer are first in the production queue.

The benefits of summer installation are significant:

• Empty hallways make installation easy and stress-free

• No disruption to the school day or student learning

• Your path is ready and waiting on the very first day of school

• Students arrive in September to something new, exciting, and immediately beneficial

Schools that wait until August scramble. Schools that wait until October miss the entire first quarter.

Summer is the window — and it's open right now.

Faith-Based and Universal Options Available

Sacred Steps paths are available in faith-based designs for Catholic and Christian schools — including our most popular Bible Stories path — with Scripture woven into every movement activity.

Universal, non-faith-based designs are also available for public schools and non-denominational settings.

Portable options that require zero installation are available for clinics, ministry spaces, and schools that need flexibility.

Ready to Run the Numbers for Your School?

Every school is different — different hallway sizes, different student populations, different budget structures. That's why I offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation call.

We talk about your space, your students, and your goals. I help you figure out exactly which path makes the most sense. No pressure. Just a real conversation between two people who care about kids.

For less than three cents per student per day — your students deserve this.

👉 Shop Sacred Steps Sensory Paths

📅 Book a Free Consultation

📧 Questions? Email hello@sacredstepssensorypaths.com — I read every message personally.

And through June 15 — every full path purchase includes a FREE single activity station ($150 value). Just order and email me — I'll add it automatically.

How Easy Is It to Install a Sensory Path? Easier Than You Think.

It's the question I get more than almost any other:

"This looks amazing — but how hard is it to actually install?"

I completely understand the hesitation. When most people hear "floor decals in a school hallway," they picture a professional installation crew, a facilities department sign-off, a two-week wait, and a bill that rivals the path itself.

The reality? You need a spray bottle, a squeegee, a clean floor — and a free afternoon.

That's it.

Here's exactly what installation looks like from start to finish.

What Comes With Your Path

Every Sacred Steps sensory path arrives with:

• All decals, commercially printed and ready to apply

• Step-by-step written installation instructions

• A installation video you can watch before you start and reference as you go

You don't need to hire anyone. You don't need special tools (except a small squeegee for bubble-free smoothing). You don't need a facilities background. The instructions are clear, the video makes it visual, and I'm always available by email if you have questions along the way.

How Long Does It Take?

Plan on 2 to 3 hours for a full path installation, depending on:

• How many stations are included in your path

• How many people are helping (more people makes it significantly faster and easier!)

• The condition and size of your floor space

Is that a big time commitment? I'd argue no — especially when the result is a beautiful, permanent path that will serve your students every single day for years. Most principals and OTs tell me they installed it on a Friday afternoon, a summer workday, or during a long weekend. By Monday morning, students were already using it.

Step-by-Step: What Installation Actually Looks Like

Step 1: Choose Your Location and Lay It All Out First

Before you apply a single decal, lay everything out on the floor in the order it will be installed. This is the most important step — and one of my favorites to watch because it's the moment it all becomes real.

Spread the decals out in sequence, spacing them according to the instructions. Step back and look at the full path. Adjust spacing as needed. This is your chance to make sure everything flows the way you want before anything is permanent.

Having a second person during this step is incredibly helpful. One person can hold decals in place (or use painters tape) while the other steps back to check spacing and alignment.

Step 2: Clean the Floor Thoroughly

This is the step people most often want to skip — and it's the one that matters most for longevity.

Sweep or vacuum the area first, then wipe down the floor with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust, wax residue, or debris. Let it dry completely before applying any decals.

A clean surface means better adhesion, cleaner edges, and a path that stays put for years. This step takes maybe 15 minutes but makes a significant difference in the final result.

Pro tip: Avoid installing on freshly mopped floors or in cold temperatures — both can affect adhesion.

Step 3: Apply Each Decal

This is where the magic happens — and it's much easier than it looks.

Lightly wipe the floor surface, then peel the backing from your decal and position it on the surface. Once it's positioned correctly, use your squeegee tool to smooth the decal from the center outward, pushing out any air bubbles or water. Work slowly and firmly. Starting from a corner, peel the top layer slowly off, using the squeegee as needed to firmly adhere it to the surface. Once the top layer is fully removed, take the squeegee over it one more time…and move on to the next piece!

This method gives you a beautiful, bubble-free result that looks professionally installed — because it is professionally made, and the application method is designed to match.

Step 4: Smooth, Press, and Repeat

Work your way through each decal one at a time, following the layout you established in Step 1. Take your time with each one. There's no rush.

For larger decals, having a second person hold one end while you position the other makes application much easier and reduces the chance of the decal folding onto itself.

Who Can Do the Installation?

This is my favorite part of the answer: almost anyone.

I have seen Sacred Steps paths installed by:

• School principals on a summer workday

• OTs during a professional development day

• Parent volunteers on a Saturday morning

• Teachers staying late on a Friday

• Maintenance staff who expected a complicated job and were pleasantly surprised

• A principal and a custodian working together during lunch

You do not need to be an OT. You do not need installation experience. You do not need to hire anyone.

If you are in Ohio, I offer free installation — I come to you, bring everything, and have your path ready before I leave. It's one of my favorite parts of this work. 🙏

What About Wall Decals?

Many Sacred Steps paths include both floor AND wall activities. Wall installation is even simpler than floor installation — same method, same squeegee, just vertical instead of horizontal. The instructions and video cover both.

The Most Common Question: Will It Damage My Floor?

No. Sacred Steps decals are designed to be applied to standard school floor surfaces — vinyl tile, linoleum, sealed concrete — without damaging the floor underneath. They can be removed if needed, though they are not reusable once removed. With proper installation on a clean surface, you can expect your path to last for years — holding up beautifully to daily student traffic.

If you have an unusual floor surface or any concerns about your specific floor type, reach out before ordering and I'll walk you through it.

Tips From Real Installations

After installing paths in schools across multiple states, here's what I've learned:

Bring a friend. Two people makes everything faster, easier, and more fun. It's genuinely a great team-building activity — ask any of the principals and OTs who have done it together.

Watch the video first. I know it's tempting to just dive in, but watching the short installation video before you start gives you a mental map of the whole process and makes each step feel familiar when you get there.

Start with a smaller decal to get the feel. Before you tackle your largest decal, practice the method on a smaller one. By the time you get to the big pieces, you'll feel confident and efficient.

Summer is ideal. Empty hallways, no students underfoot, and no time pressure make summer the easiest installation window. Most schools plan their installation during summer break so the path is ready to surprise students on the first day of school. 🎉

Take photos as you go. First, because you'll want them. Second, because your students and parents will LOVE seeing the before and after. And third — I'd love to see them too! Tag @sacredstepssensorypaths when you share.

Ready to Install Your Path?

If you've been putting off ordering because installation felt like a barrier — I hope this post just removed it.

Two to three hours. A spray bottle and a squeegee. Step-by-step instructions and a full video. And a path that will make your hallway extraordinary for years to come.

👉 Shop Sacred Steps Sensory Paths

📅 Book a Free Consultation

📧 Questions? Email hello@sacredstepssensorypaths.com — I read every message personally.

Ohio schools: free installation is available. Just ask!

How to Fund a Sensory Path for Your School — Grants, Resources, and Ready-to-Use Language

You found the perfect sensory path for your school. Your OT loves it. Your principal is intrigued. And then someone asks the question that stops so many great ideas in their tracks:

"How are we going to pay for it?"

Budget constraints are one of the biggest barriers between schools and the resources their students need. But here's the thing — there are more funding options available for sensory and regulation tools than most educators realize. And with the right grant language, applying for that funding is a lot less intimidating than it sounds.

This post walks you through exactly how to fund a Sacred Steps Sensory Path for your school — including specific grant sources, ready-to-use language, and a free resource to make the process as easy as possible.

Why Sensory Paths Qualify for Grant Funding

Before we talk about where to find money, it helps to understand why sensory paths are a strong candidate for grant funding in the first place.

Sacred Steps Sensory Paths were designed by a school-based occupational therapist specifically to support student regulation, focus, and whole-child development. That means they aren't just fun hallway decorations — they're clinically informed tools that address real, documented student needs.

Grant funders — whether they're foundations, government programs, or community organizations — want to fund things that make a measurable difference for students. Sensory paths check every box:

• They support students with IEPs and sensory processing needs

• They improve self-regulation and reduce classroom disruptions

• They benefit ALL students, not just those with identified challenges

• They require a one-time investment with no ongoing costs

• They are evidence-informed and OT-designed

That combination makes a sensory path a compelling, fundable project — especially when you have the right language to make that case.

Grant Sources to Explore

For Public Schools

Title I Funds - If your school qualifies for Title I funding, these federal dollars can be used for tools that support academic achievement — including sensory and regulation resources that help students access learning. Talk to your Title I coordinator about whether a sensory path fits within your school's approved uses.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) - IDEA funds are specifically designated to support students with disabilities. If your school has students with IEPs who would benefit from a sensory path — and most schools do — IDEA funding is worth exploring with your special education director.

21st Century Community Learning Centers - This federal program funds extended learning opportunities and enrichment programs. If your school has a before or after school program, sensory path resources may qualify.

State Department of Education SEL Grants - Many states now offer grants specifically for social-emotional learning resources. A sensory path that supports regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills is a perfect fit. Search your state's Department of Education website for current grant opportunities.

Local Community Foundations - This is one of the most overlooked and most accessible funding sources for schools. Nearly every county in the United States has a community foundation that offers small grants to local organizations — including schools. Search "[your city or county] community foundation grants" to find what's available in your area.

PTO/PTA Mini-Grants - Many PTOs and PTAs offer small grants for school improvement projects. A Starter Set at $600 is well within the range of most PTO grant programs — and parents love funding things they can see their kids using every day.

Local Businesses and Civic Organizations - Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis, and similar organizations frequently fund school improvement projects in their communities. A brief presentation about the impact of a sensory path is often all it takes to secure a donation.

For Faith-Based Schools-

Diocese or Parish Grants - Many dioceses and parishes offer school improvement or ministry grants specifically for Catholic and faith-based schools. Contact your diocese's school office or development office to ask about available funding.

Catholic Community Foundation - Check with your local diocese about Catholic Community Foundation grants — many dioceses have foundations that fund exactly these kinds of projects.

Knights of Columbus - The Knights of Columbus frequently fund Catholic school and community projects. Your local council is a great place to start.

Local Community Foundations - Most community foundations are open to faith-based schools, especially for projects that serve children and families in the community.

Anonymous Donor or Benefactor Outreach - Don't underestimate the power of sharing your vision with your school community. Many faith-based schools have found that a heartfelt letter to parents, alumni, or parish members about a specific project generates surprising generosity — especially when the project is as visible and meaningful as a sensory path. A special “Donated By” vinyl decal can also be added to recognize their donation if they would like!

Ready-to-Use Grant Language

One of the biggest reasons schools don't apply for grants is the time and effort it takes to write the application. We've done the heavy lifting for you.

Here's sample language you can copy, paste, and customize for your specific grant:

Project Description (Short Version) - [School Name] is seeking funding to install a Sacred Steps Sensory Path — an occupational therapist-designed movement path that helps students regulate their bodies, improve focus, and develop self-regulation skills through structured, purposeful movement activities embedded in our school hallways.

Need Statement (Public School) - Students at [School Name] face daily challenges with self-regulation, focus, and transition management that directly impact their ability to learn. A Sacred Steps Sensory Path would provide a structured, evidence-informed solution that benefits ALL students — not just those with identified needs.

Need Statement (Faith-Based School) - As a school committed to nurturing the whole child — body, mind, and spirit — we recognize the deep connection between physical regulation and spiritual formation. A Sacred Steps Sensory Path would provide our students with a structured, faith-integrated movement experience that supports regulation, character development, and readiness to learn.

Sustainability Statement - Sacred Steps Sensory Paths are commercially printed on heavy, high-quality materials designed for long-term school use. Once installed, the path requires no ongoing costs, subscriptions, or maintenance — making this a one-time investment with lasting impact for years of student use.

Start Small — The Starter Set Strategy

If a full path feels out of reach right now, here's the strategy that works for many schools: start with a Starter Set.

At $600, Starter Sets includes three OT-designed stations that can be funded through a single PTO grant, a small community foundation award, or even a school fundraiser. And here's the best part — every dollar you spend on a Starter Set applies toward the full path when you're ready to grow. You're never starting over.

Many schools have funded their Starter Set through a small local grant, seen the impact firsthand, and then used that proof to apply for larger funding for the full path. It's a smart, low-risk way to get started — and it gives you a compelling success story to include in your next grant application.

Download the Full Grant Language Guide

I put together a complete grant language toolkit with short, medium, and long project descriptions, goals and objectives, budget templates, and a full list of grant sources for both public and faith-based schools.

It's free — because I want your students to have this resource, and I want to make it as easy as possible for you to make it happen.

👉 Want the full grant language guide? Email me at hello@sacredstepssensorypaths.com and I'll send it right over!

Here to Help

Not sure which path is the right fit for your grant application? I offer free, no obligation consultations and would love to help you figure out the best option for your school — and your budget.

📅 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/hello-sacredstepssensorypaths/30min 🌐 sacredstepssensorypaths.com

Every student deserves a school environment that meets them where they are. Let's make it happen together.

Why Portable Sensory Paths Are a Game-Changer for Schools (And Why i Just Launched Three New Ones!)

If you've ever wanted to bring a sensory path into your school but felt held back by the logistics — the installation, the facilities approval, the commitment — this post is for you.

Portable sensory paths are here, and they are changing the way schools think about movement, regulation, and purposeful activity in the school day.

What Is a Portable Sensory Path?

A portable sensory path is exactly what it sounds like — a sensory path that goes wherever you need it. No installation. No adhesive. No facilities department approval required.

Our portable paths are commercially printed on heavy, high-quality paper and measure 3 feet wide by 10 feet long — big enough to make a real impact, easy enough to roll up and store in a closet when you're done.

Roll it out in a hallway. Set it up in a therapy room. Bring it into a classroom for a brain break. Pack it up and take it to a different building entirely. The flexibility is the whole point.

Why Portable Matters More Than You Think

Schools are busy, complicated places. Even when staff members are passionate about bringing sensory tools into their buildings, the road to "yes" can be long.

Permanent floor paths require:

• Administrative approval

• Facilities department coordination

• Installation time and cost

• A commitment to one location — forever

Portable paths remove every single one of those barriers. A teacher, OT, or school counselor can order one, receive it, and have it rolled out in their space the same day — no permission slip required.

For schools that are newer to sensory paths or working with limited budgets, portable paths are also the perfect low-commitment entry point. Try it. See how your students respond. Build the case for a permanent path later.

The Benefits of Sensory Paths in the School Day

Whether portable or permanent, sensory paths offer powerful benefits for students — and the research on movement-based learning backs this up.

Improved Self-Regulation - Structured movement gives students' nervous systems what they need to reset. When kids are dysregulated — anxious, frustrated, unfocused, or overwhelmed — purposeful physical activity helps their bodies and brains recalibrate so they can return to learning.

Smoother Transitions - Hallway transitions are one of the most dysregulating parts of the school day. A sensory path gives students something intentional to focus on as they move between spaces — turning a chaotic moment into a calming, structured one.

Increased Focus and Attention - Movement breaks that include cognitive engagement — like reading prompts, following instructions, or making choices — prime the brain for learning. Students who move with purpose arrive at their next activity more ready to engage.

Character and SEL Development - The best sensory paths don't just move bodies — they build character. Embedding SEL concepts, leadership principles, or faith-based values into movement activities means students are reinforcing important lessons every time they walk the path.

Our Three New Portable Sensory Paths

We are so excited to introduce three brand new portable sensory paths, each designed with a specific school community in mind:

🟢🟡🔵🔴 Regulation Station Path

Inspired by zones-based regulation strategies, the Regulation Station Path walks students through intentional movement activities tied to each zone — helping them identify how their body feels and what it needs. Perfect for OTs, school counselors, and any educator using zones-based approaches in their school.

Please note: The Regulation Station Path is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Zones of Regulation® or Leah Kuypers/Social Thinking Publishing.

⭐ Leaders in Motion Path

For Leader in Me schools who want to bring the 7 Habits off the poster and into the hallway, the Leaders in Motion Path is a movement-based experience built around habit-based prompts and activities. Available in Set 1 (Habits 1-4), Set 2 (Habits 5-7), or the Complete Bundle.

Please note: The Leaders in Motion Path is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Leader in Me program or FranklinCovey.

👣 Steps to Success Path

A universal, OT-designed sensory path built around character development and self-regulation. The Steps to Success Path is a purposeful movement experience that helps students build focus, confidence, and regulation skills — one step at a time. A beautiful fit for any school community.

Who Are Portable Paths For?

The short answer? Everyone.

• School OTs looking for a flexible tool they can use across multiple rooms or buildings

• School counselors who want a regulation resource that fits in their office or a hallway outside it

• Teachers who want to add movement breaks without rearranging their classroom

• Principals and administrators who want to pilot a sensory path before committing to a permanent installation

• Faith-based schools who want to nurture the whole child — body, mind, and spirit — through purposeful movement

Ready to Bring a Portable Path to Your School?

All three of our new portable sensory paths are available now at sacredstepssensorypaths.com. Not sure which path is the right fit for your school? Book a free consultation and I'll help you figure it out — no pressure, just a conversation.

👉 Shop portable paths 👉 Book a free consultation

Sacred Steps Sensory Paths are designed by a school-based OT with a passion for movement-based learning and whole-child development. Whether your school is faith-based or public, we have a path for you.

Why Starting With a Sensory Path Starter Set Is Actually a Really Smart Move

I hear it all the time from principals and administrators: "We love this — but we're not sure we're ready to commit to the full path."

And honestly? That is a completely valid and smart way to think about it. That is exactly why I created the Starter Sets.

Here is why starting small is sometimes the best first step. 👣

1. You Get to See It In Action Before Going All In

There is something powerful about seeing a sensory path in your own hallway before committing to the full experience. When students start using it — and they will use it every single day — you get to watch the magic happen firsthand. Teachers notice calmer transitions. Kids arrive at class more regulated. Administrators see students engaging purposefully with movement instead of running or being disruptive in the hallway.

The Starter Sets give you that proof of concept at a fraction of the cost. Once you see it working, the decision to add on becomes an easy one.

2. It Fits Smaller Budgets Without Sacrificing Quality

Not every school has $1,500 in discretionary budget — especially mid-year or at the start of a new school year. The Starter Sets are designed to be accessible. Three OT-designed, commercially printed activities for $600 means you can bring Sacred Steps into your school without breaking the budget or going through a lengthy approval process.

And because every dollar you spend on a Starter Set applies toward the full path, you are never leaving money on the table. It is an investment, not a compromise.

3. It Is Perfect for Grant Applications and DonorsChoose

Smaller price points are often easier to fund through grants, PTOs, parent fundraisers, and DonorsChoose projects. Starting with a $600 Starter Set gives you a funded, installed path that you can photograph and use as evidence when applying for larger grants to fund the full path later.

Real photos of real students using the path in your hallway are worth more than any grant application essay.

4. Your Students Will Ask for More

I have never had a school install a Starter Set and say "that's enough." Every single time, within a few months, I hear from the school again — ready to add on. Because once students experience the joy of moving through a purposeful, beautiful path, they want more. And so do the teachers.

The Starter Sets are not a lesser version of the full path. They are the beginning of something bigger.

5. Summer Is the Easiest Time to Add On

If you install a Starter Set now, you will have the rest of the school year to watch it work, gather photos and testimonials, build excitement among your staff, and plan for expansion over the summer. Empty hallways make installation a breeze — and your students will come back in the fall to a whole new experience waiting for them.

The Fruit of the Spirit Starter Set

The newest Starter Set features three activities from our brand new Fruit of the Spirit Sensory Path — Joy, Patience, and Goodness — for just $600. It is the perfect introduction to faith-based sensory movement for Catholic schools, and every dollar applies toward the full 9-activity path.

🍓 Shop the Fruit of the Spirit Starter Set — $600

https://www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store/p/fruit-of-the-spirit-starter-set

🌟 Shop the Full Fruit of the Spirit Sensory Path — $1,595

https://www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store/p/fruit-of-the-spirit-sensory-path

Shop all Starter Sets and Smaller Options —

https://www.sacredstepssensorypaths.com/store/mini-sensory-paths

Have questions? Just reply to any of my emails or reach out through the website. I would love to help you figure out the right starting point for your school. 🙏