Somatosensory kit
Accessible . tactile . Resource-filled . PORTABLE
Haptic & Kinaesthetic Sculpture Meets Embodied Practice
Made by Live Particle
The Live Particle Somatosensory Kit was created to support the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of students. It offers a unique approach to therapeutic learning in schools grounded in somatic principles and intelligent living systems.
The kit encourages multimodal play and caters to various learning styles. It is kinaesthetic, experiential and multi-sensory encouraging both verbal and non-verbal expression. By interacting with the kit, students develop wellbeing skills, including emotional self-regulation, creative problem solving, body awareness, resilience and self-efficacy.
Inside the kit, you’ll find handcrafted objects, each with unique qualities such as shape, scale, density, texture, colour, and malleability. The objects invite lush tactile experiences, dynamic movement play, pattern and sculpture making as well as physiological inquiry. As they engage with these objects, students not only learn how to manage stress and regulate their emotions, but they also begin to understand how these tactile experiences metaphorically reference systems and structures alive in the world around them and within their own bodies—such as bones or connective tissue. The way they interact with the objects enlivens different aspects of their being, offering a powerful way to connect to their own physicality, grow positive social interactions and enhance emotional health and readiness for learning. The objects also represent fundamental principles that inform our world, such as fluidity, rhythm, and space. By engaging with these principles, students learn about themselves and their world, supporting the development of healthy self-care.
The Somatosensory Kit is currently in use at two Melbourne Schools as part of the Flemmington Primary School Sensory Garden project and the Collingwood College Sensory Space project.
Where possible objects are made from sustainably sourced, respectfully gathered, upcycled and preloved materials. Other parts of the kits are sourced from companies with a sustainable ethic and for their durability.
Accompanying Resources
Accompanying the kit is a Cue Card Collection that guides somatosensory play, offering creative ways to use the kit’s contents. Additionally, we’ve included online Educational Resource Tiles that provide further insights into the therapeutic benefits of these activities. These resources align with the Personal and Social Capability stream of the Victorian Curriculum, ensuring that the activities are both educational and therapeutic.
For those looking to integrate the kit more deeply into their classroom teaching practice, a detailed curriculum mapping is in development as a supplementary Somatosensory Education Manual. This guide will highlight connections to the four Victorian Curriculum Capabilities: Critical & Creative Thinking, Ethical, Intercultural, and Personal & Social. It will also provide links to various Disciplinary Learning Areas, including The Arts, English, Health & Physical Education, Humanities, Science, and Technologies. If you’re interested in learning more about our kit and these resources.