8 Senses: Free PDF Printable for Kids
Most of us grew up learning that there are five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. But many therapists and educators now teach that the body actually relies on eight sensory systems.
In addition to the traditional five senses, there are three additional sensory systems that play a big role in how children regulate their bodies and emotions:
- proprioception (body position and movement)
- vestibular (balance and head movement)
- interoception (body signals like hunger, thirst, and internal discomfort)
Understanding these systems can help explain many behaviors we see in children, especially those with sensory processing differences. If you would like a more in-depth explanation of What is Interoception or Interoception Activities for Kids, I have separate articles on those.
To make this easier to explain to kids, I created a simple printable visual guide to the sensory systems, including interoception.
Download or print it below.
Who This Sensory Systems Printable Is For
This printable can be helpful for:
- parents learning about sensory processing
- teachers explaining body awareness
- occupational therapists or support staff
- children who benefit from visual learning
- students working on emotional regulation or body awareness
It can also help kids begin to understand that their bodies send signals all day long—and that learning to recognize those signals is an important life skill.
How to Use This 8 Senses Printable
You can use this printable in several ways:
Introduce the sensory systems: Use the pages to explain that our bodies rely on more than just the five traditional senses.
Teach body awareness: Talk with kids about what each sensory system helps us notice.
Support self-regulation lessons: Connect the sensory systems to real experiences, like noticing hunger, feeling dizzy, or recognizing when the body is anxious.
Use it during therapy or classroom lessons: Teachers, therapists, and support staff can use the pages as a visual reference when discussing sensory processing.
Many kids find it easier to understand sensory concepts when they can see the systems visually, rather than just hearing them explained.