BERNARDSTON — Students are already jumping, tip-toeing and leap-frogging across the new sensory walkway, installed at Bernardston Elementary School over Columbus Day weekend.

Sensory walkways are colorful, creative ways for children to strengthen their sensory pathways — connections in the brain that are responsible for sight, touch, sound and other senses that enable children to complete complex, multi-stage tasks. The walkways help children to develop their motor skills like balance, hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

“The thought is, students recognize when their body needs some movement and here are some ways to be able to move,” said Bernardston Principal Kelly Carriere.