Have you ever had a student that constantly needs to be touching something or has extreme difficulties focusing during a lesson? As educators, we are constantly trying to adapt our teaching methods and classroom environment to meet the needs of all learners. By adding some ready-to-go resources, you help meet the needs of many students who have a difficult time succeeding due to sensory processing issues. Check out these easy to implement classroom resources that will impact your classroom in a positive way!
Have you ever sat through a meeting and thought, "I can't sit any longer!" That can be exactly how our students feel during the long school day. Sensory seats allow students to stay more engaged by letting them move and wiggle in a non-disruptive way. My students love to sit on sensory seats while at their tables or on the floor.
This year I have a few students in my classroom that are constantly touching or moving something. Since incorporating a tangle in my classroom, I have noticed a huge decrease in students grabbing random classroom items. The tangle provides students with the opportunity to fidget quietly while decreasing anxiety and nerves. I love that it is quiet and does not disrupt other learners or my teaching!
Collapsible Bursts are also perfect to help meet the needs of learners. The bursts are colorful and well-built. My students love to grab a Collapsible Burst when they are feeling overwhelmed and need to take a little break. The Collapsible Bursts can help students reduce anxiety and are perfect to add to a calming area to support students who are processing through the crisis cycle.
Meet Max, our classroom's pet snake that is weighted to help reduce sensory overload. Max is a classroom favorite that rarely gets to take a break. He helps students feel calm and provides greater body awareness. During whole group lessons, Max hangs out with one student who used to constantly get up and walk around. With the support of Max, the student is now engaged and focused! If you are not a fan of a snake, there are other adorable animals available such as a dolphin or frog.
One of the biggest ways to meet the needs of students with a sensory processing issue is to adjust the classroom lighting. This can sound difficult and expensive, but it isn't! The Classroom Light Filters are magnetic and super easy to put up. The filters help reduce glare and flickering to create a calm environment. Just by adding the filters, I have noticed a change in students' moods and behaviors. It has also decreased my headaches!