Sensory Tools

Why should I do it:

• Some students’ behaviors are due primarily to sensory issues, therefore, simple sensory interventions can greatly alleviate the behavioral barriers

• Providing students with the sensory stimulation they need results in increased work production, on task behavior, improved focus and attention, and a happier more content student

• These interventions are fairly simple and can yield significant results/benefits for the effort and time put in

• Expands teacher/adult/provider knowledge base for both viewing and addressing behavior issues

When should I do it:

• When students demonstrate sensory sensitivity to stimulus like loud sounds, specific tones or noise, textures of objects, foods, and other things in the environment, light, breezes, temperature, pressure on body, clothes, too many objects in room, too much activity, etc.

• With students who have ADD and/or ADHD

• With students with sensory processing needs

How do I do it:

• There are a variety of sensory tools to use with students, which will vary depending on the student’s needs

• Some sensory tools to use include:

  • Tight fitting vests

  • Headphones for music or nature sounds like rain/water

  • Headphones to block out sound for quiet

  • Large lined paper

  • Dimmer lighting

  • Weighted objects, vests, stuffed animals, or blankets to set on lap, shoulders, or hands

  • Work corrals or privacy folders

  • Taping a strip of something with a certain texture on or underneath the desk, on pencil, or on other objects, like Velcro, bristles from paint brush, smooth slick surfaces, mild sandpaper, rubber, cloth, fuzzy plush animals, stress balls, etc.

  • Weighted pencil ends or erasers

  • Rubber pencil grips

  • Fidget toys 

  • Air seat pads

  • Sitting on a yoga ball

  • Rocking chair

  • Textured paper or raised lines

  • Tilted desk top

  • Chewing gum

  • Mini Spectra light globe

  • Mini lava lamp

  • Massagers/toys that vibrate

  • Silly putty/Theraputty

  • Moldable erasers

  • Floam Slime/Flubber

  • Play Doh

  • Slinky

  • Bubble wrap

  • A bin with different various pieces of textured fabric

  • Containers of rice, beans, sand, noodles, etc.

  • Pillows

  • Scented markers and stickers

  • Mini-trampoline

  • Wiggle/balance board

  • Large blow up jumping mattress

  • Heavy lifting class/school jobs and tasks

  • Frequent activities/assignments that incorporate feeling or touching things

  • Incorporating relevant sounds into assignments, lessons, activities, etc.

  • Activities, assignments, and tasks incorporating visual tracking

  • Magnifying glasses

  • Foot rest

  • Exercise Bands