Sensory Supports
Please note: working with your Occupational Therapy is extremely helpful when thinking of sensory supports and strategies to meet student needs!
This podcast episode explains sensory processing and the importance of proper supports. Head on over to the Checklists and Tools Page for more information about Sensory Processing.
You can use these checklists and tools below to help you create a Sensory Profile for each child you serve. From this profile, you can then adapt or modify the environment to fit their needs as globally as possible, as well as build sensory breaks into their day with strategies specific to their sensory needs.
Wiggless, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down: a neuro-affirming way to teach students about their sensory needs and ways to meet them
Sensory Strategies in the Classroom
(adapted from Milwaukee Public Schools 2016-2017 Regulation Cohort Reference Material, created by Katie Berg and Karn Cronwell)
TOUCH/TACTILE:
Hug Rubbing back/shoulders Fidgets: textured, jointed, squeezy, vibrating
Pushups Wall/Chair pushups Messy play: shaving cream, finger paint
Playdoh/clay Weight lap/shoulder pad Bean bag chair / bean bag sandwich
Drumming Circle Putting chairs on desks Carrying crate with books / lunch bags
MOVEMENT:
Classroom:
Slow Rocking Walk Jumping Jacks
March Wheelbarrow walk Animal Walks
Seat cushions Tennis ball chair legs Laying on belly to work
Songs with directed movement (ex: Hokey Pokey) Head/Shoulders/Knees/Toes
Recess:
Monkeybars Swings Slides
Running Organized Games General playground equipment
AUDITORY:
Calming music Drumming circle
Nature Sounds Headphones Classroom singing/chanting
SMELL/TASTE/ORAL:
Lavendar, chamomile, citrus - calming or natural scents Deep Breathing
Spices Bubbles Hard or chewy candy (peppermints, tootsie rolls)