Some kids’ behaviors are due primarily to sensory issues, therefore, simple sensory interventions can greatly alleviate these 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 on the autism spectrum
How do I do it:
There are a variety of sensory tools to use with students, which will vary a great deal depending on the student’s issues
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
Taping a strip of something with a certain texture on or underneath the desk, on pencil, or on other objects, like VELCRO® brand hook and loop fasteners, bristles from paint brush, smooth slick surfaces, mild sand paper, 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
Large Motor/Whole Body
Mini-trampoline
Wiggle/balance board
Large blow up jumping mattress
Heavy lifting class/school jobs and tasks
frequent activities/assignments that incorporating feeling and touching things
Incorporating relevant sounds into assignments, lessons, activities, etc
Activities, assignments, and tasks incorporating visual tracking
