Sensory Isn’t Scary: 6 Tips for Supporting Sensory Regulation in the School Environment
- Olivia Batchelor
- Sep 30, 2024
- 4 min read
As we step into the month of October, the excitement of Halloween often fills the air—costumes, decorations, and all things spooky! But when it comes to sensory processing, it's important to remember that sensory isn’t scary. For many students, especially those with sensory processing differences, the hustle and bustle of a typical school day can be overwhelming. The good news is that with the right support, students can learn to regulate their sensory needs and feel more comfortable and focused in the classroom.
Here are some tips and tricks for helping students with sensory regulation, making the school environment more inclusive and supportive for all learners.
1. Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces
All students benefit from having access to a calm, quiet space where they can retreat to self-regulate--both those with sensory needs and those without. This could be a designated corner of the classroom, the library, or a specialized sensory room.
Fill this area with tools that promote self-regulation, such as:
Weighted blankets or lap pads
Noise-cancelling headphones
Soft lighting or low-stimulation visual elements
Encourage students to visit these spaces when they feel overwhelmed, allowing them to take sensory breaks as needed.
2. Use Sensory Tools in the Classroom
Incorporating sensory-friendly tools in everyday classroom routines can help prevent sensory overload before it starts.
Here are some simple tools and strategies:
Theraputty or stress balls: Great for keeping hands busy and promoting focus during lessons.
Chair bands: Stretchy bands around the legs of chairs can provide sensory input for students who need to wiggle while sitting.
Sensory seating: Inflatable seat cushions, wobble stools, or even allowing students to stand or move around periodically can support their sensory needs.
Having these tools accessible to all students can make your classroom more inclusive and promote active learning without being disruptive.
3. Build Sensory Breaks Into the Day
Just as adults need coffee breaks, students need sensory breaks! Incorporating structured movement breaks into the day can help students regulate their energy levels and refocus on learning tasks. Some ideas include:
Brain breaks: Incorporate short, fun activities like jumping jacks, wall pushes, or stretches to get students moving and engaged.
Movement stations: Set up areas where students can walk, jump, or engage in other forms of heavy work that provide calming proprioceptive input.
Yoga and mindfulness: Breathing exercises, simple yoga poses, or guided mindfulness activities can help students calm down when they feel overstimulated.
Scheduling these breaks regularly can help prevent sensory overload before it becomes a barrier to learning.
4. Promote Sensory Awareness Through Communication
Helping students, teachers, and parents understand the role of sensory processing in learning is crucial. By educating the entire school community, we can create a culture of empathy and support. Try these steps:
Teach students about their own sensory needs: Encourage students to express how they're feeling and what sensory inputs might help them feel better.
Collaborate with administration: Provide insight into specific students' sensory profiles and suggest school-wide modifications or tools that might help everyone be more successful!
Parent involvement: Work closely with families to ensure consistency between school and home environments, sharing strategies that support sensory regulation in both settings.
When everyone understands that sensory processing differences are natural and manageable, the environment becomes less intimidating for students who struggle with sensory overload.
5. Adapt to Seasonal Sensory Challenges
October and the fall season bring a variety of sensory experiences—both fun and potentially overwhelming. From noisy Halloween parties to scratchy costumes and unfamiliar smells, some students may feel out of sorts during seasonal celebrations. Here’s how you can help:
Provide alternative costumes: Encourage students to wear sensory-friendly costumes made from soft fabrics or allow them to opt out of dressing up if it’s uncomfortable.
Prepare for celebrations: Give students a heads-up about any changes in routine or upcoming sensory-heavy activities, such as a school-wide event or assembly. Advanced preparation can help them feel more in control.
Offer quiet alternatives: For students who find parties or parades overwhelming, offer a quiet, calm activity as an alternative to participation.
By making minor adaptations, you can ensure that seasonal festivities are inclusive and enjoyable for all students.
6. Gain Input from Teachers
One of the most effective ways to support students with sensory processing challenges is by collaborating with their teachers. Teachers spend hours with students each day and are often the first to notice behaviors or signs of sensory overload in the classroom. Teacher input is invaluable in helping to identify sensory concerns and tailoring strategies that work best for each individual student.
Why Teacher Input Matters
Classroom Context: Teachers can provide insight into how sensory needs impact students’ participation in academic activities, social interactions, and transitions throughout the day.
Behavior Patterns: They may notice patterns, such as a student becoming overwhelmed during specific tasks (e.g., writing or transitioning to recess) or environments (e.g., loud cafeterias).
Success of Interventions: Teachers are key players in implementing sensory strategies and can provide feedback on what works in the classroom and what might need adjusting.
By gaining input from teachers, we can develop a more holistic understanding of a student’s sensory needs, allowing us to create an intervention plan that not only improves sensory regulation but also supports academic success.
Sensory Questionnaires for Teachers
To help streamline this process, I’ve developed a School-Based Sensory Processing Questionnaire for Teachers. This easy-to-use form helps teachers provide detailed feedback on students’ sensory behaviors and the impact on their role as a learner. The questionnaire includes checklists and open-ended questions, making it simple for teachers to offer their observations and insights.
Conclusion: Sensory Isn’t Scary!
Supporting sensory regulation in the school environment can make a world of difference for students who struggle with sensory processing. It’s all about providing the right tools, fostering understanding, and creating sensory-friendly spaces where students feel safe and ready to learn. With a few simple strategies, you can help students better regulate their sensory needs and thrive in the classroom—without any spookiness involved!
This October, let’s remind ourselves that sensory isn’t scary, and with the right approach, every student can find comfort and success in their learning environment.
Want more tips and resources? Check out my other posts on sensory strategies and how to create inclusive learning environments on nOTeworthy!
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