Practical ways to support children with sensory challenges in the classroom
I am a mommy of a special needs child, so this subject to close to my heart.
Classroom Accommodation
Allowing the use of a fidget spinner
Provide earplugs, a quiet space or noise-muffling headphones to assist with noise sensitivity
Give advance warning of routine changes. Have a daily routine that changes as little as possible
Allow the child to take regular exercise breaks to assist with self-regulation, for example, let them run a quick errand
Establish clear starting and ending times for tasks
Ensure the child's feet are flat on the floor and that their hips are at a 90-degree angle. Can also make use of alternative seating such as an exercise ball or a stand-up desk
Let the student work in a different position, like lying on the floor using a clipboard or at an easel.
Make use of a weighted lap pad or wiggle cushion
Use blank pieces of paper to cover all but a few of the questions on a page
Make use of pencil grips
Use highlighters or sticky notes to help the child stay alert and focused
Work with the student to come up with non-verbal signals to signify when they are becoming overwhelmed
Have a proactive behaviour plan in place for the handling of sensory overload
Set up a sensory room or corner, which provides a multi-sensory environment.
Creating a Sensory Room or Space
Some ideas of what to include in a sensory room/corner, depending on the available space and budget.
A trampoline,
Ball pit
Punching bag
Hammock
Fidget spinners
Low lighting such as Christmas lights, lava lamps
Balance beam
Tunnel
Colour fabric hung as curtains
Exercise ball or bean bag
Kinetic sand
Soft music
A Sensory table filled with sand and hidden objects, such as plastic insects