Chapter 4: Sensory Support in the Classroom
Discussion Points
The concept of sensory support is relatively recent in educational settings, though the negative impact of certain types of lighting or outside noise has long been understood by teachers to be a problem for many children. As discussed in the chapter, many children exposed to trauma experience sensory distortion, or heightened sensitivities to various stimuli, and will need a variety of sensory supports. The facilitator should lead a discussion on the points within the chapter and invite teachers to share with the whole group specific examples of children who need sensory support in their classroom. Of course, the next step is to share ideas from this chapter and other sources that may be useful. The first brief video below may be viewed by the group, as it presents a series of suggestions for sensory support in the classroom. Finally, the additional classroom accommodations described below may be presented and discussed as options for some students.
Recommended Videos
Seven Easy Steps for a Sensory Friendly Classroom (14 minutes):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeTAGdh1Edk
This video provides some suggestions for addressing student’s sensory needs, including flexible seating, sensory activities ideas, sensory breaks, and using multi-sensory instruction.
Five Strategies that help Your Child During a Sensory Meltdown (18 minutes) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCR_HOG_us4 This video explains the difference between a tantrum and a true sensory meltdown. Next specific strategies for how to manage the child are presented.
This video provides some suggestions for addressing student’s sensory needs, including flexible seating, sensory activities ideas, sensory breaks, and using multi-sensory instruction.
Five Strategies that help Your Child During a Sensory Meltdown (18 minutes) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCR_HOG_us4 This video explains the difference between a tantrum and a true sensory meltdown. Next specific strategies for how to manage the child are presented.
Additional Resources
- Allow students to use a fidget.
- Provide a quiet space or earplugs for noise sensitivity.
- Post and adhere to visual schedules of daily routines.
- Prewarn children of any changes in routine.
- Seat children away from doors, windows, or buzzing lights.
- Allow the child frequent exercise breaks to help with self-regulation.
- Use alternative seating (chair, rug, exercise ball, or use an easel or stand-up desk for standing during written work).
- Work with student to develop non-verbal signals a student can use when he/she needs a break.
- Develop a “sensory diet” (a tailored plan of physical activities to help kids calm themselves) including jumping jacks, rolling or therapy balls, push-ups, hopping, using short ladders or going down slides.
- Allow child to use a weighted lap pad, wiggle cushion, or other device approved by an Occupational Therapist or counselor.
- Let student use speech to text software as appropriate.
These ideas are adapted from several sources, including:
Understood Team (2023). Understanding Sensory Processing Issues. Retrieved 9/23/23 from: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-sensory-processing-issues
Morin, A. (2023). Classroom Accommodations for sensory processing issues. Retrieved on 9/12/23 from: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-sensory-processing-issues
Understood Team (2023). Understanding Sensory Processing Issues. Retrieved 9/23/23 from: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-sensory-processing-issues
Morin, A. (2023). Classroom Accommodations for sensory processing issues. Retrieved on 9/12/23 from: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-sensory-processing-issues