Make Your Classroom Sensory-Friendly

As educators, we want our students to learn all they can in our classrooms. We make sure to have engaging activities and use incentives to encourage positive actions. But sometimes there are other things we should be doing to ensure that ALL students can access the activities and incentives we’ve incorporated. Many students have sensory needs that are overlooked, but supporting these sensory needs allows students to be as regulated as possible. A sensory-regulated student is a student who is at their best to learn.

Sensory needs are how we receive and respond to the stimuli in our environment, particularly as they pertain to our senses. Every person, neurodivergent or not, receives and responds to sensory input differently. That means that we experience sensory stimuli differently and that different supports will work for different people.

Oftentimes, students with sensory needs are misunderstood and labeled as noncompliant or misbehaving. But if a student’s attention is competing with an overwhelming abundance of sensory input that has to be blocked out or ignored, no wonder it appears as if they are not listening. Rather than assume the child is misbehaving, explore the possibility that they could benefit from sensory support or a sensory break.

A student might need sensory support if:

• They can’t stay in their seats.

• They are fidgety.

• They are talking a lot or becoming disruptive.

• They have trouble paying attention.*

• They are chewing on their fingernails or pencils.

*Paying attention looks different for everyone: One child may sit still and look at the teacher, while another may fidget or rock their body without looking directly at the teacher. Both students could be paying attention. A student who is neurodivergent may have found ways to regulate themselves (rocking, for example) so that they can better attend.

There are many ways to provide sensory support to your students, but an important resource is their parent or caregiver. Having a conversation about how their needs are supported at home can shed light on how to best support students in the classroom. Additionally, if your student has a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), be sure to discuss potential supports with the team.

Some useful sensory supports in the classroom include:

• Chair bands: These are large rubber bands that are placed around the legs of a student’s chair. They can be used for kiddos who are wiggly in their seats as they allow a student to fidget with their feet by pulling or pushing against the band.

• Fidgets: Fidgets can help relieve stress and anxiety, but they also help neurodivergent kids focus. There are many types of fidgets and what works for one student may not work for another. Something that might be helpful is to have a fidget bin available in your classroom. A bin with fidgets of different sizes, weights, and textures will offer a variety of options for your sensory-seeking kids. Here are some examples: squishy balls, mini pop-its, textured stickers, marble fidget, etc.

• Chair cushion/wobble: Some students do well when they can shift or move around on their chairs, and you can accomplish this with a wobble seat.

• Noise-reducing headphones: If a student is sensitive to noise, having the option to use noise-reducing headphones may help them stay more regulated.

Other classroom modifications to support students with sensory needs:

• Turn off or lower lights: Many neurodivergent individuals who are sensitive to visual stimuli stay more regulated with the lights turned down or turned off. Some lights, particularly fluorescent lights, often flicker or buzz and can be very distracting and overwhelming to neurodivergent students.

• Let students stand: Some students focus better and may be more regulated if they stand at their desks rather than sit.

• Allow students to request a sensory break: Students who are dysregulated should always have the opportunity to say when they need a break. Ideally, having a designated area in the classroom for such breaks is a great way to support students.

• Have a sensory break area: If you are able, have a space for students to go when they are dysregulated. This area can simply be a soft chair or bean bag with a few fidgets and noise-reducing headphones. A sensory break area acts as a respite when students feel overwhelmed and need a space to regulate before continuing with their work.

Making your classroom more sensory-friendly is easy to do and will make a world of difference for the students that need more sensory support. Let’s make sure students are regulated and ready to learn!

Do you have questions or need more tips for how to make your classroom more sensory-friendly? Please use the comments below or send us a message at autismmovingforward@gmail.com.