Top sensory strategies for the classroom and how to set up a great relationship with your child’s teacher so their sensory diet is working for everyone in the class.

This post is sponsored by Fun and Function.

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Many kids that have sensory differences are faced with a variety of challenges in a traditional classroom that can make it difficult for them to succeed. Parents often know their child’s amazing potential, but also know that for their sensory kid to be successful in a classroom they need some strategies for the classroom. Before a new school year, parents can start to feel a little anxious about re-creating a sensory diet in the classroom that works at home, or even creating it for the first time? Either way, I’ve got you covered, because I’m giving you my OT (and, of course, mom) perspective to totally set up your sensory kid for success in a new classroom.

First, I want to thank Fun and Function for sponsoring this very important post. Fun and Function is an amazing online and catalog sensory store created by an OT, like me!. I seriously LOVE them because their entire mission is centered around celebrating uniqueness, and they, too, bring their expert knowledge and parent perspective into everything they do to create amazing sensory products that can help kids reach their full potential AND have fun! I’m honored and grateful to be working with them.

APPROACHING THE TEACHER

Before we get to specific sensory integration activities for the classroom, the most important and first step you should take is talking with your child’s new teacher. I know it might be intimidating or you may be worried about labeling your child, but it so much better to establish this rapport as soon as you know that sensory strategies are an important key to your child’s success. Often times, this means, setting up meeting at the start of the school year, but not always, depending on your situation. If you’re still feeling nervous about talking to your child teacher, know that they are going to notice your child’s sensory needs, but may not understand them. If you haven’t primed the pump they may come to their own incorrect conclusions. Here are my suggestions for approaching and discussing your child’s sensory needs with their teacher:

• Be proactive and schedule a time either right before the start of the new year or during the first week of school to meet, just the two of you. Or, whenever it becomes apparent that sensory strategies in the classroom will be helpful.

• Write down a few points you want to make sure you go over. Review it right before you meet and tuck it in your pocket in case you need it. These points should include the challenges your child typically has in a classroom and some strategies that you have seen be successful in the past.

• Before the meeting, make sure you are in the right state of mind. Don’t be on the defensive. Look at this as opportunity to be part of your child’s team at school. Remember that you can’t completely control what goes on in the classroom, and you shouldn’t try to. This is about working together, not demanding or dictating.

• Start off the meeting by asking the teacher if they are familiar with sensory processing and how it can affect children’s ability to learn. Tread cautiously here, you don’t want to come off as insulting, many teachers aren’t familiar with sensory or are minimally.

• If need be, share some quick resources initially, like my sensory basics page, or Fun and Functions ACTIVEMIND School Partnership Program, that helps teachers create learning solutions for everyone in their class. This is great info because it is geared specifically for teachers.

• If you have specific sensory tools that you’ve used before, bring them to show/give to the teacher, and discuss any other potential ideas that you have.

• Together, come up with a way to regularly communicate, especially in the beginning of the year. Depending on the teacher, this could be email, a weekly phone call, or a communication notebook. Be specific and clear about this. Establishing a way to check in keeps that communication open, which can make all the difference.

• Keep the meeting brief, be friendly and open, and try to stay on topic.

• Follow up after the meeting with a quick email thanking them for meeting and a very brief summary of what you talked about. Also, share links to any resources that you might have mentioned, and the contact info for your child’s OT, if they have one.

SENSORY STRATEGIES FOR THE CLASSROOM

Of course, your child’s sensory needs are totally unique, but I wanted to share with you some of my favorite classroom sensory integration strategies. Everything on this list has the potential to improve attention and focus, which is really the goal and biggest challenge for most sensory kids in a classroom setting. Some of these sensory toys and tools may jump out as being perfect for your child, others may not be a good fit, and still, others you may want to just keep in your back pocket until you need them (so pin or save this for later!).

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• Disc Cushion – A little textured rubber cushion (soft cover available) that your child can sit on to help them tolerate sitting for longer periods and improve attention. It’s also great for working on posture.

• Movement Breaks – Scheduled or as needed opportunities to get up and move around the room. Could involve some brief stretches, a drink of water, or wall push-ups.

• Fidgets – Small, handheld toys your child can quietly manipulate during seated activities that require their attention. *Some teachers find these more distracting than helpful. You may need to work together to set up some parameters or find one that isn’t distracting to other children.

• Foot Fidget – One of my favorites, tie a piece of exercise band around the base of the front legs or a desk or add this foot fidget to the desk to give busy legs something to do!

• Break Box – A box filled with some of these sensory tools and toys that students can access as designated times (in pic above). Sometimes paired with a sensory tent or a sensory corner (see below).

• Cup with a Chewy Spout – Have water available with a chewy straw or top for kids that like to chew. This is is so minimally invasive, as most schools allow personal water bottles, and it can make a huge difference.

• Chewy Necklace – If your child is a chewer, this could be the best solution! Tons of options to choose from.

• Gum – Not every teacher’s favorite, but it could work if your child can chew safely and quietly.

• Weighted Vest – Only use for 15-20 minute increments. Often helpful during transitions or challenging activities.

• Weighted lap pad – Another one of my favorite solutions, can be very inconspicuous. Great for kids that seek deep pressure, also should only be used for short periods of time.

• Ball Chair – While this may be a little more intrusive, some kids respond so well to an actual ball chair, for others it may be more of a distraction. If possible check with the school OT to see if one can be used on a trial basis.

• Sensory Corner in the Classroom – Lastly, the teacher could take many of these sensory activities already on this list and create a sensory corner in the classroom, a (get a full tutorial by clicking the link) sensory tent can also be used. This requires more of a commitment and some advanced planning, but it can still be very simple and small. Sensory corners don’t have to elaborate, but having a dedicated space for a child to quietly meet their sensory needs can make a huge difference for many children in any given classroom.
• Tactile Brush – If you’re familiar with the Wilbarger brushing program, or your child sees an OT, your child can be taught to use the sensory brush on themself. It can be very helpful to calm and regulate before a transition.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME

I haven’t talked much about a sensory diet, but that is essentially what I’m describing, its just for school. But, you can also greatly help your child by getting their sensory systems regulated before they even leave the home. For a lot of kids this is physical activity, so think about jumping on a trampoline or up and down the stairs. Or, it might be squeezing through a fabric tunnel or behind the couch… Or, yoga? Give it some trial and error, watch and see what seems to be successful, but also know it could change from day to day. For a ton more ideas, go to my ultimate list of sensory diet activities and Powerful Proprioceptive Activities that Calm, Focus, & Alert

At the same time, your child may need some sensory strategies when they get home. Any of the above could work, or they may need more calming and relaxing activities. Think about a sensory tent to use in your own home or quiet music, or sitting in a rocking chair or hammock.

Lastly, if you’re concerned that your child’s sensory issues need addressed by an OT then stop over sensory integration therapy to find out.

Got a plan for the new year now? I hope these strategies give you some direction and peace of mind. Still have a question? Don’t be shy, leave it in the comments!

If you need help choosing the best sensory toys and tools for your child, Fun and Function has amazing customer service available through chat and phone that can help you find the perfect fit! Head on over and check it out!

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