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Volume 12
Sensory Ideas for in the Classroom October 2010
+ Jody Brekken, Stacy Pfarr & Corinne Tuominen
Sensory Integration & Education
Sensory Integration is the process of the brain
organizing and interpreting sensory experiences.
Higher levels of thinking and behavior require
integration among sensory inputs and motor action.
Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for
later, more complex learning and behavior but
sometimes this process is inefficient in some
individuals.
Occasionally, children (or adults) misinterpret
everyday sensory information, feel bombarded by
sensory information or seek out intense sensory
experiences. This inefficient processing can lead to
behavioral problems; self esteem issues and
difficulty with coordination and learning.
Usually, sensory integration develops through the
course of natural childhood activities but sometimes
it does not develop as efficiently as it should.
Sensory experiences are required for growth and
learning. Unfortunately, many children today do not
have the variety and intensity of sensory
experiences that we had in our day. Too many kids
are too sedentary and it is showing up in our schools
as students who have inefficient sensory processing
abilities and need specialized services.
Proprioception!Deep Pressure" is the sensations from
the muscles and joints. This information enables the brain to
know where each part of the body is and how it#s moving.
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Sensory Tools- Top 10
1- Focus fidgets- i.e. koosh balls, rubber band
bracelets, Velcro under the desk to increase
attending while keeping hands busy
2- Variety of seating options- wiggle seat, ball
chair, t-stool, standing at desk; may enhance
engagement and in seat behaviors
3- Weighted items- lap buddy, back pack, vest
can provide calming input
4- Alternate Light source- natural light, half
lights on, covers over bright lights can
provide a calming effect to classroom
5- Movement breaks –see top 5
6- Oral Motor ideas- gum, water bottles, chewy
snacks, straws or oral toys
7- Auditory- noise canceling headphones,
earplugs, soothing music while work is being
completed.
8- Deep breathing- Square breathing exercises
9- Quiet break space- for reading or taking a
break
10-Errands- walking heavy books to the office or
pushing library carts to provide heavy work
Top 5 sensory strategies to use in
your classroom
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Vestibular !M ovement" input tells us when we#re moving,
which direction and how quickly. Overreaction can look like
fear or even nauseated. Underreaction can look like constant
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need for movement.
Tactile !Touch" input is responsible for keeping us safe by
discriminating tactile information. Aids in human bonding
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and feelings of security. Inaccurate interpretation of touch
can look like avoidance, picky eater, dislikes certain clothing,
or trouble exploring with hands.
•
Olfactory !smell" is the sense of smell and the receptors are
in the nasal structure. Defensiveness can look like avoidance,
agitation, or behaviors around people with certain scents or
smells in environment.
**Please Contact your building OT for more information
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Animal walks into the room. This is primarily
for your younger elementary grades (k-2nd).
(bear or crab walk, jumping, or G.I. Joe belly
crawl to their desks)
Use of the playground equipment to
encourage sensory input. The swings,
monkey bars, climbing and teeter-totters are
especially good choices.
Visual considerations – dim lights are
calming and bright lights are alerting. Written
work on blue paper is easier for the eyes to
read, however white paper is calming.
Deep pressure allows for calming/organizing.
This can be carried out with desk or wall
push-ups, jumping, hugs to self, especially
concentrating on pressure to the shoulders.
Smell – be aware that some students are
aversely affected by the smell of foods,
perfume, etc. Vanilla and lavender scents
are calming. Citrus (lemon) and peppermint
scents are alerting.
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