Does Your Child Get Overwhelmed in the Classroom?

Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input from our environment and our bodies. This input could be anything we see, hear, touch, taste, smell, or any sensation from our body’s internal systems like vestibular (balance) or proprioceptive (body awareness) systems. This process is crucial for performing daily tasks and for our overall behavior. 

When a child has sensory processing deficits, their brain has trouble organizing and responding to information received through the senses.  The brain can’t interpret the sensory signals it receives accurately, which can lead to problems in behavior, motor skills, and learning. This includes being over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory inputs, finding them too intense or not intense enough.

In a classroom setting, children with sensory processing issues might have trouble focusing, appear distracted, or seem uncoordinated. It can affect attention, motor planning, social interaction, behavior, and overall academic achievement. An occupational therapy practitioner can help tailor strategies and interventions unique to each child’s sensory needs to help them adapt better and thrive in their school environment. 

Here are beneficial sensory strategies to promote success within the classroom:

1. Weighted objects: Weighted objects such as vests, blankets, or lap pads can offer deep pressure and proprioceptive input, helping the child feel more grounded and focused.
2. Breaks for Movement: Ask the teacher if it is possible to schedule short breaks for the entire class to get up, stretch, and move around. Some children might benefit from additional motor breaks throughout the day, like a quick walk or water break.
3. Flexible seating options: It may be recommended to use wiggle cushions, therapy balls, or stools that allow movement, providing the child with the sensory input they need while still remaining seated in the classroom. Theraband attached to the legs of the chair can allow for bouncing and increased proprioceptive input.
4. Fidget toys: These toys can occupy the student’s hands, providing a sensory distraction and reducing anxiety or stress.
5. Sensory breaks: Short breaks that provide sensory input such as, a calm down corner with tools that incorporate each sense for grounding / calming down to re-focus their attention (ie. bubbles, fidget, glitter jar, massager, weighted blanket, crunchy snack, chewies, etc.).
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones: For students who are sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones or basic earbuds can help to minimize distractions during individual work or exam times.
7. Visual supports: Visual timers, schedules, or other supports can assist the student in understanding and managing their time better.  In addition, having clear labels and instructions in the classroom can be beneficial.
8. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises: These are powerful tools for self-regulation and can be highly beneficial for the student especially if struggling with stress.

Attention and motor planning are critical during the school day, so it is important to assess how to best help children who have a greater challenge in school. Sensory strategies play a significant role in enhancing the learning experience, especially for students with sensory processing difficulties. Adaptations may have to be implemented to meet the child at their level and allow them to succeed. Overall, when sensory strategies are well-executed, students are more likely to stay attentive, be receptive to learning, interact positively with peers, and participate actively in all aspects of school life.

*Don’t forget to check out our Sensory Products page for resources.