Make The Classroom Sensory-Friendly Today

I've always been highly affected by my surroundings.  I can't tell you how many times I've changed doctors, dentists, hotel rooms and even classrooms. It might not necessarily be a sensory-processing issue, but there is no doubt that I'll react either physically or emotionally if the room does not "feel good".

Therefore, I've been very aware of the children in my class who might also need a modification in the classroom space, materials, light, noise or smells. In fact, when I have students who begin to demonstrate inappropriate behavior, the first thing I do is change the child's immediate surroundings.  Often, that is all that needed in order to correct the misbehavior.

Below is a sample of strategies that can be used to make a classroom sensory-friendly. By making a classroom sensory-friendly, children who have sensory-processing issues can truly focus on the learning activities without distraction or discomfort. These strategies can be used hourly, daily, monthly or for the entire year. The purpose is to give teachers and parents ways to help keep children happy, engaged and learning in the inclusive class. 




Classroom Space

•    big tables

•    small tables

•    groups of tables

•    desks in groups

•    desks in pairs

•    individual workstations

•    quiet area

•    carpet area

•    cozy reading space

•    clutter control

•    color coordination

•    play areas with boundaries

•    open windows

•    temperature change

Classroom Materials

•    bins for keeping materials organized

•    centers with a variety of activities

•    mini carpets to sit on at circle time/center time

•    a variety of books to read at various reading levels

•    fidgets

•    visual timers

•    visual planners

•    bean bag chairs

•    audio-visual materials

Lighting

•    natural light

•    lamps

•    1 or 2 flourescent lights on

•    light diffuser

•    closed blinds

Noise

•    quiet work time

•    talking work time

•    music playing in the background

•    ticking clock

•    "white noise" ie. circulating fan

Smells

•    "no perfume" zone

•    food kept in airtight containers

•    no smelly markers/crayons

•    fresh air flowing

•    desks cleaned out regularly