3/19/2018

1

Sensory Solutions In the Classroom

Cindy Terry, OTR/L

Objectives• Be able to state a working definition of sensory 

processing.

• Identify at least one  SBI or Sensory Based Intervention for dealing with common classroom challenges related to sensory processing.

• Understand additional  sensory components for creating a more successful  learning/living space

• Be familiar with other references for further information.

cc: Foomandoonian ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/38677669@N00

Photo by Paul Mayne - Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License https://www.flickr.com/photos/64685187@N00 Created with Haiku Deck

3/19/2018

2

The Senses: Visual & Auditory Systems

• Visual System: acuity & 

perception

• Auditory System:  acuity & 

perception

• Most commonly used systems 

for teaching

cc: winnu ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/11652987@N03

The Senses: Tactile System

• Light touch, pressure, 

vibration, temperature, pain

• Types of touch: protective & 

discriminative

cc: Grant MacDonald ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/28801512@N00

The Senses: Vestibular System

• Movement, gravity & changing 

head position

• Impacts: vision, posture, 

balance, movement & helps 

regulate behavior

cc: The Shifted Librarian ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/35034364750@N01

3/19/2018

3

The Senses: Proprioceptive Input

• Information from muscles & joints: receptors located in muscles, tendons, joints and deep in skin

• Awareness of body position/helps create body scheme

• Certain types of prop. input help regulate the alert state

cc: madprime ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/66843181@N00

The Senses & Learning Styles:What Kind of Learner are YOU?

• Visual• Auditory• Touch• Gustatory• Olfactory• Vestibular• Proprioceptive

Sensory Processing Disorder

• The inability to modulate, 

discriminate, coordinator or 

organize sensations adaptively

• Life becomes a rush hour 

traffic jam

cc: Travel Aficionado ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/10190604@N06

3/19/2018

4

SPD• 5‐15%of school age children (UCSF July 2013)

• DSM 5 (May2013) includes some characteristics of children with SPD but only as it relates to revised definition of autism

cc: MiikaS ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/29757997@N00

All type of sensory input is needed to support attention, 

learning & behavior

cc: colindunn ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/31192024@N05

3/19/2018

5

What is a Sensory Diet

• Main Course

• Sensory Snack

• Create a sensory buffet vs. diet

cc: zsrlibrary ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/57643208@N00

Common Themes:

Attention Span

Staying on Task

Preventing Meltdowns

Vestibular (Movement) Input

Quiet Regrouping Time/Space

Fidgets Heavy Work Input Alternate

Positioning Oral Motor Transition

Strategies

Attention Span/On Task

• Vestibular Input

• Where has movement gone?

• Incorporating Movement into 

the day

cc: Glass and Mirror ‐ https://www.flickr.com/photos/8282676@N04

3/19/2018

6

Movement Input:Prefrontal Cortex =Executive Function  or CEO

• Emotional Responses• Attention/ Maintaining Focus• Behavior & Judgement• Planning & Organization• Initiate  or Delay  Response• Consequence Evaluation• Learning from Mistakes

Dysfunction in these areas can lead to disruption in the organization and control of behavior

Cerebellum also helps process vestibular input to help with posture, balance coordination, speech and vision

Movement Input

Playaway Toy Company: Rainy Day Playground

3/19/2018

7

Movement Input

Gonge Top Mono Trampoline

Space Saver Bouncer

Egg Chair Swing

Movement Input

SqUoosh Chair

Even a rocking chair can make a difference!

Movement IN the Classroom Ball Chairs

Core Discs

NeoRok Stool

Runtz Chair

AlphaBetter Stand

Up Desk

Vidget

3/19/2018

8

Movement Input

We Do Wiggle Rooms!

Quiet/Regrouping Space

Cozy Cube

Comfort Canopy Unit

3/19/2018

9

Quiet/Regrouping Space

Not just for students!

Respite lounge for staff

Busy airport options

https://www.steelcase.com/resources/furniture‐images/?search=Brody

Hush Buddy

• Designed for younger children: bear, panda, tiger

• Noise reduction rating (NRR) of 27dB (avg=12)

• Smaller ear cups and headband that are designed to fit children rather than standard hearing protectors which are designed for adults

3/19/2018

10

Fidgets

GumFun

• Fine Motor  

• Pinch Strength

• Fidget

• Portable! Great for car rides/transitions

• Reminder: Fidget Spinners 

Allow Short Breaks During the Day

3/19/2018

11

Heavy Work Input

Heavy Work Input

3/19/2018

12

Heavy Work Input

• Lap Pads• Tote Around Animals • Teacher’s Pet• Kordy Animals

Heavy Work Input

Deep Touch Pressure helps provides spatial boundary definition

PeaPod

Dream Chair

3/19/2018

13

Alternate Positioning

Oral Motor

• Sensory Snacks

• ChewEase

• Tactile Tiger Bracelets

• Chewigems

• Soft Chewlery

3/19/2018

14

Transition Strategies

To prevent meltdowns!Visual TimersVisual

cues/picturesDefine spatial

boundariesSensory diet

choice

Transition Strategies

Time Timer

Sandbox‐learning.com Walking Rope

3/19/2018

15

Transition Strategies

Sensory Diet

References Hamblin, J. (2014 September).  Exercise is ADHD Medication.  The 

Atlantic

Henry, Diana, MS, OTR/L.  SI Toolkit:  www.ateachabout.com

Jensen, Eric. Environments for Learning. San Diego: The Brain Store, 2003.

Kranowitz, Carol Stock, M.A. The Out of Sync Child. New York: Penguin Books, 2005

Miller, Lucy Jane, PhD, OTR: Sensational Kids.  New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2006

Schiller, Pam. Start Smart! Building Brain Power in the Early Years.Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House, 2012

Schneider, Catherine Chemin, OTR: Sensory Secrets. Siloam Springs, AR:Concerned Communications, 2001

Additional References Ashburner, J., Ziviani, J., & Rodger, J. (2008). Sensory processing and classroom 

emotional, behavioral, and educational outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(5), 564‐573. 

Case‐Smith, J., & Archer, L. (2008). School‐based services for students with emotional disturbance: Findings and recommendations. OT Practice, 13(1), 17‐21.  

Cruse, Cecilia.  “Sensory Solutions in the Classroom”: SEEN Magazine, Winter 2014 p. 45‐46.

Fedewa, A.L.&  Erwin, H.E. (July 2011). Stability Balls and Students with Attention and Hyperactivity Concerns:  Implications for On‐Task and In‐Seat Behaviors.  American Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol 65. 393‐399.

Hanscomb, A. & Strauss, V. (July 2014) Why So Many Kids Can’t Sit Still in School Today.  Washington Post.

Products:  www.abilitations.com and www.childcraft.com