Simple tools and tips for the classroom!
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Classrooms can be full of environmental stimuli that can influence just about anyone- bright lights, talking, visual distractions all over the room with posters and decorations, stiff chairs, expectations of sitting for long periods of time, and the list goes on! Take a look at some of our quick tools and strategies to implement in the classroom setting! These are some of our favorites, but this is NOT an all-encompassing list and these tools may not be right for your student or classroom. But, you never know what will work, so give them a shot!
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Visual input
Many kids have difficulty with the harsh lighting in classrooms, they actually sell blue and warm light covers that help to filter it and can be a great simple tool to incorporate in the classroom setting. Additionally, reducing the amount of visual clutter can be extremely helpful to reducing the wondering eyes of children while also helping to support increased attention (i.e. remove items/decorations from the whiteboard or other areas where teachers will be wanting attention to keep the visual field clear).
Flexible seating
Flexible seating options to encourage movement throughout the day in a way that doesn't necessarily make it so he has to leave to get input they need:
Wiggle seat
Wiggle cushion/move’n'sit cushion
T-stools
Standing desk
This one here is a wobble chair. Typically it runs $129.99 but right now it is on sale for $74.99. It is super easily adjustable and very durable which is why we really like this one for the classroom setting (or at home!)
Heavy Work
Heavy work to calm/organize with proprioceptive input (muscles/joints):
Heavy backpack
Holding heavy doors open
Pushing library cart
Fidgets
Fidgets/small manipulative objects to help support attention and engagement in class:
Squishy fidget
Small tin of putty
Pencil top fidget
Oral Motor
Oral motor tools for calming and regulation:
The Camelbak Edy water bottle allows for resistive suck, chewy bite valve, plus it is great for water intake! They run $15 and you can buy them here by clicking this link or anywhere local like Target or Walmart.
Chewy/crunchy snack for proprioceptive input to the jaw
Mint or warhead (resistive suck for calming, intense flavor for alerting to increase attention)
Smoothie for breakfast through a straw
Chewlery (necklace or bracelet) or chewy pencil topper
Gum (promotes midline awareness, attention, and calm/org state through rhythmic proprioceptive input to the jaw)
Movement
Movement breaks throughout the school day
Go noodle
Pink Oatmeal
Movement games
Recess
Outdoor play
Movement-based classroom jobs like being a paper passer or office runner
Deep pressure input
Weighted lap pad (10% of his weight plus a pound)
Weighted vest (10% of his weight plus a pound)
Compression clothing
Chair push-ups (pressing down from hands onto chair or arm rests to try to lift body off of chair)
Visuals and Routine
Using visuals throughout the day such as schedule routines and clocks can be a very beneficial way for kids to know what is coming next throughout their day, thus reducing the amount of stress and anxiety of the unknowns. They can also help with emotional regulation, timing, sequencing, and awareness.
Timers (sand timers, phone timers, etc.)
Visual schedules
Weekly/daily/monthly calendars
Planners
Keeping a routine/structure with notice if changes
Reminders when activities will be ending soon
We love this Melissa and Doug Calendar chart because it is magnetic! Plus right now it is on sale for $30.40
Calming corner
Having an area designated within the classroom such as a calming corner can be beneficial for all of the kids in the classroom. Having more secluded areas (under desk, curtained off, etc), use of fidgets, calming books, and dimmed lighting can be a great way to support calming. Here are some ideas of what to include in the calming nook.
Noise filtering headphones are currently $16.99 on Amazon. We love this Snug brand and have used it with many families we work with
Zones of regulation posters are a great way to use visuals to support emotional regulation and identification of emotions. This set here is $19.99 right now!
Olfactory input
Olfactory input is using our sense of smell. This can be in many forms but here are a couple of our favorites! Essential oil diffusers can be utilized for full classroom calming scents, but we especially love using the ones for individual students, as everyone has their own unique needs. Here is an example of a bracelet that can be used for an individual student, but there are also necklaces and other unique jewelry pieces, or even something as simple as a cotton ball with some essential oils would work great or a roller ball essential oil!
This bracelet is designed for essential oils for individual student benefit of olfactory input and runs $12.99 on Amazon.
Note that not all of these need to be implemented, nor will all of these work for each student or even each classroom as a whole. Trial and error to see what works and what doesn’t can be a great way to figure out how to support your student or your class! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, but remember, if you are seeing concerns in the classroom, it may warrant an occupational therapy evaluation. We are happy to help support you how we can, even if that means getting you in touch with a clinic or practitioner in your area!
Have a lovely day!
