This week’s quick tip is about sensory breaks. Many children with disabilities have sensory processing challenges. Often, sensory breaks can help them stay in control and calm. Here are some suggestions for the classroom from Sensory Processing Disorder (n.d.):

Physical Accommodations

1. Use carpet squares for each child when sitting on the floor to keep them in their own space.

2. Adjust chairs, desks, tables so children sit with feet flat on the floor and hips bent at a 90 degree angle.

3. If a child is easily distracted, make sure his seat is away from doorways or windows

4. Use alternative seating equipment; sit on therapy balls, t-stools, disco-sit, bean bag chairs, or positioning wedges

5. Allow children to work in a variety of positions; laying flat on the floor propped on elbows, standing at a table or easel, or lying on side and using a clipboard to write on

6. Use a soft, plush rug in play areas to help muffle noise.

7. If possible, have a rocking chair or glider rocker inside the classroom, and/or a hammock or swing chair outside the classroom where a child can go to relax.

8. Allow children to use sleeping bags or weighted blankets in a quiet reading corner.

9. Use a small tent or play hut with soft pillows and/or bean bag chair for a child to go to if over aroused. (para 12)

Sensory Processing Disorder. (n.d.). Problem behavior in the classroom: dealing with children and sensory processing disorders at school. Retrieved from http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/problem-behavior-in-the-classroom.html