Journal of Practice by Sarah Verderber https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me EDIS 257 en-us 2019-03-15 01:26:03 UTC 2025-03-13 02:11:55 UTC hello@padlet.com Weighted Vest sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341593055 A weighted vest is a vest in which is worn over top of a student's clothes and provides an individual with Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). This pressure provides students with a calming and self-regulating effect for those individuals with a sensory processing disorder and/or self-regulation difficulties. This item could be used at any point of the school day when a student is over stimulated for the given surroundings. I was told about this item through Stephanie Miller, an Occupational Therapist who spoke in Dr. Abreu-Ellis' class. From listening to her presentation, I learned that a student would wear the vest for no longer than 20 minutes. As an educator, you can find a weighted vest on Amazon for $59.99 with free shipping. There are 3 different sizes available (small, medium, and large) to fit the needs of variety of ages (2-5, 6-9, 10+). (https://www.amazon.com/Weighted-Compression-Vest-Kids-Harkla/dp/B07MTJZX58/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CEYKK4QA5V8ZYRSJPVBW) ]]> 2019-03-15 01:28:40 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341593055 Therapy Balls sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341709028 A balance ball is a medicine ball that has weight in it to keep it from easily rolling. These balance balls allow students to strengthen their back and abdominal muscles. Within classrooms, these balls can be used throughout class time activities in order to help focus students who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing disorders. I first became aware of this item in my current field placement at Heartland Academy, which is a school where students must be medically diagnosed having Autism Spectrum Disorder in order to attend. The ball in which I have got to try out is available on Amazon for $31.39 with free shipping. (https://www.amazon.com/Abilitations-StayNPlace-Ball-Inches-Color/dp/B005P3MU5K#feature-bullets-btf)]]> 2019-03-15 12:09:19 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341709028 Trampoline Jumping sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341717590 For students with a sensory processing disorder, jumping on a trampoline helps these students in a variety of ways. For example, by jumping on a trampoline, students are able to understand and fully feel where their body is in space (Proprioception). Additionally, by jumping on a trampoline, a student is improving their balance, gross motor coordination, and trunk endurance. Research shows that jumping on a trampoline can have calming effects on students that are overly stimulated (commonly overly angry or upset). A trampoline could be used in a classroom setting in which students require a break from their school work in order to refocus. Also, jumping on the trampoline could be an activity that is implemented at the beginning of the school day in order to gear the child into a more focused zone in which they are ready to learn. Amazon sells a portable and foldable trampoline equipped with padded frame and handle bar for safety for $62.32 with free shipping. The maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds, which being licensed Pre-K through 3rd grade gives leeway to accommodate a wide range of students that may enter my classroom. (https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Portable-Foldable-Trampoline-Home/dp/B0774YTV59/ref=sr_1_7?crid=WXZ1NDZS4RDM&keywords=mini+trampoline+with+handle&qid=1552654024&s=gateway&sprefix=mini+trampoline+with+%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-7) ]]> 2019-03-15 12:30:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341717590 "Crab-Walking" sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341925030 While engaging in a Crab Walk, the student is engaging in an exercise that engages the upper body and large core muscles that uses your own body weight for resistance. As a child, I was exposed to this type of walking quite frequently throughout my preschool and elementary years. For a child with a sensory processing disorder, walking in this fashion will result in large amounts of sensory stimulation. In order to crab walk, first instruct your student to sit on the floor with their feet hip-distance apart in front of themselves and their arms behind their back with fingers facing hips. Next,  instruct the students to lift their hips off the floor and tighten their ab muscles. Lastly, instruct you student(s) to start “walking” forward by moving their left hand followed by their right foot; and then their right hand followed by their left foot. Walk four or more steps or as space allows, then walk back to the starting point. Continue back and forth for whatever desired amount of time is wanted. Demonstration of how to do a crab walk is provided in the video below. ]]> 2019-03-15 20:16:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341925030 Sitting Scooters sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341933959 These scooters I was first introduced to during elementary gym class. For a student with a sensory processing disorder, these scooters can help exert extra energy that a student may be harnessing and can help a child refocus and get in a zone in which they are able to learn. This activity, like the trampoline can be used as a refocusing activity that is used whenever students need a break from their school work. Similar to the Crab Walk, the student is engaging in exercising by sitting on scooters with handle bars that an individual holds on to as they push their way across the floor. Additionally, similar to the crab walk, this activity engages the upper body and large core muscles that uses your own body weight for resistance. Through Amazon, a 6 pack of these scooters is available for $94.64 with free shipping. The maximum weight capacity is 150 pounds, which being licensed Pre-K through 3rd grade gives leeway to accommodate a wide range of students that may enter my classroom. (https://www.amazon.com/SCOOTER-BOARD-PACKAGE-SET-6/dp/B000J6D0WK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EN7G5DVC37F7HS6YC8ME)]]> 2019-03-15 21:00:45 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341933959 Jumping Jacks sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341953167 Individuals with a strong vestibular system are able to tell without much thought where they are in relation to the rest of the world; if they are standing up, falling down, or spinning around. With children with sensory processing disorders, doing jumping jacks improves the vestibular system by strengthening strengthening one's sense of self to the rest of the world, more fluent movements, and improved balance. Jumping jacks were exposed to me at a young age. This activity does not require large amounts of space, acts as a release for extra energy, and as an activity that refocuses a child back to their school work or whole group lecture. In the video below, a demonstration of how to do a proper jumping jack is provided. ]]> 2019-03-15 23:43:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341953167 Donut Balls sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341954786 Donut balls are a new item that was introduced to me by Stephanie Miller, an Occupational Therapist who spoke in Carla Abreu-Ellis' class. Donut balls can be used in place of chairs within classrooms as there is no time restraint in which a student can sit on one. When using the donut ball, students are able to strengthen their core muscles, as well as improve balance. These balls work especially well with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who need to improve their core strength. Furthermore, donut balls help with students who "W-sit" or when a student sits on their bottom with their knees bent and feet positioned outside of their hips. If you’re standing above your student(s) , you will see their legs and body make the shape of a W. From the website Enablingdevices.com, the website offers the ball in 3 sizes (small, medium, and large) for prices ranging from $15.95 to $29.95 ]]> 2019-03-16 00:06:39 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341954786 Chewy Tubes sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341957866 Chewy tubes are a toy that is used for oral sensory integration and provide students with stimulation of the proprioceptive sense. Additionally, by using chewy tubes, students are able to chewy on an object that is safe to chew on. These tubes also have been proven to keep students focused on their schoolwork. This product was introduced to me by Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis this semester. Chewy tubes can be found in packs of 4 on Amazon for $27.50 with free shipping. (https://www.amazon.com/CHEWY-TUBE-COMBO-4-PACK/dp/B001DILU66/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chewy+tubes&qid=1552777202&s=gateway&sr=8-3)]]> 2019-03-16 00:52:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341957866 Crash Pad sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341959428 A crash pad is a foam pad that is used for protection as students crash or jump into it to seek sensory needs. For those individuals with sensory processing disorder, a crash pad can act as a release of energy for those students. Crash pads can be used to refocus a student and prepare them to be productive within a classroom setting. Additionally, crash pads being made with foam are relatively portable and can easily be stored elsewhere if not in use. The crash pad was introduced to me by an acquaintance by the name of Sarah Burr while she was working with the Ellis' to build the sensory rooms here at Ashland University. Crash pads that are 5 feet by 5 feet are able to be bought off of Amazon for $179.00 with free shipping. (https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Sensory-Blocks-Adults-Washable/dp/B07DP65PMS/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=crash+pad&qid=1552777153&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1)]]> 2019-03-16 01:18:53 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341959428 "Orange Juice Grain Silo" sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341961299 In order to make an orange juice silo, take a 1.5 liter carton of orange juice and cut a hole into the front of the carton towards the bottom. Students can then proceed to scoop corn kernels into the top opening. This activity works on the improvement of fine motor skills within students. Additionally, with students who have a sensory processing disorder, an individual is able to work on becoming more open to certain senses, such as sight and sound. I found this activity by looking up sensory diet activities for elementary school students. ]]> 2019-03-16 01:42:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/341961299 "Burrito Blanket" sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342039704 This activity is quite simple and takes little to no time. For a student with a sensory processing disorder, this activity provides a student with the necessary pressure to make a student feel in control of his/her surroundings, as well as reducing the time span of meltdowns. As a child, I was always wrapped up in a blanket in a similar fashion and it provided me with a sense of comfort, similar to the needs of those individuals with sensory processing disorder(s)For the activity, make a “burrito” by rolling the student up in a blanket. Blankets are sold relatively at any shopping franchise. Walmart sells blankets starting at the price of $5.96. In the video listed, a demonstration of how to make a human burrito is presented. ]]> 2019-03-16 19:39:24 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342039704 "Picking Up... and Up... and Up!" sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342044262 This activity was found when looking vestibular activities. As previously stated, individuals with a strong vestibular system are able to tell without much thought where they are in relation to the rest of the world; if they are standing up, falling down, or spinning around. For this activity, as a teacher, an educator would have their students place 10 pencils (or other stationery items) on the floor, and then have them bend to pick up one item at a time  and then place it on their desks again. This activity has notable benefits to its participants. When participating in this activity, The up and down bending repetition of movement from the head upside down and then right-side-up again provides students with sensory processing disorder(s) vestibular stimulation. This activity does not require much space and the materials required for this activity can be found within the classroom. ]]> 2019-03-16 20:32:29 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342044262 Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!" sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342047140 This activity was one in which I participated in as a young child.  
As previously stated in the "Picking Up... and Up... and Up" and Jumping Jacks, individuals with a strong vestibular system are able to tell without much thought where they are in relation to the rest of the world; if they are standing up, falling down, or spinning around. This activity helps students with sensory processing disorder(s) become more aware of their sense of self in relation to their environment, as well as being able to correctly identify where main body parts are located on the body. This activity could be used to raise awareness of space or to refocus a student who is overstimulated. As a teacher, one would need limited space to conduct this activity and would be able to play the video provided with or without subtitles to have students follow along to.  
]]> 2019-03-16 21:07:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342047140 Fidget Spinners and Toys sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342049654 Fidget toys are actually an item that I use in order to regain my focus when I am unable to concentrate on doing homework or other assignments for school. For individuals with sensory processing disorder(s), these items provide an array of benefits. For example, when looking at the visual sense, Spinners provide calming visual stimulation. Because of the fact that the spinners are predictable in their direction and speed, the appearance of the spinners is calming to the eye.  Additionally, when situations feel out of control for students, these individuals find security in predictable, reliable objects such as these. Since the size of these items is relatively small, students would be able to keep these items at their desks or seats with little to no interruption to the daily classroom schedule. Orientaltrading.com has a 100 piece fidget spinner and fidget toy assortment for $102.99. Although it may seem like an excessive amount, there would be enough pieces for a class set and then have extra pieces to replace those that may break. (https://www.orientaltrading.com/fidget-spinner-and-fidget-toy-assortment-a2-13794438.fltr)]]> 2019-03-16 21:35:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342049654 Play Tunnels sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342052078 Throughout my sophomore field placement at Heartland Academy, I see play tunnels being used on a daily basis in the "wiggle room," which is an active sensory room within the institution. Play tunnels work with students who have sensory process disorder(s) work on their gross motor skills by crawling through the tunnel(s). Additionally these tunnels work to on bilateral motor coordination which is the ability to coordinate both sides of the body at the same time in a controlled and organized manner. This skill is helpful for students in preforming typical classroom tasks, such as  stabilizing paper with one hand while writing or cutting with the other. Play tunnels can be found on Amazon.com for $13.88 with free shipping. (https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Days-Entertainment-Adventure-Tunnel/dp/B07MLG1FTL/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=play+tunnels&qid=1552777012&s=gateway&sr=8-5)]]> 2019-03-16 22:07:39 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342052078 Stacking Peg Board sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342053133 Also in Heartland Academy, I have also seen the use of a stacking peg board. These boards in which students stack and sort pegs to place onto the board. This board works with students who have sensory processing disorder(s) on their fine motor skills. When using the stacking peg board, students are developing and refining their fine motor skills by stacking and placing the pegs properly on the peg board. Furthermore, the eyes and hand have to coordinate together, strengthening a student’s visual perception, and motor coordination in a fun and enjoyable way. Stacking Peg Board with all of the pieces can be found on Amazon.com for $12.99 with free shipping. (https://www.amazon.com/Gleeporte-Stacking-Peg-Board-Set/dp/B07DZH6QLM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2F9U48F2DW2YD&keywords=stacking+peg+board+set&qid=1552776976&s=gateway&sprefix=stacking+peg+boar%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1)]]> 2019-03-16 22:20:24 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342053133 Blowing Bubbles sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342054686 When students have sensory processing disorder(s), they often times do not have awareness of certain parts of their body. Blowing bubbles does not require much space and is an activity that is quick and calming to overstimulated students. Additionally, students  who struggle to form words with their mouths, by blowing bubbles, students are able to work on to gaining lip and breath control in order to be able to  better form words. Blowing bubbles is an activity that I partook in frequently as a child and thoroughly enjoyed. Bubble wands are available in a 6 pack  at Walmart for $10.99. (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bubble-Play-6-Pack-Bubble-Wands-Giant-4oz-Bubble-Blowers-Kids-Assorted-Rainbow-Colors-Large-Sticks-Come-w-Soap-Solution-Wands-All-in-One-Perfect-Part/948332124) ]]> 2019-03-16 22:44:04 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342054686 Body Socks sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342055897 Through Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis' class, I was introduced to body socks. Body socks are used as a therapeutic device that helps students with sensory processing disorder(s) to become more aware in a spatial sense. These socks also provide students with the ability to hide within them if they are overstimulated. Since body socks are lightweight and portable, they can be used with ease throughout the day without time constraints like the weighted vest. Body socks are available on Amazon for $43.96 with free shipping. The body sock accommodates the needs of those 4'8" to 5'8," which is beneficial to fit a variety of students' needs.  (https://www.amazon.com/SANHO-Dynamic-Movement-Sensory-X-Large/dp/B074P7VN5J/ref=sr_1_23?keywords=body+socks&qid=1552778387&s=gateway&sr=8-23)]]> 2019-03-16 23:04:57 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342055897 "Balloon Tapping" sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342057111 Balloon Tapping does not require a lot of room and is an activity that does not require a long time frame. As a child, this is an activity in which I would actively engage in. Within a classroom, this activity provides students with sensory processing disorder(s) a variety of the fulfillment of many needs. For instance, in order to keep the balloon from hitting the ground, students are challenging their vestibular, balance, and visual motor skills. Additionally, any  time in which a student bends down to pick up the balloon or looks up at the balloon in the air, the student is changing his head position which exemplifies vestibular stimulation within a student. This activity can act as a workout and as a refocusing activity for a student who needs to successfully complete schoolwork. Balloons are available for purchase at Walmart in packs of 250 for $15.99. (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Latex-Balloons-Assorted-12in-250ct/960905699)]]> 2019-03-16 23:28:45 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342057111 Noise Cancelling Headphones sverderb https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342059431 Noise cancelling headphones have been used throughout my educational career and I have seen them used in other classrooms. Noise cancelling headphones can be used for a variety of reasons by a student with sensory processing disorder(s). For a student who is will get overly stimulated by common noises such as toilets flushing, lockers shutting, or bells ringing, noise cancelling headphones can be used to muffle out noises that would cause a student to have a meltdown. When using the corded noise cancelling headphones, teachers can put on calming music for students that need to relax and regain their focus in order to get back into a zone in which they are able to learn and successfully complete school work. Available on Amazon, noise cancelling headphones are available for $15.99 with free shipping. (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=noise+cancelling+headphones+spd&ref=nb_sb_noss_2)]]> 2019-03-17 00:18:35 UTC https://padlet.com/sverderb/ctuvma3xe3me/wish/342059431