https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities Journal of Practice; Spring 2019 en-us 2019-03-17 17:48:08 UTC 2026-01-15 20:09:08 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342197338 The body sock is a large elastic which can cover the child's body, almost like a cocoon.  The child is capable of moving around in it, without feeling restrained.  The body sock is used to help students relax their minds and body.  The price of this item is 20-40$,]]> 2019-03-18 00:01:02 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342197338 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342201420 Having a student take time in the morning or half way through the day to run around the gym, can have great benefits. Gym time can include running, jumping, or using equipment from the gym.  Lifting heavy weights can help run the child's energy level down. When the child has built up energy, they may act up in class.  This can distract them from school work (in a healthy way) and help clear their mind.  My focus child does this every morning, and since he began he has been succeeding in school.   This item is free, in general, and can even be done outside.]]> 2019-03-18 00:31:16 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342201420 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342202322 A balance beam is an object, wooden or plastic, that challenges the students balance by being slim or uneven.  The main goal for this item is to improve a students balance.  If students have problems understanding how their body handles balance, this will help with that.  It will help with appropriate movement when doing activities.  This item ranges from 75-200$.  You can also create a balance beam by using a pool noodle or create your own wooden one.  The video below shows an advanced example of a balance beam that focuses on time, speed, and balance.]]> 2019-03-18 00:36:54 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342202322 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342399078 An exercise ball chair is an exercise ball, but placed into a plastic standing chair, so it doesn't move around easily. This could be used in my classroom as a sitting chair, for when kids are doing work at the table. This is a great item because it allows the students to have some flexibility when it comes to doing work. Using physical activity, such as bouncing on a ball, can keep the student focused. The exercise ball chair ranges from 50-100$ and can come in different sizes.]]> 2019-03-18 13:58:18 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342399078 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342403518 A weighted blanket is a your typical blanket, but it is heavier.  This blanket is used for people with anxiety, ADHD, autism or sensory needs.  It is known that if you put weight or pressure on a person, it will calm them down.  Parents who have autistic children will use this blanket to help them relax so they can fall asleep.  This could be used during reading time or even if the student is becoming overwhelmed while doing school work.  The weight can range from 3 pounds to 20 pounds, depending on the wight of the person.  The weighted blanket price can be between 100-350$.  ]]> 2019-03-18 14:05:23 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342403518 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342410627 When a classroom can become loud, the student is mostly to act out because they are overwhelmed.  Noise reduction (or noise cancelling) headphones can help with this because they will reduce the sounds around the student.  This can be used whenever and wherever since these headphones are very easy for the student to carry with them at all times. The goal of the headphones is to not have the child hearing the loud noises around them, which can relax them. The headphones can range from 10-300$ depending on which brand you are buying.  ]]> 2019-03-18 14:16:44 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342410627 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342415873 Classroom light filters are covers for the bright lights that are part of your ceiling. This item helps students who are sensitive to light by making it not so bright. You can keep these on all year long, they will not overheat. The classroom light filters will increase productivity and reduces eyestrain from the glare. In my classroom for field, my teacher has them up and you can still see the light coming through, but it isn't overwhelming. It can come in different colors or designs and usually costs 25-50$. ]]> 2019-03-18 14:24:33 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342415873 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342416265 This item is made out of silicone polymer and it feels like a thicker slim.  Theraputty is used a lot in OT therapy because it helps to build strength in the fingers and hands.  When I observed the OT therapist with my focus child, she used this item and put items in it for the students to find and put back in. It can also be used as a stress reliever, especially if they need something to distract them.  Some students learn best when they are touching or playing with something.  Theraputty is not messy and can range from 5-15$.  ]]> 2019-03-18 14:25:08 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342416265 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342593638 A sensory brush is a soft brush that looks like a surgical scrub brush. To use this item you simply rub it on the child gently. The benefits of a sensory brush is to help with hyperactivity or tactile sensitivity by relaxing them. Not only does it relax them but it can help them become aware of the senses; as well as helping to focus and become self-aware. This can be used of the child needs to do school work or you notice them beginning to show a behavior. When my focus child begins to act up, the teacher will rub his back to bring him back to focusing. The brush ranges from 2-6$. ]]> 2019-03-18 19:49:20 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342593638 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342598895 This swing is a small swing, that can wrap the student in a cocoon like position. It can be hung from the ceiling and kind of looks like a sitting hammock. It provides a safe and calming environment for children to read or do school work or just relax. It also provides balance training which helps with focusing, alertness and building muscle. The therapy swing ranges from 75-300$.]]> 2019-03-18 20:03:49 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342598895 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342601910 Aquapods are a colorful plastic, that once you fill with water, the student can play or relax on. It feels like a small waterbed that will help students with gross motor movement. Cause and effect, hand eye coordination, or a calming simulator are some of the benefits of this item. This can use inside or outside and is a great way for the students to have some in fun the classroom (some of them have fake fish inside that move every time the student moves).  Aquapods ranges from 25-50$.  ]]> 2019-03-18 20:13:43 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342601910 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342608524 A liquid timer is a great resource for children when it is time to transition from one thing to the next. Most timers go for 1 minute, and once all the liquid gets to one side that means that time is up. Having an item help transitions, that are consistent, is a great way for children to register what time it is. These liquid timers in particular, are very relaxing and calming. You may even want to place it in your calming room or make it as a reinforcement when they do something positive. This item can be priced between 4-10$. ]]> 2019-03-18 20:34:23 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342608524 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342623158 A theraband is a resistance band used for upper and body strengthening workouts. It is simply a plastic band, that can strength very far, will providing a restriction so people can build muscle. This item is great for sensory awareness because they can become aware of the senses around them, particularly touch. It also improves motor planning, hand eye coordination, and proprioception. It is easy, portable and cheap and can be used anywhere or at any time. Therabands range from 3-30$. Below are some of the activities you can do when using the band:]]> 2019-03-18 21:36:54 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342623158 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342649631 This object is placed on a wall and when the student touches it at certain places, it will light up and play music.  The student can draw and touch where ever they please, which establishes creativity. When a student provides a simple touch they are rewarded with a calming stimulation. This helps students learn cause and effect, hand eye coordination, colors, shapes, and themes. This can be placed anywhere in your classroom but if you have a calming corner, this would be perfect for that room. This item is pricey; it is around 3,800$. Below is a video where the teacher shows us what it can do and how to use it:]]> 2019-03-19 00:14:00 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342649631 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342651345 Books are a great way for students to understand their emotions, behaviors or  sensory needs.  Literacy and communication can help students comprehend themselves.  These books can be incorporated into lessons or can be placed in your reading corners.  Here are some books to include in the classroom;
Sensory needs;

• Squirmy Wormy by Lynda Wilson
• I See Without My Eyes by Mark Hayward
• Sensory Like You by Rachel Schneider
• Ellie Bean the Drama Queen by Jennie Harding
• This Is Gabriel: Making Sense of School by Hartley Steiner
• Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? by Jennifer Veenendall
• I'm Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder by Chynna Laird
• Sensitive Sam by Marla Roth-Fisch
• I Need Movement by Caitlin and Natalie Dow

Emotions;

• Millie Fierce by Jane Manning
• Don't Think About Purple Elephants by Susan Whelan
• The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
• The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
• When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
• When I'm Feeling.. Series by Trace Moroney
• Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee
• My Many Coloured Days by Dr. Seuss
• The Feelings Book by Todd Parr
• There Are No Animals In This Book (Only Feelings) by Chani Sanchez

Behaviors;

• How Full is Your Bucket For Kids by Tom Rath
• Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi
• Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri J. Meiners
• Toddler Tools... Series by Elizabeth Verdick
• Manners Series by Karen Katz
• Harriet's Had Enough by Elissa Guest
• Don't Behave Like You Live In A Cave by Elizabeth Verdick
• Why Should I Listen? by Veronica Angela
• What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick
• What Were You Thinking? By Bryan Smith

]]> 2019-03-19 00:25:27 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/342651345 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343132639 Blowing bubbles is a great way to help students who have problems with oral motor.  When blowing on a liquid the students are learning how to move their mouths in a certain way.  Bubbles can be used anywhere, just be careful the student doesn't spill it since it can be sticky.  Once the bubbles have been blown; the students are able to practice visual tracking skills, fine motor development, hand-eye coordination and most importantly oral-motor skills. Bubbles are typically cheap; you can make them yourself or find them at most dollar stores.  ]]> 2019-03-20 00:58:34 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343132639 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343141200 Using a diffuser with essential oils in your classroom can motivate your students.  The students state of arousal can be stabilized, increases concentration, increases muscle relaxation, and overall improves the students mood.  Diffusing oils can be placed anywhere and each different oils have different goals.  For example; peppermint eases headaches, lavender helps with stress and calming, lemon boosts energy, and vanilla is an antidepressant.  Using scent to improve your students overall awareness in the classroom is a harm free idea.  Depending on what kind of brand you would like, the oils and diffusers range from 20=200$.  Below is a diffuser that also makes calming sounds. ]]> 2019-03-20 01:37:12 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343141200 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343145455 Having calming white noise in the background of your classroom can improve your students focus.  This machine provides relaxing and rhythmic sounds; such as a waterfall or blowing of trees.  Not only are these sounds are very relaxing but it also improves mental cognition and can even improve a students sleep schedule.  This can be placed anywhere in the classroom and can be used whenever you feel necessary, such as reading time.  Prices range from 20-80$.  ]]> 2019-03-20 01:52:25 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343145455 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343477147 This item is one big table with two big buckets where you can place water or sand. This activity can help students with touch and getting used to different touching feelings. One side is sand and the other side is water, and you can place smaller toys inside for the students to play with. This can be inside your room, or could be brought out as an award for doing something good throughout the day. It can be messy so placing a towel or shower curtain underneath is a great idea, or you can simply use it outside only. Cooperative learning plays a large part in this since the children will be practicing sharing and their social skills. A sand and water table ranges in price from 70-300$.]]> 2019-03-20 18:06:44 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343477147 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343481618 Jumping and movement helps motivates children by increasing their energy level. Jumping on a trampoline does this easily, and the children always have a blast. A trampoline provides students with the ability to de-stress; as well as cleansing the body, helping them stay fit and works on their gross motor skills. There are small sizes that will fit in your classroom or sensory room ranging around 100$. ]]> 2019-03-20 18:15:06 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343481618 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343486946 Students have the need to put items in their mouth and chew.  Providing safe, chewable toys for these students can be very beneficial.  They are very easy to carry around, some even come in necklaces, so they may be used anywhere.  Having a student chew on something helps de-stress them, can increase their attention, and increase their sensory system.  This item also helps improve their oral motor skills. Chewables range from 5-20$. ]]> 2019-03-20 18:24:55 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343486946 marmst11 https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343597446 Movement or stress relieve videos for class. ]]> 2019-03-21 01:23:09 UTC https://padlet.com/marmst11/SensorimotorActivities/wish/343597446