Sensory Modulation Lesson Plan: Creating Sensory Inclusive Classrooms by Jianna Termini OTRL she, her

Primary Learning Objective

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:23 UTC

By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to name and use at least three simple classroom strategies (sensory modulation strategies) that help all students stay calm, focused, and included in learning that align with Universal Design for Learning principles to create more inclusive classroom environments.

Secondary Objectives

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:23 UTC

Participants will:

Distinguish between different sensory processing patterns and their impacts on learning
Understand different ways students respond to sounds, sights, touch, and movement
How sensory experience affect learning
Consider how your own classroom might benefit from changes to encourage participation
Create a simple action plan to implement in your classroom

Standards Alignment

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:24 UTC

This lesson aligns with:
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines on providing multiple means of engagement and representation
• InTASC Standards 2 (Learning Differences) and 3 (Learning Environments)
• AOTA Standards of Practice (2021) focusing on participation and occupational performance in educational contexts

Essential Question

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:24 UTC

How can we design learning environments that address diverse sensory needs while enhancing engagement and participation for all students?

See-Think-Wonder Activity

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:24 UTC

In small groups, analyze images of traditional vs. sensory-inclusive classrooms:
1. SEE: What sensory elements do you notice in each space (lighting, seating, noise, organization/clutter)?
2. THINK: How might these elements impact different students' learning, focus, behavior, or participation during the school day?
3. WONDER: What changes can be made to improve comfort, attention, learning, and engagement for all students?

Discuss

Direct Instruction: Sensory Processing 101

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:30 UTC

Sensory Systems

Students take in information through 8 systems through what they:

See (vison)
Hear (auditory)
Touch (tactile)
Taste (gustatory)
Smell (olfactory)
Feel on the inside (interoceptive)
How their body moves (proprioceptive)
How their muscles feel (vestibular)

Sensory processing patterns (over-responsivity, under-responsivity, seeking, avoiding) are how students react in different ways
- Extra sensitivity (covering their ears, or leaving the room)
- Less sensitive (not noticing noise or movement like their name being called)
These preferences impact student engagement, attention, and behavior

Environmental Modifications

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:32 UTC

Working in small groups, brainstorm low-cost, high-impact environmental modifications for:
- Lighting (reducing fluorescent exposure, adding lamps)
- Sound management (acoustic panels, classroom zones)
- Visual organization (reducing clutter, creating defined spaces)
- Movement opportunities (standing workstations, movement pathways)

Each group will reflect on their top 3 most feasible ideas.

Sensory Tools

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:35 UTC

Exploring different sensory modulation tools:
1. Alternative seating (wobble stools, therapy balls, standing desks)
2. Fidget/tactile tools (stress balls, putty, textured items)
3. Visual supports (visual schedules, noise level indicators, calm-down visuals)
4. Auditory tools (noise-canceling headphones, white noise machines)

Document observations about how each tool might support different learners.

Summative Assessment: Action Planning

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:35 UTC

Create a sensory-inclusive classroom action plan that includes:
1. Assessment of your current teaching environment's sensory profile
2. Identification of 3-5 priority modifications with implementation timeline
3. Alignment with relevant standards (UDL, InTASC, AOTA)
4. Strategy for measuring impact on student engagement and participation

Plans be focused on feasibility, evidence-based practices, and standards alignment.

Exit Ticket: 3-2-1 Reflection

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:35 UTC

Complete individually before signing off:
- 3 sensory modulation strategies you plan to implement
- 2 ways these strategies align with UDL principles
- 1 anticipated challenge and how you might address it

Commitment Statement

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:35 UTC

Complete the sentence: "One way I will make my classroom more sensory-inclusive within the next week is..."

Write on an index card to take with you as a reminder of your learning and commitment.

Classroom Sensory Audit

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:36 UTC

Complete a sensory audit of your current teaching space:
1. Document current sensory features across all 8 sensory systems
2. Identify 3 strengths and 3 areas for improvement
3. Note which students might benefit from specific modifications
4. Connect observations to UDL principles

References

jiannatermini — 2025-09-18 18:28:37 UTC

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning guidelines version 2.2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org
Council of Chief State School Officers. (2013). InTASC model core teaching standards and learning progressions for teachers 1.0: A resource for ongoing teacher development. Author.
Dunn, W. (2014). Sensory profile 2: User’s manual. Pearson.
Sensory Processing 101. (n.d.). What is sensory processing disorder? https://sensoryprocessing101.com
Teach Starter Publishing. (2023). Supporting students with sensory processing disorder in the classroom. https://www.teachstarter.com