Journal of Practice by

Colorful sensory bags

fdadas — 2024-04-04 16:24:41 UTC

For this activity you will need only need three items: ziploc bags, coconut oil, and paint! This is a great activity to allow creative choices and fine motor movement. The students can choose any colors to squeeze into the ziploc bag, mix in some coconut oil, and gently squeeze out the remaining air. Once closed, they now have a small squishable sensory bag that they can play with or use during a brain break. I have not experienced play with this tool in a classroom, but I have observed students play with similar items which calm them and refocus their attention. The pros to this item are that it is easy to make, cheap, and minimally distracting. Con to this item is that it can be messy depending on the age group and fine motor ability.

Kinetic sand

fdadas — 2024-04-04 16:30:55 UTC

Kinetic sand is a fun sensory tool which can be placed in small bins in the classroom. It can be purchased in many colors along with additional sand tools to supplement play. Examples include bulldozers, shovels, buckets, and shape cutouts. Kinetic sand is an engaging item that students can use during creative play, to calm themselves between activities, or to learn about colors and shapes. Kinetic sand can be purchased at many popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon (a link to the most popular colorful sand will be linked). I have seen kinetic sand put to use in my classroom during play time, and the students highly enjoy maneuvering objects and placing marbles in the moldable sand. They also love using it creatively to make castles and buildings. The pros to this item is that it is cheap, fun, and relatively clean. The cons to this item are that it can be difficult to clean up if thrown about the room/ can collect germs and dirt easily. https://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Sand-Mixing-Molding-Creating/dp/B07GTB3H8T/ref=sr_1_7?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9YRCsclwdAhkwPMfnTnZQwXk_6dsNr_EnwFaP4Not6i1qjrqLxvurTZmiPGEuOTTgV0r1USYEvSSN3go0DpDkm6-y4rPTf3vbKovVa8epzDtxOdyFX8RIflTM3o9TCS-NgQ649x4z1lBFuub6j7BNstkWwOMzJCAVd96YdX_YsdDhRnqTSFjPwpji1ErsQ-llaLEPNJxhouZO5Nks62wO6sZlYuN3B9LluJdun3VNmnzdfBpYC0HuhzNTgJZysyS7q7Bq8AV-4YFylulPfnO_SZP6VE7rKHs2zOBqqtQF6Q.P6u4HB6hzDj76XtkJwETgDKbVHmM5gjEgXdwLRXQP18&dib_tag=se&hvadid=557589168233&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9015557&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11268659435250501042&hvtargid=kwd-28666728032&hydadcr=4090_13167898&keywords=kinetic%2Bsand&qid=1712247934&sr=8-7&th=1

Pea Pod Chair

fdadas — 2024-04-07 23:54:39 UTC

This item is a sensory tool most often used to calm or provide comfort to students in the classroom. This is great for placement in a sensory corner or intervention room in the school. Children with autism may specifically benefit from this tool as it provides deep pressure to the body (similar to a weighted vest). I have not seen this used in a real classroom, but the calming room at the University owns one. With this in mind, I have seen and used this tool during class time. I found one quickly and will provide the link

https://www.autism-products.com/product/sensory-pea-pod-medium-large-60/?attribute_pa_color=purple&keyword_session_id=vt~adwords|kt~|mt~|ta~&_vsrefdom=wordstream&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xQ4Ef-Acau0Yqps6oS_7OaKj9oRquukxD-rDE5Ve_aFzbuZ8L5uQX4aAiz4EALw_wcB

Wiggle Seat

fdadas — 2024-04-08 00:02:10 UTC

The item this student is sitting on is called a "wiggle seat". This can be used in a chair and on the floor in the classroom. Students with ADHD may have trouble focusing in class without fidgeting their body or hands. This tool is a flexible material which allows the students to improve posture and relieve physical discomfort while also encouraging focus. I have never seen this tool used in a classroom, but I have seen similar chairs used to maintain the students attention during whole class instruction. There is a link on Amazon which comes with 10 pieces for this tool. This is the link I will provide.https://www.amazon.com/Promotes-Learning-Improves-Productivity-Inflated/dp/B0BHQQ3ZS5/ref=asc_df_B0BHQQ3ZS5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642082520562&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5879346974677846943&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015354&hvtargid=pla-1944208892542&mcid=fb67005b6ef431fcbac62951e413e33d&th=1

Autism Steam Roller

fdadas — 2024-04-08 00:30:10 UTC

This steam roller is a great tool for heavy pressure needs. This can be used for students with neurological processing disorders such as Autism or SPD. The child crawls through the rollers and pressure can be adjusted by the tension on the springs. The crawling motion can also assist with gross motor abilities and processing. This tool is used by the University but I have not seen it put to action. Pros: This can be used for many students, Cons: expensive, can be overstimulating, can be frightening for students scared of small spaces.

https://www.autism-products.com/product/autism-steam-roller/?keyword_session_id=vt~adwords|kt~|mt~|ta~&_vsrefdom=wordstream&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xROB61Dd2x-CBWVPAy2VPBWMj4v9rzVDk622LtE3q0syuWAaaLxDH0aAl17EALw_wcB

Spin Disk

fdadas — 2024-04-08 00:38:43 UTC

This is one example of a spin disk seat. This model is wooden with a handheld spinner, but other models can be spun from the bottom of the chair, or simply by using the ground. This is a fun tool for students to use when in need of an engaging sensory activity including movement or spinning. Students with autism occasionally like to spin in circles so this may be useful for them in the intervention classrooms. The University owns a seat so I have seen it in use, but I have not seen it used in an elementary environment. Pros: Easy to use, simple models can be cheap, safe. Cons: Modern models can be more pricey

https://www.autism-products.com/product/spin-disc/

Fold and Go Trampoline

fdadas — 2024-04-08 00:44:08 UTC

Students who require active movement in order to calm down or refocus will love this fold and go trampoline. It can be placed in the classroom, sensory room, or in the gymnasium during gym class. It is a small trampoline with a handheld bar for balance. This can be most useful during "brain break" time during the day. The school I go to has a few of these in the sensory room, however the preschoolers do not visit the room at this age. Pros: cheap, safe, movable. Cons: small, may be hard to use for students who have trouble jumping/ with coordination

https://www.autism-products.com/product/fold-and-go-trampoline/

Gonge Riverstones

fdadas — 2024-04-08 01:00:02 UTC

These stepping stones are placed onto the ground and used as a resource for increasing gross motor abilities. Additionally, this is greatly helpful for balance and coordination. The student uses this tool by placing them onto the ground and jumping from one stone to another. I have seen these in person, but have not witnessed them within the classroom. Pros: cheap, light weight, easy to manipulate. Cons: Could cause falling during use, requires floor room in the class setting

https://www.autism-products.com/product/riverstones/

Magna Tiles

fdadas — 2024-04-08 01:04:14 UTC

These clear tiles serve as both a fine motor tool and fun resource for creative play. The pieces are magnetic and flexible to construct in a variety of ways. I have witnessed this tool put to use in my student teaching classroom, and all students seem to enjoy manipulating the parts and placing them together. The magnets are just strong enough to hold together buildings, and just light enough that the students with weak fine motor skills can participate. Pros: reusable, relatively cheap, can be bought at a variety of stores. Cons: Magnets can be unsafe for children with machinery or metal AAC/ physical resources

https://www.autism-products.com/product/magna-tiles-3-d-magnetic-building-tiles-clear-colors-set-of-100/

Move your body fun deck cards

fdadas — 2024-04-08 01:10:58 UTC

This tool is a card set of activities for children to do during "brain break" time. This is great for students who need to get their body moving multiple times a day, and can also be used as cue cards during certain parts of the day. (ex: walk in the hallway, jump into the classroom, scoot onto the rug). This can be a great source for supporting controlled behaviors and have fun at the same time. This item can be bought on Amazon for $23.00. Pros: easy to use, can be used in many ways, cheap. Cons: small, may not engage auditory learners

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Duper-Publications-Occupational-Educational/dp/1586508741/ref=asc_df_1586508741/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241933244787&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3560723244886270020&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015354&hvtargid=pla-490299729746&psc=1&mcid=6033ee7407cf3e1f80188ed76a49f55b&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xTto0gHA39cPXCYEugJpLENg39Y7zXzfagRoEtU36Ik0zclCRXKf0waAoUoEALw_wcB

Chewy brick necklace

fdadas — 2024-04-08 01:19:46 UTC

This tool is great for students with sensorimotor needs of chewing or gnawing. Instead of resorting to sweatshirt strings or items in the classroom, students can wear these necklaces in order to meet that need. This also may be a great item to use for children with biting problems in the classroom. Allowing a small item to clench onto is much safer and cleanly. I have not seen this item used, but believe it would be helpful to the students who fidget often and squeeze their muscles frequently. Pros: cheap, small, easy to use. Cons: May get lost, must be kept clean, necklace may be unsafe, may cause a choking hazard if broken

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-brick-stick-textured-chew-necklace/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xT8rE5M2SMo7uloBvSEXfjK_Pot_o6XQ-SzoRPRq8z-iYcxoW17mYQaAjNoEALw_wcB

fidget toys

fdadas — 2024-04-08 01:46:47 UTC

This popular fidget toy is small, poppable, and easy to use for a variety of learners. This can be used in many ways such as decreasing stress, fine motor skills, and brain breaks. This toy can be purchased in a variety of places including dollar stores, amazon, and Walmart. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors to fit the needs of each student! I do not actively use this in the classroom, but have seen may of my peers make use of them and encourage the use during long periods of tedious work. Pros: cheap, variety. Cons: get lost easy, if too small, can be choking hazard

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Sensory-Reliever-Including-Treycer/dp/B08TQNLZ4Q/ref=sxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.15cc3230-a9b8-401a-b977-01853843e97b%3Aamzn1.sym.15cc3230-a9b8-401a-b977-01853843e97b&crid=14ML7OZR8K7MF&cv_ct_cx=sensory+toys&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oVZ10w99pjlZrULXCcVK2Ayv0EEbOTWq6Wfqp9v_iQN8BCgvo1ma343-E7GatlRmpUB7MvY7LF2Jxwx1vFxJxA.lcIa1x2Hbgz8q5UmrYl5daid0LZxgTb761He5lZi6os&dib_tag=se&keywords=sensory+toys&pd_rd_i=B08TQNLZ4Q&pd_rd_r=44622ecc-4427-411a-a0fe-014a42116973&pd_rd_w=GTwrN&pd_rd_wg=emZSc&pf_rd_p=15cc3230-a9b8-401a-b977-01853843e97b&pf_rd_r=3JB36X37G9ZPSFRGFAWX&qid=1712538831&s=toys-and-games&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=sens%2Ctoys-and-games%2C118&sr=1-3-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

Stress Relief Tubes

fdadas — 2024-04-08 01:54:06 UTC

Unlike the other tools, these tubes are purely visual resources for the students to use during class. Although they can be flipped and manipulated, the attraction associated with this resource is its calming colors and appearance. Gel, jelly, or sand moves through these tubes at a slow rate. This can be observed by the student, thus having a corresponding calming effect on their brains. I have seen these used in a calming space, and their effect is minimal but effective (especially for young students). Pros: cheap, small. Cons: none

https://www.amazon.com/hand2mind-Relaxing-Mesmerizing-Homeschool-92419/dp/B083B13DWM/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._eqOrOSow1-l8LGNqamqYBe0cYgajclpXn1F-blZFqUD_rDn2HZ4N2N9T3wTof36EBnTYBgQIoIkm0uny7umwCFuhBNufCqIKOHQZSrmZenp5RsTxx8Oe-m0C7KWwXVDFxeeUQntFcnGLEvhcq1CG_0vECY8iLhCZoeQeZrgkkBPwZujTDr9gcEA6mVMO9gSuNrn0o_a3WLvMk9qdEXDIldo1GhBJLUO6o6j9RkEV6bxfuzxKcHl3GqL3Yb5fbLbXrj-N2vmAkfsSBIMsJRmb00lbZhPeIU2TCpMl9Q3KgU.MT4yhDrlsP-xcf9oyxJFT922BLF8DiORJIvG3FwJ62c&dib_tag=se&keywords=sensory%2Btoys&qid=1712540875&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-9&th=1

Sensory Compression Tunnel

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:20:54 UTC

This resource is so much fun for a classroom activity or for individual use. It is a large compression tunnel for the students to crawl through. This tunnel is made of soft material, and can be held open by the teachers/paraprofessionals in the school. It is crucial to note that a significant amount of space is necessary for using this item. It may be a safety hazard if bundled or knotted tightly. I have not seen this used in a classroom, but have used it during childhood and greatly enjoyed this experience. Pros: easy to find, cheap, multiple students can use at once. Cons: Must be used with adult supervision, can be safety risk.

https://www.amazon.com/Shappy-Resistance-Sensory-Compression-Birthday/dp/B0C3D4RQMJ/ref=asc_df_B0C3D4RQMJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=673701216451&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12142543697487407703&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015354&hvtargid=pla-2204630254708&mcid=82d4ae1dd2d03e10a13c3bb2b5ad55f6&th=1

Bouncy Bands

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:25:37 UTC

This tool is great for students who have a tough time remaining still during classroom instruction. In order to fulfill the need to fidget or slide in their seat, the student can sit upright and bounce their legs on the band under the desk. This improves focus, regains attention, and provides a safe mean of movement. i have not seen this used in my classroom, as children do not have individual desks quite yet. However, I can see this being put to good use as they are a cheap, small, affective item. You can purchase them on Amazon for just $18.99. Cons: Students with long legs may not be able to use without hitting knees on the table

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DKU4020/ref=as_li_ss_tl?hvadid=198090265815&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5831907348032039946&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012160&hvtargid=pla-318157091260&linkCode=sl1&tag=myovert-20&linkId=24203320d1aa0ef21b969d3c9482f955&th=1

Pencil fidget topper

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:30:39 UTC

This small knick knack can be used for fine motor skills during writing or coloring activities. This pencil finger fidget lays on top of the pencil and moves up and down. This is a quickly accessible fidget for students to use while working on tedious writing assignments, and refocuses their energy on movement rather than frustration. This can be used at many different grade levels and can even be given out as a reward. I haven't seen these used before, but I have seen pencil grips positively impact the writing abilities of the students when sidetracked. Pros: small, cheap, can be re-used. Cons: can be a distraction, can be lost quickly, choking hazard.

https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Finger-Toppers-Pencils-Assorted/dp/B00UVSQP7S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1506209851&sr=8-10&keywords=sensory+pencil&linkCode=sl1&tag=myovert-20&linkId=63c78aad062cd6850c487addc9b99d44

Weighted Blanket

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:31:32 UTC

Weighted blankets can be extremely useful tools for students with overstimulation or understimulation sensory issues. This can serve as a mode of calming or a resource to awaken the sense of touch. Students may use this tool in the classroom in order to focus on their work or in the sensory room on a waterbed during a brain break. I have not seen this used in a classroom but the University has one and my peers have given overtly positive feedback. Pros: Similar to a weighted vest, can be heated or cooling. Cons: May be expensive, fire hazard if temperate.

https://www.amazon.com/HOSUKKO-Weighted-Dinosaur-Children-Blankets/dp/B0B2PFYSHY/ref=asc_df_B0B2PFYSHY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=675717197962&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9132921052800028034&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015354&hvtargid=pla-1930496531951&mcid=f371deec7d013940b3f7aa94beac9d33&gad_source=1&th=1

Headphones

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:31:40 UTC

Noise cancellation headphones may be exactly what your overstimulated student needs in order to complete their work in the classroom. Some children with neurological disorders and ADHD require immense quiet, focus, or boundaries in the classroom in order to focus. In order to ensure this is provided, noise cancelling headphones allow the students to process their own thoughts first, and then become rewarded with music or sounds after. I have seen this used in multiple classrooms and have observed the noticeable difference it makes in focus, memory, and recall. Pros: Can be cheap. Cons: seperates child from the rest of the class/peers

https://www.amazon.com/PROHEAR-032-Protection-Adjustable-Protectors/dp/B07YRPX74G/ref=asc_df_B07YRPX74G/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=395164920607&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8912839697073195482&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015354&hvtargid=pla-848616877626&mcid=49e001f6a3a2382ab17f2b80b41a4cd0&ref=&adgrpid=81844921185&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xSjf04QP7UB9oXasTRCtzr3IMg5P2CMUGMgIw8XfP_xLRvnoENQ6PMaAuSzEALw_wcB&th=1

Sensory Bins

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:44:26 UTC

Sensory bins are a wonderful tool that can be interchanged with time and materials. Sensory bins can be made with any small materials inside, including but not limited to: rice, snow, water, beads, string, and noodles. This can serve as a station during "centers" or simply as a destressing tool for the students with sensory needs. We use this item in my student teaching classroom and the students enjoy finding the suprises within the bins! The supplimentary toys inside are fun, and mixing the materials influences creative play. Pros: Bins can be made using any resources and natural resources, cheap. Cons: germs spread

https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/ca/p/PP385X/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=performancemaxnb&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xR_mbiyBIh2DZOSDm4R1s7WBlO7hUPOqMsvOu4VD26bBAlEbpWIEIEaAuKhEALw_wcB

Playdough

fdadas — 2024-04-08 02:48:33 UTC

This hands on resource is a tool I see quite often in my student teaching classroom. During centers or table time, the students will grab their playdough and play away! This substance is hard enough to mold into shapes, but soft enough to roll around and squish in your hand. This is great for fine motor ability and the students enjoy getting creative with their individual inventions. Pros: cheap, can be bought anywhere, small, each child can have one. Cons: cannot be eaten, can be messy.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Play-Doh-Modeling-Compound-Color-Wheel-Play-Dough-Set-4-Color-4-Piece/990948259?athcpid=990948259&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=si&athieid=v0_eeOTguOTQsMjk3OC4xLDAuMDMyNTU4NjgyMTAzMDkzNSwwLjVf&athstid=CS055&athguid=v6V6iDnDle7orpi1GgNPoi28cXz5MtmXMNKz&athancid=2480739062&athposb=4&athena=true&athbdg=L1600