I am in the unique situation of having a sensory room in each the building at my school district. These rooms serve as the occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) treatment spaces as well as a space for students to take breaks. We house much of our sensory-based equipment [that often get’s handed out for classroom use] here as well. Check out some of the pictures and descriptions below to “tour” one of our sensory rooms. Check out my blog on 15 “must haves” for a sensory room! It details what some of my top picks would be in an ideal world!
Equipment
We have equipment like swings and trampolines that students use to get vestibular input! These things can be helpful to support students who are seeking movement via inappropriate, unsafe or disruptive ways in their classrooms.
Obstacle courses are a great way to get a variety of sensory systems “fed”/activated within one activity! This “mini” one pictured below is set up for the student to do frog jumps to the mat, balancing on the Bosu ball to throw beanbags into the tunnel/barrel and then climbing in to “save” them! Read my blog on how to build skills with obstacle courses to see why incorporating these types of activities into your day could really benefit your child(ren) with and without sensory processing needs!
One of my favorite equipment items to use is this 3 foot barrel. It is perfect for climbing in and out [or through!]. This allows students to get some really great heavy work throughout the school day! Proprioceptive input or “heavy work” can be very organizing and calming for students. Check out Taylor’s Blog on Heavy Work in Special Education for more information!
Heavy Work Options
Pair a body sock with these FREE Simply Special Ed Movement Break Cards for some added proprioceptive [deep pressure] input! This can be great for movement and pressure-seeking kids!
We have some workout-type equipment like stationary bikes as well. We use these items in our secondary buildings most where are students are older [and bigger!]. Borrowing tools like workout/resistant bands or using the weight room can also be really great options for older students! They tend to enjoy more exercise-related plans to meet their needs as compared to the play-based approach we use with our younger students!
Sensory Paths
Through a grant funding opportunity our department applied for, we were able to get sensory paths for each of our buildings as well!
We utilize the paths/walls as a school-wide tool for students or groups of students who need a little extra movement throughout the day. Check out my blog series on them here! While the sensory rooms tend to be utilized by students with IEPs who have a specific sensory program [or “diet”], these paths are a great universally designed or tiered intervention support!
Classroom Tools
Like I mentioned before, we like to store our classroom tools in the sensory rooms as well. From fidgets to oral sensory seeker replacement chews to alternative seating options, we’ve got it all! Our OT and PT team often support teacher with finding the most effective alternative seating option for their students’ needs. We have cube chairs, Compass chairs, ball chairs, wobble stools, seat cushions, etc. and each one can be beneficial in different ways for different students.
I cannot reiterate enough how important it is to (a) utilize your OT staff to make suggestions regarding attention/body control needs in the classroom and (b) check with them prior to implementing sensory-based strategies. This is especially true for items that have more safety risks like weighted materials [vest, lap pads, blankets, etc.] and chewable items.
My recent blog on what not to buy for back to school discusses the pros/cons to certain types of fidgets. Consult with your building’s OT prior to committing to certain sensory tools for any students. This is true even if they don’t have OT on their IEP. I’m sure they would be more than willing to help! They will likely have great insight given their extensive background and training in sensory processing skills/neurology as well as environmental modification.
I ABSOLUTELY recognize that most districts do not have the funding to create sensory spaces exactly like what I have described above. Do not worry! Check out my blog on how to build a sensory room on a budget! There are some great ideas on how to engage your student with sensory processing needs without the expense! Comment with any questions about our sensory rooms or how we use them!
