Sensory Regulation in School?Ask an Occupational Therapist!

Transitioning back from summer vacation can be tough, especially for children with diverse learning needs and sensory processing differences. Occupational therapists work with classroom staff, students and families to provide learning supports that are disability-affirming, age-appropriate and fun. Check out some easy strategies to improve attention and engagement and decrease frustration with tabletop tasks below

1. Ergonomics is Everything

Technology has created more opportunities for screen-based learning, but proper posture and body positioning remains paramount for young students. Seating and set-up that is supportive and size-appropriate ensures that students develop adequate core strength and stamina for sustained tabletop work of any kind. Use the visuals below to assess your child’s school seating and determine if any modifications are needed!

2. Multi-Sensory Learning Matters

Whenever possible, students should be exposed to concepts in multiple ways to enhance engagement, build connections and integrate information. For example, let’s break down learning about ecosystems using different sensory learning styles.  

Visual: Videos, photographs, and images of ecosystems, drawings, arts and crafts, etc.  

Auditory: Story books, discussions, and videos of ecosystems, listening to various animal noises and trying to identify which animals go in which ecosystem, etc.  

Tactile: Arts and crafts to represent different ecosystems and habitats, outdoor or messy sensory play to demonstrate different soil types, water-based ecosystems, etc.  

Vestibular/Proprioceptive (movement): Explore the neighbourhood to find examples of different creatures and ecosystems, acting out an ecosystem with partners and assigning characters, performing animal walks/noises for the different animals that exist in different ecosystems, etc. 

3. Sensory in your Seat

Maintaining attention for tabletop tasks can be a big challenge for many young learners. Consider the following sensory options to increase self-regulation, focus and attention.  

Visual: Crowded, colourful visual environments can be overstimulating and distracting for some learners. Consider having some “low-sensory” tabletop learning areas or using dividers as needed.  

Auditory: Noise-cancelling headphones or ear-plugs may be helpful for children who are easily distracted by background noise. Quiet, instrumental music or nature sounds may be helpful for auditory seekers.  

Oral/Olfactory: Access to appropriate drinks, snacks, gum, and chewies can help sensory seekers find regulation and focus. Essential oils may be helpful for anxiety and to increase calm, deep breathing for kids who struggle to remain regulated while sedentary for long periods of time.  

Tactile: Fidgets, opportunities for messy play, and textured handhelds and feet rests can be calming and regulating for sensory seekers.

Vestibular/Proprioceptive: Wiggle cushions and alternative seating, standing and movement options, elastic footrests, seats that rotate, etc. Weighted lap options may also be calming.

4. Classroom Commitment to Creative Learning, Kindness and Inclusion

As the cartoon demonstrates, each one of us learns differently and possesses different talents and abilities, and no learning strategies are inherently superior to others. Creating a learning environment that celebrates knowledge and exploration rather than grades and achievement builds a better classroom environment for everyone.