How Sensory-Informed Classrooms Help Students Thrive

Sensory processing is an important part of any child’s development. It processes, labels, and organizes sensory input from our bodies and the world around us. Sensory processing helps us turn those inputs into actions. Sensory tools can help improve sensory regulation by providing children with safe and engaging sensory experiences to learn and grow. In the private elementary classroom, sensory tools can help promote self-regulation, improve focus, and increase student participation.

What Are Sensory Tools?

Private Elementary: Why Sensory-Informed Classrooms Matter

Sensory tools are designed to stimulate one or more of a child’s senses. They are especially helpful for children on the autism spectrum to soothe and calm when they are overstimulated. In the private elementary classroom, sensory tools can be anything from flexible seating to tactile tools to fidget toys. These tools are often integrated right into the classroom and curriculum. Although they can also be sensory tools provided by the parents for a child’s unique sensory input needs.

What Do Sensory Tools Stimulate? 

Sensory tools stimulate all five of our main sensory inputs: Touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. They also stimulate what is called our “sixth sense” or our kinetic sense. This is our sense of movement, force, and body location. Sensory tools are often designed to stimulate just one sense, but many can stimulate more than one. When integrated into the private elementary classroom, they can help students understand ideas on a more complex and experiential level. 

What Are The Benefits Of Sensory Tools In The Classroom

A sensory-informed classroom supports all the sensory needs of the students. Sensory tools help support participation in the subject matter. They can also help to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and manage classroom behaviors. Sensory tools are also very helpful for improving focus and attention. Essentially sensory tools help children stay in the present moment. They ground them in a sensory-stimulating activity, making it easier for them to engage in classroom activities. Sensory tools are essential mindfulness tools for children.

Sensory-informed classrooms are not only inclusive of all student needs, but they also offer several educational benefits. At Valley School private elementary, we offer a range of learning experiences including sensory experiences. We incorporate sensory tools throughout our classrooms and work with parents to address individual sensory needs. If you have any questions about sensory tools or our broader curriculum, contact us. We’re always happy to answer any questions about your children’s education. 

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