“How To Set Up A Special Education Program”- Sensory Diets in the Classroom
Sensory diets are
a tool used and designed to meet a child individual sensory needs.
If you have your students sensory needs in balance- behaviors will be
much better managed. Sensory diets are a simple planned sensory routine
that is embedded within their normal routine.
To start, look at your daily schedule
and consider charting your students behaviors. You can consider this as a
group or on an individual basis. It is best to start with your class as a
whole, then break it down further into individual needs after. Find those targeted times where your students
are restless and out of hand. Consider
adding a whole class walk to the swings or a run around the field. It is important to find a balance between
sensory input and academic demands.
and consider charting your students behaviors. You can consider this as a
group or on an individual basis. It is best to start with your class as a
whole, then break it down further into individual needs after. Find those targeted times where your students
are restless and out of hand. Consider
adding a whole class walk to the swings or a run around the field. It is important to find a balance between
sensory input and academic demands.
More importantly, it’s very important to look at sensory diets on
an individual basis. Chart behaviors and look to find
patterns. What are the challenging times for the
student? When are the students having difficulty
focusing? Difficulty sitting? Look and see if you can find
consistent times or consistent activities that produce
certain behaviors for each student. From here you can start
to implement different strategies.
an individual basis. Chart behaviors and look to find
patterns. What are the challenging times for the
student? When are the students having difficulty
focusing? Difficulty sitting? Look and see if you can find
consistent times or consistent activities that produce
certain behaviors for each student. From here you can start
to implement different strategies.
If the student is
over stimulated and having trouble focusing consider some of these
CALMING strategies:
over stimulated and having trouble focusing consider some of these
CALMING strategies:
• deep pressure
• dimming lights
• massage
• weighted vest
• trampoline
• swing
• spin (computer chairs are GREAT for this)
• rocking in a chair
• bounce on yoga ball
• stretch
• fidget toys
If the student is
under-stimulated and acting lethargic consider some of these
ALERTING strategies:
under-stimulated and acting lethargic consider some of these
ALERTING strategies:
• bright lighting
• drink ice water
• chew gum
• increase movement opportunities
Tomorrow I will discuss my sensory corner and my favorite: sensory transitions!!!
Tomorrow I will discuss my sensory corner and my favorite: sensory transitions!!!
