Sensory Inclusive Schools

Creating a sensory box with low-cost items can be an excellent way to support student’s self-regulation in the classroom.

We’ve suggested some options from Amazon* so you can add them to your school’s Wish List, but any good quality brand from any other supplier is fine too. 

1. Theraputty

Theraputty is a great item to add to your classroom sensory box as it can be used in several ways. Students can squeeze it and pull it for calming proprioceptive input. It can be used as a fidget item and is helpful for sensory seekers looking for more tactile input.

JFA Medical Therapy Exercise Putty in 5 Strengths tubs, £14.95 from Amazon. 

 2. Resistance Bands

Again, this is a multi-use item. Students can stretch and pull resistance bands for calming proprioceptive input. For students who need to move their legs in order to focus, bands can be tied between the two front legs of their chair to provide resistance to push against. 

Thera-Band Resistance Bands Set, £9.89 from Amazon.

 3. Textured Mats

Textured floor mats can be used for tactile input. Carrying a stack of them from one area to another is a good task for students who need to move, even better if they are heavy mats. For students who have poor spatial/body awareness, staff can also use the mats to let them know where to sit on the carpet.

Sensory Mats set by Odoxia, £34.99 from Amazon.

4. Beanbags 

Who doesn’t love a bean bag? These are incredibly versatile and useful for sensory and educational activities. Tactile sensory seekers can explore the different textures. Carrying the whole set will provide calming proprioceptive input. They can be used to mark where to sit on the carpet, as a fidget tool, used within sensory circuits, etc. 

Sensory Bean Bag set, £13.59 from Amazon.

5. Weighted Stuffed Animals

Weighted stuffed animals (or lap pads for older students) are a wonderful calming sensory tool. The pressure on the student’s lap provides calming proprioceptive input, as well as being a comforting presence. 

Coco the Koala, £34.99 from Amazon.

Would You Like to Learn How to Make Your School More Inclusive of All Students’ Sensory Needs?

Sensory Inclusive Schools is a training and support package that will help staff understand sensory needs and recognise behaviour arising from sensory processing differences. We give you 15 Steps to Creating a Sensory Inclusive School: simply choose your priority steps, make small changes and see big differences! 

The interactive, online training is in bite-sized chunks, ideal for self-learning or presenting in Twilight Sessions. Our Sensory Integration Therapists are available at a click to answer your questions and help you tailor your new knowledge and skills to your particular students and setting. Find out more here. 

Notes

Prices correct at time of publishing.

*Amazon Affiliate links: Sensory Integration Education may earn a commission (at zero cost to you) when you purchase by clicking on an affiliate link. SIE is a not-for-profit organisation providing sensory integration training, supporting research and working to raise awareness of sensory processing and integration challenges.